Vaccinations

Vaccinations play an integral part in protecting our pets against severe, life- threatening diseases 

Kai's recommends the following protocol based on local and international guidelines: 

 Puppy Vaccination Series Adult Vaccination Series

Initial core vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age with subsequent boosters administered every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age or older

 

First adult booster within 1 year following the last dose of initial vaccination series 

Subsequent yearly vaccinations based on titer antibody testing (Vaccicheck), health and lifestyle risk assessment.

If deemed adequate, a yearly booster for leptospirosis would still be recommended 
 M. J. Day, M. C. Horzinek, R. D. Schultz and R. A. Squires. 2016. WASAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats. Singapore Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. 2020. In https://sva.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Singapore-Vax-Guidelines-version-final_FINAL.pdf. Singapore Veterinary Association
 

 

FAQs

What is in my pets vaccine? 

Vaccinations are split into broadly into 2 categories; core and non- core vaccinations 

Core vaccinations are defined as vaccines which all dogs and cats, regardless of circumstance or geographical location, should receive. Core vaccines protect animals from severe, life-threatening diseases known to be present in Singapore

Non- core vaccinations are used to protect dogs and cats from diseases when certain factors, such as their geographical location, lifestyle, or environment, put them at risk

In Singapore core vaccinations for dogs protects against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. Additionally, a non- core component containing certain strains of leptospirosis (a type of bacteria) is also found in our pets yearly vaccines due to a recognised risk that many dogs in Singapore would have a degree of exposure risk due to the local climate and because complete avoidance of rats, infected animals and their urine in the environment is impractical. 

Core vaccinations for cats protect them against feline parvovirus, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus

What is an antibody test/ Vaccicheck and when should I consider this for my dog?

Antibody testing acts as a tool to test for cells that would provide protective immunity against certain viruses for our dogs and cats 

If adequate levels are present, your dog/cat might need not require additional booster vaccinations. It is thereby a means of preventing over vaccination 


   

Titer test for dogs tests for antibodies against: 

  • Canine infectious hepatitis (CIH)/ Canine Adenovirus 
  • Canine distemper virus (CDV) 
  • Canine parvovirus (CPV) 

Titer test for cats tests for antibodies against: 

  • Feline Panleukopenia (FPLV) 
  • Feline Herpes Virus (FHV)
  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Kai's recommends using antibody testing (Vaccicheck) has a screening tool in the following scenarios 

  • Determining revaccination intervals of core vaccinations in dogs and cats after completion of their puppy vaccination series AND first year booster shot 
  • For pets who previously had a history of an adverse reaction to a core vaccine 
  • For owners who wish to confirm if their puppies and kittens has induced protective immunity after their primary course of vaccinations 

Are Rabies vaccines required in Singapore? 

Singapore is considered Rabies free and Rabies vaccinations are considered non- core vaccines.

Kai's would recommend Rabies vaccinations if a pet needs to travel overseas.

What about Kennel Cough vaccines?

 

Kennel cough vaccines are currently recognised as a non- core vaccine and Kai's would recommend vaccinating pets that are exposed to risk factors that involves dogs house at high density facilities e.g. boarding, daycare, shelters or whose dogs regularly attend activities/ events where a large number of dogs gather