What Vaccines Are Offered at Pawsy Clinic?

Vaccinations are a critical part of ensuring your pet’s long-term health and protection against various diseases. At Pawsy Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of vaccines for both dogs and cats, carefully chosen to safeguard your furry friend from a variety of preventable illnesses. Whether you have a puppy, kitten, adult, or senior pet, our experienced team tailors the vaccination schedule to fit your pet’s specific needs.

In this article, we’ll explore the different vaccines offered at Pawsy Clinic, their importance, and how they help maintain your pet’s health.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or environment. These vaccines are vital for protecting against diseases that are highly contagious and often fatal. At Pawsy Clinic, we ensure that your dog receives the necessary core vaccines at the appropriate times during their life.

Rabies Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is fatal once symptoms appear. It can be transmitted through bites or saliva from infected animals. Rabies vaccination is not only essential for your dog’s health, but it is also required by law in many areas.
• Who needs it: All dogs, as rabies is a zoonotic disease (can be transmitted to humans).
• When to get it: The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12-16 weeks of age, with booster shots administered every 1-3 years depending on local regulations and the type of vaccine used.

Distemper Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Distemper is a serious viral infection that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can lead to symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
• Who needs it: All dogs, particularly those in contact with other dogs, are susceptible to distemper.
• When to get it: Puppies are usually vaccinated starting at 6-8 weeks of age with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks. Adult dogs typically need a booster every 1-3 years.

Parvovirus Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that affects the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is especially dangerous for puppies.
• Who needs it: All dogs, especially those in public places or in close contact with other dogs, should be vaccinated.
• When to get it: Puppies begin their vaccination series at 6-8 weeks, with boosters given until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs require a booster every 1-3 years.

Adenovirus (Hepatitis) Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Canine adenovirus type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver and other organs. Adenovirus type 2 can also cause respiratory issues.
• Who needs it: All dogs, especially those in areas with high canine populations.
• When to get it: Puppies receive this vaccine as part of the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) combo vaccine, typically starting at 6-8 weeks, with follow-up shots until they are 16 weeks old.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Cats also require core vaccines that protect them from life-threatening diseases. At Pawsy Clinic, we ensure that your feline friend receives the proper vaccinations to protect their health.

Rabies Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Similar to dogs, cats are at risk for rabies, a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted through bites and saliva from infected animals.
• Who needs it: All cats, especially those that go outdoors, as they have a higher risk of encountering wildlife.
• When to get it: The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12-16 weeks of age, with boosters required every 1-3 years.

Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal and immune system issues. It can be fatal, especially in young kittens.
• Who needs it: All cats, especially kittens, should be vaccinated against this disease.
• When to get it: Kittens receive this vaccine as part of the FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) combo vaccine, starting at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks. Adult cats need boosters every 1-3 years.

Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis) Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Feline herpesvirus is a major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and eye discharge.
• Who needs it: All cats, especially those in multi-cat households or outdoor cats who may come into contact with infected animals.
• When to get it: The vaccine is part of the FVRCP combo, with kittens starting the vaccine series at 6-8 weeks, followed by boosters until 16 weeks. Adult cats require boosters every 1-3 years.

Feline Calicivirus Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Calicivirus is another major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It can cause severe oral and respiratory issues, and in some cases, it may lead to chronic health problems.
• Who needs it: All cats, particularly those in environments where they interact with other cats, like shelters, boarding facilities, and multi-cat homes.
• When to get it: Feline calicivirus is also part of the FVRCP combo vaccine, and kittens should start receiving it at 6-8 weeks, with follow-up boosters. Adult cats typically need a booster every 1-3 years.

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs

While not all dogs need non-core vaccines, they can be important depending on your dog’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. At Pawsy Clinic, we offer several non-core vaccines based on your dog’s exposure risks.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Bordetella is a bacterial infection that causes coughing and respiratory issues. It spreads easily in places where many dogs gather, such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons.
• Who needs it: Dogs that are frequently in contact with other dogs, such as those attending daycare, boarding facilities, or dog parks.
• When to get it: Puppies can start the Bordetella vaccine at 8 weeks, with boosters recommended annually or as needed.

Leptospirosis Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and humans. It is often transmitted through contact with contaminated water or soil, particularly in areas with standing water.
• Who needs it: Dogs who spend time outdoors, particularly in areas with exposure to wildlife or standing water.
• When to get it: The Leptospirosis vaccine is usually given as part of a combination vaccine and is recommended annually for at-risk dogs.

Lyme Disease Vaccine

• Why it’s important: Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites and can lead to joint pain, kidney failure, and other health issues. It is particularly common in areas with a high tick population.
• Who needs it: Dogs that are frequently outdoors, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent.
• When to get it: The Lyme disease vaccine is typically given annually.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats

While not all cats require non-core vaccines, certain vaccinations may be necessary based on their environment, lifestyle, and exposure to risk factors.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine

• Why it’s important: FeLV is a viral infection that suppresses the immune system and can lead to cancer and other life-threatening conditions.
• Who needs it: Outdoor cats or cats that interact with other unknown cats should receive the FeLV vaccine.
• When to get it: Kittens can begin receiving the FeLV vaccine at 8-9 weeks, with booster shots recommended annually.

Final Thoughts

Vaccinations are crucial to maintaining your pet’s health and preventing serious, often fatal diseases. At Pawsy Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of vaccines tailored to your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and risk factors. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the best vaccination plan for your pet and ensure they remain healthy and protected throughout their life.

If you're ready to schedule a vaccination appointment or have any questions about the vaccines your pet may need, contact Pawsy Clinic today! We're here to provide the best care for your furry companions.