A dog with their tongue sticking out

Vaccinations

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Bordetella or “kennel cough” vaccine

Protects dogs from a bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections. It is transmitted through the air & is recommended for all dogs that are ever around other dogs, & required for most boarding kennels, grooming facilities, dog parks & obedience classes. We will recommend your pet be vaccinated once a year. Some boarding, daycare & grooming facilities require the vaccine boosted every 6 months due to their high-risk environment.

DAPP or “Distemper Parvo” vaccine

Protects dogs against several common infectious diseases including Distemper (respiratory, GI), Adenovirus (also known as Hepatitis, respiratory), Parainfluenza (GI) & Parvovirus (GI). Puppy vaccines are started 6-8 weeks of age & boosted every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 14 weeks or older. Adult dogs with unknown vaccine history must receive two initial vaccines 3-4 weeks apart to be adequately protected. All dogs receive a booster one year following initial series, then every three years thereafter.

Leptospirosis vaccine

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease – that can be fatal – transmitted through the urine of infected wildlife (squirrels, birds, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, deer). Pets do not need to come into contact with the infected animals, only their urine which can be found in st&ing water, puddles, on top of pool covers, bird baths & the like. Leptospirosis is also Zoonotic – which means humans can contract the disease as well. The bacteria attack the liver & kidneys, causing fatality if not treated. The series includes an initial vaccine, a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually thereafter. The vaccine is recommended for dogs. Cats appear to have a natural resistance, therefore do not need to be vaccinated. 

Rabies vaccine

Protects dogs & cats against the rabies virus – a fatal disease transmitted through the bite of a rabid/infected animal. This vaccine is required by law because rabies is 100 percent fatal & is a risk to pets & humans. We use the 3-year rabies vaccine & will remind you every three years. The initial vaccine is administered, then boosted 12 months later, then boosted every three years thereafter. Some communities may still require an annual rabies vaccine, even if the vaccine lasts for 3 years. We will walk you through the appropriate process for vaccinations & city licensing requirements. We will gladly file your Wichita city license & fees, Goddard city license & fees, & Sedgwick County license & fees.

Vaccines for Cats

FVRCP or “Feline Distemper” vaccine

Protects cats against several common infectious diseases including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (respiratory). Calicivirus (upper respiratory) Panleukopenia (feline distemper, GI). Kitten vaccines are started 6-8 weeks of age & boosted every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 14-16 weeks or older. Adult cats with unknown vaccine history must receive two initial vaccines 3-4 weeks apart to be adequately protected. All cats receive a booster one year following initial series, then every three years thereafter.

FLV or “Feline Leukemia” vaccine

Feline leukemia is a highly contagious virus of cats that can be transmitted from mother-to-kittens or between cats through their saliva. All kittens should be tested for leukemia, before the vaccine series is started. The feline leukemia vaccine is highly recommended for all kittens & cats that spend ANY time outdoors. The series involves an initial vaccine, a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually thereafter.

Pet Vaccines Near You

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Animal Hospital at Auburn Hills veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 316-729-7400.