Cat and Dog Vaccinations in Pewaukee, WI
Vaccines are lifesavers — literally. They protect our dogs and cats from diseases that are fairly common and could take a serious toll on their health. Some can even be fatal. At Pewaukee Veterinary Service, we offer cat and dog vaccinations in accordance with the industry’s safest guidelines to avoid problems with over-vaccination.
Rather than giving every pet the same vaccines on the same schedule, our Pewaukee, WI veterinarians follow current safety guidelines and recommend the protection that makes sense for the individual patient.
Schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment online or call (262) 347-0787.
A Unique Vaccination Protocol for Every Pet
Your pet’s vaccination plan begins during puppyhood or kittenhood and changes as they grow. Young pets typically receive a series of vaccines because the temporary immunity passed down from their mother can interfere with how their bodies respond to vaccination.
Once the initial series is complete, adult dogs and cats receive boosters at intervals determined by the vaccine, their health, and their risk of exposure. During your pet’s wellness visit, your veterinarian will review factors such as:
- Age and medical history
- Indoor or outdoor lifestyle
- Contact with other animals
- Boarding, grooming, daycare, or training
- Travel and outdoor activities
- Local disease risks
- Previous vaccine reactions
This individualized approach protects your pet without administering vaccines they may not need
Which Vaccines Are Necessary for Your Dog or Cat?
Pet vaccines generally fall into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines protect against diseases that pose a widespread or serious threat. They are generally recommended for most pets, although the timing and frequency may vary. Rabies vaccination may also be required by state or local law.
Non-core vaccines are recommended according to an individual pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk. A dog that attends daycare, hikes in wooded areas, or travels may need different protection than a dog with limited contact with other animals. Likewise, a cat that goes outdoors may need vaccines that are not routinely recommended for a low-risk indoor adult cat.
Rabies (core)
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect animals and people. Dogs receive an initial rabies vaccine followed by boosters according to their age, the vaccine used, and applicable laws.
DHPP (core)
The DHPP combination vaccine protects against several contagious canine diseases, including canine distemper, adenovirus or hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Puppies receive an initial series, followed by booster vaccinations as they grow.
Leptospirosis (core)
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can damage the kidneys and liver and may spread from animals to people. Dogs can encounter the bacteria through water or soil contaminated by infected wildlife or other animals.
Exposure can occur in suburban environments as well as rural or wilderness areas, so vaccination may be recommended for many dogs. After the initial series, boosters are generally given annually.
Lyme Disease (recommended)
Lyme disease spreads through the bite of an infected tick. The vaccine may be recommended for dogs that live in or travel to areas where Lyme disease is common, especially those that hike, camp, hunt, or spend time in wooded and grassy environments.
Vaccination does not replace year-round tick prevention. These tools work together to reduce your dog’s risk.
Bordetella (non-core)
Bordetella is one of the organisms associated with kennel cough and other contagious respiratory infections. This non-core vaccine may be recommended for dogs that:
- Attend daycare or training classes
- Stay at boarding facilities
- Visit groomers
- Participate in dog shows
- Frequently interact with unfamiliar dogs
Depending on the vaccine and your dog’s exposure risk, boosters may be recommended every six to 12 months.
Canine Influenza (non-core)
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads through close contact with infected dogs and contaminated objects. Vaccination may be recommended for dogs that attend boarding, daycare, training, dog shows, or other social settings.
Dogs receiving the vaccine for the first time typically need an initial series followed by annual boosters.
Rabies (core)
Rabies is fatal and can spread to people through the bite of an infected animal. Cats can be exposed through contact with bats and wildlife, even when they live primarily indoors.
Kittens receive an initial rabies vaccine followed by boosters based on the vaccine used and applicable laws.
FVRCP (core)
The FVRCP combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. These contagious diseases can cause respiratory illness, oral inflammation, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious complications.
Kittens receive an initial vaccine series, followed by boosters based on their age, medical history, and risk of exposure.
Feline Leukemia Virus (core for kittens, non-core for adults)
Feline leukemia virus, or FeLV, can weaken a cat’s immune system and contribute to anemia, recurring infections, and certain cancers. The virus spreads primarily through close contact with infected cats.
FeLV vaccination is generally recommended for kittens because their future lifestyle and exposure risk may change. For adult cats, continued vaccination may be recommended when they:
- Spend time outdoors
- Live with an FeLV-positive cat
- Have contact with cats of unknown health status
- Stay in environments where new cats are frequently introduced
Testing may be recommended before vaccination because the vaccine cannot treat an existing FeLV infection.
Chlamydia felis (non-core)
The Chlamydia felis vaccine is not routinely needed by most household cats. It may be considered in limited circumstances, particularly when cats live in multi-cat environments with a confirmed history of infection.
Your veterinarian can determine whether this vaccine would provide a meaningful benefit based on your cat’s environment and exposure risk.
What to Watch for After Your Pet’s Vaccinations
Most dogs and cats return to their normal routine soon after receiving vaccines. Mild side effects can occur as the immune system responds, and they usually improve within a day or two.
You may notice:
- Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Temporary tiredness
- A slight decrease in appetite
- A low-grade fever
- Less interest in play or exercise
Give your pet a quiet place to rest and keep an eye on their behavior. Contact us if these signs last longer than 48 hours, become more noticeable, or concern you.
Serious reactions are uncommon but require prompt veterinary care. Seek immediate help if your pet develops:
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness, collapse, or extreme lethargy
Let our team know if your pet has experienced a vaccine reaction in the past. Your veterinarian may adjust future vaccination plans or recommend additional monitoring.
Keeping Your Pet’s Vaccines Up to Date
A vaccination schedule is not fixed for life. Your pet’s needs may change when they begin daycare, start traveling, spend more time outdoors, move to a new area, or develop a medical condition.
Regular wellness visits allow our veterinarians to review those changes and adjust the plan accordingly. To schedule cat or dog vaccinations in Pewaukee, request an appointment online or call Pewaukee Veterinary Service at (262) 347-0787.