Galena Square Veterinary Clinic Vaccine Recommendations

Rabies (Lyssavirus):

Vaccination against rabies.  This is a fatal disease that can be passed by wildlife including bats.  Rabies is also dangerous to your human family and for that reason, Wisconsin law requires all puppies and dogs maintain a current rabies vaccination.
     When: Every 1-3 years, vaccine dependant

DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)

Vaccination against all of the above highly contagious diseases.It is especially important to start your puppy on this series BEFORE they meet other puppies or dogs (such as at puppy classes or the dog park).  Parvovirus can live in the soil for many months, including over winter and is often fatal despite the best care.

     When: Yearly

Kennel Cough (Bordetella)

Vaccination against kennel cough (think of it like whooping cough).  Kennel cough is common in dogs and is spread through microdroplets of saliva and nasal discharge (such as a sneeze or cough). This vaccine is important even for puppies who are not kenneled!
     When: Yearly

Leptospirosis (L. )

Leptospirosis is common in the Southwestern Wisconsin area and is often found in waterways and standing water (pounds and large puddles).  Leptospirosis is a type of bacteria which is shed in the urine of infected animals, especially cattle, deer, and raccoons and from there gets into lappable water for your puppy.  Leptospirosis can cause of variety of symptoms but one of the most severe is irreversible kidney damage.

     When: Yearly

Lyme (Borrelia) 

Lyme disease is transmitted from an infected tick to a dog (or human) when the tick bites.  Lyme disease is extremely common in the Southwestern Wisconsin area!  You can check out the current level of lyme disease in your specific area by looking at these prevalence maps from the Companion Animal Parasite Council. The most common symptoms of lyme disease are lameness (limping) and arthritis symptoms (swollen, painful joints).  Lyme disease can also cause significant joint damage and kidney damage in rare cases.
     When: Yearly

Rabies (Lyssavirus):
Vaccination against rabies.  This is a fatal disease that can be passed by wildlife including bats.  Rabies is also dangerous to your human family and for that reason, Family Pet Hospital requires all cats and kittens in our care to be vaccinated.
     When: Yearly boosters required

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, and Panleukopenia)

This vaccine is often called the "Feline Distemper Vaccine."  These viruses are highly contagious and often cause upper respiratory (severe cold) symptoms.  Panleukopenia can also lead to intestinal and neurologic symptoms and in some cases is fatal.

     When: Vaccination starts as early as 8 weeks of age.
     Boosters Needed: Yearly

FeLV (Feline Leukemia)

Vaccination against the highly contagious and fatal Feline Leukemia Virus.  All kittens should receive this vaccine due to their high exposure level.  As your cat ages into adulthood you and your veterinarian should discuss exposure levels and may chose to discontinue this vaccine in future years.
     Next Booster Needed: Yearly

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

FIV is sometimes called Feline AIDS. This vaccine is not recommended  and is no longer available.

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

FIP is a fatal disease in kittens and cats that you may read about online or in kitten books.  There used to be a vaccine for this disease however the vaccine was not considered effective and has for the most part been discontinued.  We do not recommend this vaccine for your kitten.