Vaccines & Parasite Prevention
It is difficult to see your pet sick, especially when so much can be prevented with the right care at the right time. Our team makes it easy to keep up with vaccines and parasite protection by creating personalized plans based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment.
Whether you’ve got a brand-new puppy or kitten or a pet who’s been by your side for years, we’re here to help you keep them protected and feeling their best.
Puppy & Dog Vaccine Schedule
Vaccines are essential in protecting your dog from serious diseases. We follow a structured schedule to provide immunity during puppyhood and maintain it throughout adulthood.
Puppies (starting at 6–8 weeks):
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): 3–4 doses every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Given as early as 8 weeks
- Leptospirosis: Usually started around 12 weeks, with a booster
- Rabies: One dose between 12–16 weeks (required by law)
- Lyme and Influenza: Optional based on risk
Adult Dogs:
- DHPP: Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years
- Rabies: Booster at 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine type
- Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, Influenza: Boosters as needed based on risk and exposure
We'll work with you to build a vaccine plan that fits your dog’s daily life and environment.
Kitten & Cat Vaccine Schedule
Even indoor cats benefit from protection against highly contagious diseases. Our schedule provides immunity during critical stages of development and helps maintain good health long term.
Kittens (starting at 6–8 weeks):
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): 3 doses, 3–4 weeks apart
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia): Recommended for kittens in multi-cat or outdoor settings
- Rabies: One dose between 12–16 weeks
Adult Cats:
- FVRCP: Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years
- Rabies: Booster at 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine type
- FeLV: Annual booster if lifestyle indicates ongoing risk
Your cat’s vaccine schedule is based on factors like age, indoor or outdoor access, and household dynamics.
Parasite Prevention
Ohio’s seasonal shifts and exposure risks make year-round parasite protection important for both dogs and cats.
Our parasite prevention services include:
- Fleas and Ticks: Prevent itchy skin, infections, and diseases like Lyme with monthly topicals, chewables, or collars
- Heartworms: Spread by mosquitoes, heartworms can cause severe heart and lung issues. We recommend monthly preventatives and annual testing
- Intestinal Parasites: Many pets carry worms without showing symptoms.
Common types include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Giardia
- Coccidia
A simple fecal exam helps us identify infections, and we’ll recommend a safe and effective deworming plan when needed.
Deworming Basics
Puppies and kittens often need several rounds of deworming early in life, while adult pets benefit from periodic treatments based on exposure and risk. Since some intestinal parasites can be transmitted to people, especially children, regular deworming helps protect the whole family.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Products
We offer a variety of safe, vet-approved preventatives that are easy to administer and effective.
These include:
- Monthly oral chewables
- Topical treatments applied to the skin
- Preventive collars for long-lasting protection
During your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll help you choose the best product based on lifestyle, age, and any existing health concerns.
Prevent Problems Before They Start
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to your pet’s health. Staying up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention keeps things simple now and helps avoid bigger problems later.
Not sure what’s due or what your pet really needs? That’s what we’re here for. Our Care Companions will walk you through it all and make sure your pet gets the protection that fits them best—no pressure, no confusion.
Have questions about vaccine schedules or parasite prevention? Give us a call or book a visit. We’re happy to help you stay on track and keep your pet feeling their best.
