Vaccination prepares the immune system to respond to important infectious diseases. It reduces the risk of illness and, for some infections, the severity of disease. No vaccine provides complete protection in every pet, so prevention also includes appropriate exposure management and veterinary care.

Southwest Pet Hospital has served the community for more than 50 years. Dr. Michelle Wendel and our team recommend vaccination plans suited to your pet’s age, health, history, and exposure.

Core vaccines and individual risk

Core vaccines are recommended broadly because of the diseases they prevent. Additional vaccines are selected according to lifestyle, geography, contact with other animals, and activities such as boarding.

An annual vaccine review does not mean every vaccine is administered annually. Timing depends on the vaccine, prior doses, patient needs, product labeling, and legal requirements.

Vaccines for dogs

Core canine protection includes rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and leptospirosis under current AAHA guidance. Leptospirosis can affect dogs of different sizes and lifestyles and can also infect people; it is not limited to dogs with extensive outdoor activity.

Bordetella, canine influenza, and other vaccines may be recommended according to exposure and boarding requirements. Bordetella vaccination helps protect against one cause of canine infectious respiratory disease, often called kennel cough. It does not prevent every cause of coughing or respiratory infection.

Puppy vaccination timing

The puppy distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus series generally begins at six to eight weeks. At Southwest Pet Hospital, doses are scheduled every two to four weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age, with the final timing individualized to risk and vaccine selection.

Maternal antibodies can interfere with early vaccine responses, so completing the series matters even when a puppy has already received a dose. Rabies, leptospirosis, and other vaccines have their own starting ages and schedules. Leptospirosis requires an initial two-dose series, generally two to four weeks apart, followed by ongoing boosters.

Vaccines for cats

FVRCP protects against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Rabies vaccination is also important for indoor and outdoor cats and is administered according to legal requirements and the vaccine used.

FeLV vaccination is core for kittens and young cats under one year in the feline guidelines. At Southwest Pet Hospital, we recommend an initial FeLV series for kittens and previously unvaccinated cats, with continued vaccination based on exposure. Cats that go outside at all should receive annual FeLV boosters under our clinic protocol.

Kitten vaccination timing

The FVRCP series generally starts at six to eight weeks, with doses every two to four weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age. A follow-up FVRCP dose at approximately six months helps close a possible gap in protection after maternal antibodies decline.

The FeLV series is separate: two doses three to four weeks apart, beginning as early as eight weeks. We recommend FeLV testing before vaccination. An FeLV booster is given 12 months after the initial series, with later doses based on exposure and the clinic’s recommendations.

Adult pets with unknown or incomplete histories need an individualized catch-up plan rather than simply being placed on the puppy or kitten schedule.

Reactions and follow-up

Mild soreness, temporary tiredness, or a slight appetite reduction may occur. Tell us about any previous vaccine reaction before the appointment. Facial swelling, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, weakness, or collapse after vaccination requires immediate veterinary attention.

Frequently asked questions

Do indoor pets need vaccines? Yes. Indoor living does not eliminate all exposure or applicable rabies requirements.

Can I stop the series after the first dose? No. Complete the recommended initial series and follow-up schedule for reliable protection.

What if a vaccine is overdue? Call us with the prior records so we can recommend the appropriate next steps.

Schedule a vaccination review

Contact Southwest Pet Hospital to review your pet’s records and plan the protection they need.

Contact Southwest Pet Hospital

1202 Henryetta Street, Springdale, AR 72762
479-751-5601 | southwestpethospital.com