Pet Vaccinations in Maple Grove

Preventative care is necessary to keep your beloved pets happy and healthy, and vaccinations play a crucial role in that. By staying up to date on your pet’s vaccines, you help protect them from serious and potentially fatal diseases. Whether you have a new puppy or kitten or an adult pet in need of booster shots, our team is here to guide you through the best vaccination schedule to keep them protected.

The Importance of Pet Vaccinations for Preventative Care

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your pet from contagious diseases. Just like in humans, vaccines help train your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful pathogens. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening or spread to humans, making vaccinations not just a recommendation but a necessity for your pet’s health and safety.

In addition to vaccinations, heartworm prevention is a crucial aspect of your pet’s overall health. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes, affecting both dogs and cats. Prevention is far easier and more affordable than treatment, which is why we recommend year-round heartworm preventatives. Our team can help you choose the best heartworm prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Staying current on vaccinations is often required for boarding, grooming, and dog parks. At our Maple Grove Pet Hospital, we tailor vaccination plans based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and risk factors to ensure the best protection possible.

Core Vaccinations for Dogs and Puppies

It is important to note that vaccination needs can vary based on your pet’s age and breed, so the best way to ensure your dog gets the vaccinations they need is to consult with your veterinarian. The following are the core vaccinations that we typically recommend for puppies and dogs:

  • Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) Vaccine: Provides protection against infectious canine hepatitis and contributes to preventing respiratory disease. 
  • Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Vaccine: This vaccine protects against a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting multiple body systems. Vaccination is the best defense.
  • Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Vaccine: Guards against a severe, often fatal gastrointestinal disease, particularly dangerous for puppies.
  • Rabies Virus Vaccine: This crucial vaccine fights against a fatal nervous system disease transmissible to humans and is required by law in most areas.

Essential Vaccinations for Kittens and Cats

Just like dogs, cats also need essential vaccines to protect against common feline diseases. We typically recommend the following core vaccinations for kittens and adult cats:

  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Vaccine: Guards against another major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, which can lead to oral ulcers and pneumonia.
  • Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) Vaccine: Protects against a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause sneezing, eye infections, and other flu-like symptoms.
  • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) Vaccine: Also known as feline distemper, this virus is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in kittens.
  • Rabies Virus Vaccine: Required by law in most areas, this vaccine prevents a deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans.

Non-Core Vaccines Recommended by Our Vets

Although these are not considered core vaccines, they are equally as important for your pet’s health, especially if they have higher risk factors due to lifestyle or location. 

  • Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine: This vaccine is advisable if your dog frequents boarding facilities and dog parks or socializes frequently with other dogs. It prevents a common cause of kennel cough.
  • Leptospirosis Vaccine: This vaccine protects against a bacterial disease that causes kidney and liver damage. It is recommended for dogs with potential wildlife exposure. 
  • Lyme Disease Vaccine: Guards against a tick-borne disease causing joint pain and kidney problems, advised for dogs in high-risk areas.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine: Recommended for outdoor cats or those in multi-cat households to protect against a contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.

What to Look for After a Vaccination Appointment?

After your pet receives a vaccination, it’s normal to see mild side effects such as:

  • Temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Decreased appetite or energy for a short period

These effects typically resolve within 24–48 hours. However, if your pet experiences more severe reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing, contact us immediately. Our vet care team is always here to help in cases of emergency.

Schedule a Vaccination Appointment in Maple Grove

Keeping your pet up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life. At Maple Grove Pet Hospital, we make the vaccination process easy, stress-free, and tailored to your pet’s needs. Schedule an appointment today to keep your furry companion protected!

Maple Grove Pet Hospital