Pet Vaccinations in West Des Moines, IA

Vaccines help keep pets safe by strengthening their immune system against harmful diseases, reducing the risk of serious illness and outbreaks.

Comprehensive Vaccination Services

At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we believe that keeping your pet healthy starts with prevention. Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s wellness plan, protecting them from life-threatening diseases and ensuring a long, happy life by your side.

Key Services We Provide Include:

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Puppy Vaccines: Puppies are vulnerable to diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies, which is why timely vaccinations are crucial.

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Kitten Vaccines: Kittens need special protection against illnesses such as feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rabies. Our kitten vaccination program provides the necessary immunity to help your feline friend thrive.

Why Are Pet Vaccinations Important?

Vaccines help prevent serious, often fatal diseases that can spread easily among pets and even affect humans in some cases. By keeping your pet vaccinated, you are not only protecting them but also contributing to the overall health and safety of the pet community.

What vaccinations does your pet need?

There are “Core” and “Non-Core” vaccine categories. Core vaccinations are recommended for all pets. Non-core vaccines are recommended based upon your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. The doctors of GAVH recommended all Core vaccines listed below, even if your pet never goes outside, as they are still considered at risk.

For Dogs:

The following core vaccines are recommended for all puppies and dogs by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force:

DA2PP (DHPP) – canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis), canine distemper virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirus
Leptospira species
Rabies virus

The following non-core vaccines are recommended for puppies and dogs in special circumstances, dependent on the exposure risk of an individual dog, by the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force:

Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
Canine influenza

For Cats:

The following core vaccines are recommended for all kittens and adult cats, as recommended by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA):

FVRCP – feline panleukopenia virus, Feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1), Feline caliciviruses
Rabies virus
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) – considered a core vaccine in kittens and one-year-old cats.

Non-core (optional vaccines), as recommended by the FelineVMA for cats with a risk of exposure to specific diseases, include:

Chlamydophila felis (causes feline chlamydiosis)
Bordetella bronchiseptica (causes feline bordetellosis)
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in adult cats

Puppy Vaccination Timeline

To safeguard puppies from severe illnesses, a comprehensive vaccination schedule is essential. This schedule may differ based on the puppy’s breed, lifestyle, and the health risks prevalent in the area.

Core Vaccines:
6-8 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
10-12 weeks: DHPP booster
10-12 weeks: Leptospirosis, with a booster at 14-16 weeks
14-16 weeks: DHPP booster, Rabies

Additional Vaccines:
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Administered at 6-8 weeks, with a booster at 10-12 weeks
Lyme Disease: Given at 10-12 weeks, with annual boosters
Canine Influenza: Administered at 6-8 weeks, with boosters as necessary

Booster Timeline:
1 year: DHPP booster
Every 1-3 years: Rabies booster
Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Canine Influenza: Boosters as required based on lifestyle and risk assessment

Kitten Vaccination Timeline

Kittens undergo a series of vaccinations to safeguard them from prevalent and potentially life-threatening illnesses. The suggested timeline may differ slightly based on the veterinarian’s advice and the specific needs of the kitten.

Core Vaccines:
FVRCP (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): This vaccine defends against upper respiratory infections, calicivirus, and a severe viral disease.
Rabies: Mandated by law in many regions, this vaccine protects against the rabies virus.

Optional Vaccines:
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): This vaccine shields against a lethal form of leukemia in cats.
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): This vaccine offers protection against a virus that compromises the immune system in felines.

Vaccination Timeline:
6-8 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV
9-11 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV
12-16 weeks: FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV
1 year: Booster for FVRCP, Rabies

Additional Information:
Kittens may need extra booster shots based on their lifestyle and exposure risks. Indoor cats generally require fewer boosters compared to those that go outdoors.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we prioritize proactive care to keep your pet safe. Vaccinations are a simple, cost-effective way to prevent illnesses before they become a problem. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and ensure your pet gets the protection they need.