Dog & Cat Vaccinations in Peoria, IL: Guidelines for Optimal Protection

Keeping pets in Peoria and our surrounding communities healthy and protected from contagious diseases is a priority at Whitney Veterinary Hospital. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) sets the standard for dog and cat vaccinations, and we’re happy to report that we follow their most current guidelines.  Standards we follow include administering core vaccines to every patient, offering vaccines dependent on increased risk factors, and when and how often pets are vaccinated.

Core Vaccines for Cats & Dogs

Incidences of animal diseases have been drastically reduced only through the use of responsible dog and cat vaccinations. Many states, including Illinois, require pet vaccination against rabies because it can be spread to humans by infected animals. Core vaccines we administer at our animal hospital protect against some of the most dangerous and possibly lethal illnesses.

Vaccines for Cats

Cats should ideally be vaccinated in their first few months of life because their growing bodies are susceptible to disease. Then, we prescribe and customize a booster schedule according to your kitten’s needs. After the initial round of booster vaccines, we recommend revaccination every three years.

Core vaccines for cats include the following:

  • Feline herpesvirus
  • Feline calicivirus
  • Feline panleukopenia
  • Feline leukemia in kittens
  • Rabies

Vaccines for Dogs

Like kittens, puppies need to strengthen their immune systems, and vaccines help stimulate needed antibodies. Bring an adopted pet in immediately for a wellness visit, so we can administer their first round of vaccines and determine a booster schedule.

Core vaccines for dogs include the following:

  • Canine parvovirus
  • Distemper virus
  • Adenovirus
  • Bordetella
  • Leptospirosis
  • Rabies

Additional Vaccines Your Pet May Need

If your pet is boarded, visits dog parks, or ever prowls the backyard, they may require noncore pet vaccinations. Additional vaccines are dependent on your pet’s lifestyle and provide ideal protection for increased health and longevity.

Noncore vaccines for dogs include the following:

  • Canine influenza virus – Illinois and areas across the country have seen breakouts of this highly contagious upper respiratory virus.
  • Canine parainfluenza virus – When dogs are boarded or around many other dogs, they can be exposed to this respiratory illness.
  • Lyme disease – Our area has seen an increase in outbreaks of Lyme disease, which is caused by ticks carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

Noncore vaccines for cats include the following:

  • Feline leukemia in adult cats– After your kitten is vaccinated against feline leukemia, only adult cats who go outdoors require protection.
  • Feline infectious peritonitis – Multi-cat households may benefit from protection against this virus.

If you have any questions about dog and cat vaccinations we offer at Whitney Veterinary Hospital, please contact us. We look forward to helping you and your four-legged friend.