Vaccinations
Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats
Essential Protection for Lifelong Health
Vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect your pet from serious, preventable diseases. These vaccines help your dog or cat’s immune system recognize harmful viruses and bacteria so their body can respond quickly if they are ever exposed.
At University Animal Clinic, we create vaccination plans tailored to each pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment. Pets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and the surrounding Florida communities may face different risks depending on how much time they spend outdoors, around other animals, or traveling.
Our goal is simple: to keep your pet protected while avoiding unnecessary vaccines.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines protect pets from diseases that can cause severe illness, long-term health complications, or even death.
Many of these diseases spread easily through:
- contact with other animals
- contaminated environments
- wildlife exposure
- shared water or food bowls
- mosquito or parasite transmission
Routine vaccination allows your pet’s immune system to build protection before exposure ever happens. Vaccines also help protect the larger pet community by reducing the spread of contagious diseases.
Vaccinations for Dogs
Dogs benefit from several vaccines that protect against highly contagious or dangerous diseases. During your dog’s wellness exam, we will recommend vaccines based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, travel habits, and exposure to other animals.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines are recommended for nearly all dogs because they protect against common and serious diseases.
DHPP Vaccine
This combination vaccine protects against four important viruses:
- Distemper: A serious virus that affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus): A viral infection that affects the liver and other organs.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or wildlife urine. Dogs that spend time outdoors, around standing water, or near wildlife may be at increased risk.
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, particularly dangerous for puppies.
- Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. Because of this risk, rabies vaccination is required by law in most communities.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs
Some dogs benefit from additional vaccines depending on their activities and environment.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs who visit dog parks, attend doggie daycare, stay at boarding facilities, or receive grooming services.
- Canine Influenza: A contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily where dogs gather, such as boarding facilities, daycare, grooming salons, and dog parks.
- Rattlesnake Vaccine: A lifestyle vaccine that may help reduce the severity of symptoms if a dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, giving valuable time to seek emergency care.
- Lyme Disease: This vaccine may be recommended for dogs who travel to tick-prone areas.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines help protect puppies from several serious diseases while their immune systems are still developing.
6 to 8 Weeks
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHPP), and Bordetella
10 to 12 Weeks
DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, depending on lifestyle
14-16 Weeks
DHPP, Leptospirosis, Rabies
Adult Boosters
DHPP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Rabies as recommended
Vaccinations for Cats
Cats also benefit from vaccines that protect them from several contagious viral diseases. Even indoor cats can be exposed to certain infections through environmental contact or interactions with other animals.
During your cat’s wellness exam, we will recommend vaccines based on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and exposure risks.
Core Vaccines for Cats
FVRCP Vaccine
This combination vaccine protects against three common feline diseases.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: A respiratory virus similar to a severe cold that causes sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye irritation.
- Calicivirus: Another respiratory virus that can cause mouth ulcers and upper respiratory infection.
- Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): A highly contagious virus that affects the immune system and digestive tract.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccination protects cats and people from this fatal virus and is required in many communities.
Lifestyle Vaccine for Cats
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
This virus spreads through close contact between cats. It is commonly recommended for:
- kittens
- outdoor cats
- cats that interact with other cats
- FeLV can affect the immune system and lead to serious illness.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens receive a series of vaccines to help protect them from common infectious diseases.
6 to 8 Weeks
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
10 to 12 Weeks
FVRCP booster
14-16 Weeks
FVRCP booster and Rabies
Adult Boosters
FVRCP and Rabies as recommended
A Personalized Vaccination Plan
No two pets live exactly the same lifestyle. Some pets spend their days exploring parks and trails, while others live primarily indoors.
During your pet’s wellness visits, our veterinarians take time to discuss:
- daily activities
- travel habits
- contact with other animals
- environmental risks in our area
This allows us to recommend a vaccination schedule designed specifically for your pet’s health and lifestyle.
Protection That Lasts a Lifetime
Vaccinations help protect pets from serious and preventable diseases. Our team creates personalized vaccination plans based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. Schedule your pet’s visit to keep them protected.