New clients welcome! Limited time free first exam (terms apply) - Book Today!

(785) 228-9411

Dog

Cat

Vaccinations

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Pet Vaccinations: Protecting Your Pet from Preventable Illnesses

Keeping your pet healthy starts with strong prevention—and vaccinations are one of the most important tools we have. Vaccines protect your dog or cat from a range of contagious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten or your adult pet is due for boosters, staying current on vaccines is essential to their lifelong health.

Why Are Pet Vaccines Important?

Vaccinations work by preparing your pet’s immune system to fight off specific diseases before they ever come into contact with these diseases. Some of these illnesses—like rabies or parvovirus—can be fatal if left untreated. Others can cause chronic discomfort, extended treatment, or put other animals at risk.

Vaccines don’t just protect your pet—they help protect the broader pet community by reducing the spread of disease.

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

Vaccine needs vary based on your pet’s species, age, lifestyle, and local disease risks. Here’s a general breakdown:

For Dogs:

  • Core Vaccines: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis

  • Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Bordetella (kennel cough), Canine Influenza

For Cats:

  • Core Vaccines: Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

  • Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), especially for outdoor or multi-cat households

Your veterinarian will help you build a tailored vaccine schedule based on your pet’s needs and environment.

What to Expect During a Vaccination Appointment

  • Wellness Exam: We start with a head-to-tail checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccines.

  • Personalized Plan: Based on age, health, and lifestyle.

  • Quick and Gentle Shots: Most pets tolerate vaccines well. The process is quick and performed with care.

  • Post-Vaccine Monitoring: Mild soreness or sleepiness is normal. We’ll guide you on what to watch for and when to follow up.

We keep detailed vaccine records to ensure your pet stays on track—and help with things like boarding, grooming, or travel documentation.

When Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

Puppies and kittens typically begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Adult pets need regular boosters based on the vaccine type—some are annual, others are every 3 years.

Staying on schedule is the best way to keep your pet protected.

Vaccinations are a simple step with a big impact. They prevent illness, reduce long-term costs, and support a longer, healthier life for your pet.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

Latest Blogs

Discover in-depth articles, thought leadership, and expert perspectives curated to inspire, educate, and keep you ahead of the curve in your industry.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Them: The Importance of Preventative Lab Work

August is National Immunization Awareness Month - don't forget that routine lab work is just as vital! Early testing helps detect hidden issues, keeping your pet healthier, longer.

Read More

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Read More

Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.

Read More

Stone House Animal Hospital FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Yes. Dog fight wounds can look minor, but the damage is often hidden. Imagine your shirt is your dog's skin. Pinch a small section of your shirt and pull it away from you. If this was your dog's skin, the entire area of your shirt that lifted away from you is the tissue that actually pulled loose under the skin. Damage like this may not heal on its own. There may be only a small mark (like where your fingers were), but the damage can be quite extensive underneath. Finding this before further problems occur is best for your pet and less expensive for you! You can contact Stone House Animal Hospital for such concerns.

There are several indicators of pain: hiding, not playing like usual, crying, biting, sad look in their eyes, doesn't want to get up. It is in a pet's nature to hide its pain, so by the time you start seeing any of these indicators, they really don't feel well and need to see a veterinarian. You can call Stone House Animal Hospital if you have such concerns.

No. These medications are not safe for pets. If you feel your pet would benefit from pain relief, please come see Stone House Animal Hospital. There are a lot of pain medications for our doctors to choose from so that your pet can feel better quickly- without the negative side effects of human pain relievers.

Females are spayed, and males are neutered. Both surgeries are done to keep pets from having babies. This not only helps to limit pet overpopulation but there are significant health advantages as well as potential behavioral advantages to both. You can contact Stone House Animal Hospital if you would like to know more.

Often this is an indication that their anal glands need to be expressed. Anal glands can become infected, impacted, and in some cases, can rupture. Some dogs need to have this procedure done frequently. Others don't. You can contact Stone House Animal Hospital if you have such concerns.

As a general rule from Stone House Animal Hospital, anything rich or fatty can cause trouble, so it's best to just feed pet food. Be sure to stay away from grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, sugar-free gum, and anything with caffeine. These can be toxic.