Preventive Pet Care in Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Vaccines & Preventive Care
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Pet Vaccines & Preventive Care in Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Your Partner in Preventive Pet Care
We believe the best way to protect your pet is to prevent illness before it starts.
At Bradford Pet Hospital, we partner with you to ensure your pet has a lifetime of protection, with vaccination as our first line of defense. This means working together to build a proactive health strategy that includes expertly tailored vaccine recommendations, early detection diagnostics, and comprehensive annual exams. Our goal is to make essential care stress-free, predictable and affordable through our Preventive Care Packages, allowing you to focus on loving your pet without financial surprises.
Why Vaccinations Matter for Your Pet's Health
Vaccines are your pet’s first line of defense, preparing their immune system to fight serious, often fatal diseases like Parvovirus or Distemper.
Additionally, vaccines like Rabies and Leptospirosis help protect not only your pet, but your family and neighbors from zoonotic illnesses as well. When enough pets are vaccinated, we create a powerful shield of “herd immunity” that limits the spread of these serious diseases.
By staying current with your pet’s vaccines, you’re investing in the health of your pet and your entire community.
Schedule your pet’s preventive care appointment today!
Essential Protection for Every Dog
Vaccinating Your Dog
These core vaccines are recommended for every eligible dog, regardless of their lifestyle. They protect against the most serious and contagious diseases common in our area and local wildlife.
Rabies
Required by Kansas law and protects both pets and humans
DHPP
(Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Protects against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases
Bordetella
(Kennel Cough)
Essential for dogs who visit groomers, boarding facilities, or dog parks
Leptospirosis
Guards against a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water that poses a risk to both pets and humans
Lifestyle-Based Protection for dogs
Additional Vaccine Recommendations for Dogs
Our veterinarians will discuss your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risks to help you determine which additional, non-core vaccines are right for them.
Canine Influenza
Guards against highly contagious viruses that cause respiratory illness, especially in social dogs
Recommended for any dog that frequently travels or interacts with other dogs in boarding, parks, or grooming
Lyme Disease
Protects against a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks that causes joint pain and other issues
Recommended for dogs traveling to the Northeast or other tick-heavy regions
lifestyle-based protection for cats
Vaccinating Your Cat
Whether your cat is indoor-only or ventures outside, vaccines are essential protection against serious diseases. We tailor your cat’s specific vaccine protocol based on their age, lifestyle, and individual risk factors.
Rabies
Required by Kansas law and protects both pets and humans against a fatal neurological disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal
FVRCP
(Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia)
Protects against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases
Feline Leukemia
Essential for cats with any outdoor access or contact with other cats
Protects against a fatal disease spread through bites or grooming
Vaccine Maintenance for Adult Pets
Regular boosters maintain your pet’s immunity throughout their life.
We’ll help you keep track by sending you reminders when vaccines are due.
Protecting your Adult Cat
Protecting your adult dog
How Vaccines Protect Your Pet
Vaccines are a critical part of your pet’s preventative healthcare. They introduce your pet’s immune system to non-active viruses, giving it a chance to practice building a strong defense. This preparation ensures your pet is well protected against future, real-world exposure.
In the rare event that you suspect a severe allergic reaction, contact us immediately.
Normal & Expected Immune Response
It’s common for the immune system’s response to cause minor, temporary discomfort. These signs are normal and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours:
- Mild lethargy
- Mild soreness at injection site
- Temporarily decreased appetite
- Low-grade fever
When to Call Us
While extremely rare, allergic reactions are possible with any injection or new medication. If you notice any of the following signs, please call our hospital immediately:
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe lethargy or collapse
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccines
When should I bring my new puppy or kitten for their first vet visit?
Schedule your puppy or kitten’s first visit within 2-3 days of bringing them home, or ideally between 6 to 8 weeks of age. Early visits are crucial to establish a health baseline, start their initial vaccination series, check for parasites or congenital issues, and discuss nutrition, training, and socialization. We’ll work with you to create a personalized preventive care schedule to get your new family member started off on the right foot.
What vaccines does my puppy need and when?
Puppy vaccinations involve a necessary series of visits over the first few months to ensure complete immunity.
General Schedule:
- 6-8 Weeks: Start the DHPP series (Distemper, Parvo, etc.). Boosters are needed every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old. We can also begin Bordetella (kennel cough).
- 12-16 Weeks: Receive the Rabies vaccine (required by law) and the first dose of Leptospirosis (requires a booster 3-4 weeks later).
- Lifestyle Vaccines: Vaccines like Canine Influenza (for social dogs) or Lyme Disease (for travelers/hikers) may be recommended based on your puppy’s specific risk.
It can be a lot to remember! We’ll help create a personalized schedule at your first visit and send you reminders for all future appointments.
What vaccines does my kitten need and when?
Kitten vaccinations require a necessary series of visits over the first few months to ensure complete immunity.
General Schedule:
- 6-8 Weeks: Start the FVRCP series (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). Boosters are needed every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old for full immunity.
- 12-13 Weeks: Booster FVRCP and start the first dose of the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine.
- 15-16 Weeks: Receive the Rabies vaccine (required by law) and boosters for FVRCP and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).
- FeLV Note: FeLV is recommended for all kittens, especially if they have any chance of getting outside, have outdoor access, or have a housemate that does. It provides vital protection against a fatal disease spread through contact with other cats.
We’ll help you create a personalized schedule based on your kitten’s specific lifestyle at your first visit and send you reminders for all future appointments.
What preventive care do senior pets need?
While vaccines remain vital, senior preventive care primarily shifts to focus on early disease detection.
- Vaccine Schedule: We often transition Rabies vaccines to a three-year protocol if your pet is stable, but we still want to ensure they are protected by all recommended and lifestyle-based vaccines.
- Health First: The key change is the shift to twice-yearly wellness exams. These frequent visits, along with routine diagnostic testing (bloodwork, urinalysis, cancer screening), are essential to confirm your senior pet is healthy enough to receive vaccines and to catch age-related conditions early.
Our goal is to ensure your senior pet receives maximum protection with minimal stress while preserving their overall health and quality of life.
Do you offer titer testing?
Yes, we do offer titer testing as an option for adult pets. Titer testing measures the level of antibodies in your pet’s blood, which can indicate whether they have adequate immunity from a previous vaccination. This can help us determine if a particular vaccine booster is currently necessary, especially for certain core vaccines. We recommend discussing your pet’s specific medical history and lifestyle with our veterinarians to see if titer testing is the right choice for their preventive care plan.
Does my indoor dog or cat still need vaccines?
Yes, absolutely. Even pets that live strictly indoors require core vaccines like Rabies (which is required by law) and FVRCP/DHPP. Exposure can happen accidentally through open doors, window screens, or even via wildlife (like bats, raccoons, or rodents) that might enter your home. We’ll tailor their specific schedule based on their lack of outdoor exposure.
How do your Preventive Care Packages save me money?
Our packages bundle all the essential preventive services—including annual vaccines, exams, and routine diagnostics—into one predictable, discounted cost. By paying for services through a package, you receive a lower overall rate than if you paid for each service separately, allowing you to budget for your pet’s wellness without financial surprises.
Can my sick pet receive vaccines?
We will only administer vaccines to pets that appear healthy. If your pet is currently showing signs of illness, fever, or is undergoing certain treatments, we recommend postponing the vaccination until they are well again. If their immune system is already compromised, it will be hard to build proper immunity from the vaccine.
What should I do if my pet missed a vaccine booster?
Please call us as soon as possible! If a puppy or kitten misses a critical booster during their initial series, they may need to restart the series to ensure they achieve full, lasting immunity. Similarly, if an adult dog or cat misses the required second dose of a new vaccine series (such as Leptospirosis or Feline Leukemia), they may need to restart those boosters to gain adequate protection. We can help you determine the necessary next steps to get your pet back on schedule.
About Our Veterinary Care
Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccine Appointment Today
To ensure your pet receives the comprehensive care they deserve at a predictable cost, we’ve thoughtfully developed Preventive Care Packages. These discounted bundles come in different levels based on age and health status, and may include essential services like complete bloodwork for senior pets. During your visit, we will make tailored recommendations so you can confidently prioritize your pet’s wellness without financial surprises.
Vaccines are a vital defense in protecting your pet, your family, and others in our community from serious illness. We strive to make your annual wellness visits simple and stress-free.
Ready to simplify your pet’s wellness? Contact us to book an appointment!
