Vaccines

Pet Vaccinations - Protecting Dogs and Cats at Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic

Keeping your pet up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect them from preventable diseases. At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic in Oklahoma City, OK, we provide safe and important vaccines for dogs and cats, ensuring they stay healthy and protected. Our client-centered approach focuses on educating pet owners about necessary vaccines, their benefits, and proper scheduling. Whether your pet needs puppy and kitten shots or adult boosters, our team is here to help.

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Why Are Pet Vaccines Important?

Vaccinations help protect pets from serious and potentially fatal diseases by stimulating their immune system. Many of these illnesses are highly contagious and can spread rapidly among animals and even humans. Diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and feline leukemia can be prevented through proper vaccination. Staying up to date with vaccines ensures disease protection, reduces transmission, prevents costly treatments, and complies with legal requirements.

How Do Vaccines Work to Protect Pets?

Vaccines introduce a harmless version of a virus or bacteria, allowing the immune system to create protective antibodies without causing illness. If the pet is exposed to the actual disease later, their immune system responds quickly, preventing severe illness. Without vaccinations, pets are at a much higher risk of developing life-threatening infections

Prevention of Life-Threatening Diseases

Many deadly pet diseases have no cure, making prevention through vaccination important. Rabies, parvovirus, distemper, feline leukemia, and panleukopenia are just a few of the serious illnesses that vaccines help prevent. Even non-fatal diseases can cause long-term health issues and require expensive treatments, making vaccination a safer and more cost-effective option.

The Benefits of Vaccinating Your Pet

Protects Individual Pets from Serious Illness

Vaccines shield pets from painful and deadly diseases, preventing complications like neurological damage, chronic respiratory infections, and organ failure. Even if an unvaccinated pet survives an illness, they may suffer lifelong health problems.

Reduces the Spread of Disease in the Community

Vaccinating pets helps reduce outbreaks of contagious diseases, protecting not just individual pets but also the entire pet community. Herd immunity ensures that even pets who cannot be vaccinated (such as young puppies or kittens) have a lower risk of exposure. Rabies vaccinations also help protect humans from potential exposure.

Saves Money on Emergency Treatments

The cost of treating preventable diseases can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, requiring hospitalization, IV fluids, medications, and extended recovery time. Routine vaccines cost significantly less and provide long-term protection, preventing costly emergency vet visits.

Compliance with Oklahoma State Vaccination Laws

Oklahoma law requires rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats. Failure to vaccinate can result in fines, quarantines, or even euthanasia in certain situations. Keeping pets up to date with their rabies shots helps owners stay compliant with the law while protecting their pet and community from a fatal disease.

Our Vaccination Services for Dogs and Cats

At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic, we provide important vaccinations for dogs and cats to protect them from serious and preventable diseases. Our vaccination program includes both core vaccines, which are recommended for all pets, and non-core vaccines, which are given based on lifestyle and risk factors.

Dog Vaccinations

Dogs are at risk for highly contagious diseases, making vaccinations a key part of their preventive care.

Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Dogs)

Rabies (Required by Law): A fatal disease affecting the nervous system, transmissible to humans.

DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza):
A combination vaccine that protects against severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological diseases.

Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial infection that can affect both pets and humans.

Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended Based on Lifestyle)

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Important for dogs in boarding, daycare, or grooming settings.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): Recommended for social dogs that interact with others frequently.

Lyme Disease: Suggested for dogs exposed to ticks in wooded or grassy areas.

Cat Vaccinations

Vaccines protect cats from life-threatening viral and bacterial infections, which can spread easily in multi-pet households and outdoor environments.

Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Cats)

Rabies (Required by Law): Protects against a fatal virus that can affect pets and humans.

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia):
A combination vaccine that prevents serious respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Non-Core Vaccine (Recommended Based on Lifestyle)

Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Recommended for kittens and outdoor cats to protect against a highly contagious virus that weakens the immune system.

Our team takes the time to evaluate each pet’s needs, ensuring they receive the right vaccines at the right time for optimal protection.

Puppy and Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Newborn puppies and kittens receive temporary immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection wears off within weeks, leaving them vulnerable to dangerous diseases. Booster shots help strengthen their immune system, ensuring they develop long-lasting protection against viruses and bacteria. Following a proper vaccination schedule is important to keeping young pets healthy and safe.

Vaccination Timeline for Puppies

6-8 weeks- DA2PP (first dose), Bordetella

10-12 weeks- DA2PP (booster), Leptospirosis, Influenza (first dose)

14-16 weeks- DA2PP (final dose), Rabies, Leptospirosis (booster), Canine Influenza (booster)

Vaccination Timeline for Kittens

6-8 weeks- FVRCP (first dose)

10-12 weeks- FVRCP (booster), FeLV (if needed)

14-16 weeks- FVRCP (final dose), Rabies, FeLV (if needed)

After completing their initial series, pets require annual boosters or every three years, depending on the vaccine.

Why Choose Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic for Vaccinations?

At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic, we provide personalized, stress-free, and affordable vaccination services to ensure pets stay healthy and protected. Our team tailors custom vaccination plans based on age, breed, lifestyle, and exposure risks, ensuring pets receive only the vaccines they need. Here’s why pet owners in Oklahoma City, OK trust us with their pet’s vaccinations:

Personalized
Vaccine Plans

Every pet is unique, so we create custom vaccination schedules to match their specific needs.

Gentle, Stress-Free
Experience

We use calm handling techniques, positive reinforcement, and efficient appointments to make vaccinations as comfortable as possible.

Client
Education

We explain what each vaccine does, why it’s important, and how often boosters are needed, so pet owners can make informed decisions.

Affordable &
Preventative Care

Vaccinating pets prevents costly emergency treatments for serious illnesses like parvovirus, feline leukemia, and rabies.

Keep Your Furry Friend Safe and Happy | Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccination Appointment Today!

Vaccinating your pet is one of the most important steps in keeping them healthy, happy, and protected. Whether you’re starting a vaccine series for a new puppy or kitten or keeping your adult pet’s boosters up to date, our team at Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic is here to provide expert care in a stress-free environment. Protect your pet from preventable diseases and ensure their long-term well-being by scheduling a vaccination appointment today.

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you may have questions about our services and how we care for your pets and animals. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries to help guide you. If you need further assistance, our team at Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic is just a call away!

How often should my pet be vaccinated?
Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines to build immunity. Adult pets need annual or every-three-year boosters, depending on the vaccine.
Are vaccines safe for my pet?
Yes! Vaccines undergo extensive safety testing before being recommended. Minor side effects, like soreness or mild lethargy, are normal and resolve quickly.
Can my pet have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?
Severe reactions are extremely rare. If your pet experiences swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing after vaccination, contact us immediately.
Does my indoor cat still need vaccines?
Yes! Indoor cats should still receive rabies and FVRCP vaccines since some diseases can spread through indirect contact.
What if my pet misses a vaccine booster?
If a vaccine is overdue, your pet may need to restart the series for full protection. Contact us to schedule a catch-up appointment.