Prevention Is the Most Powerful Medicine We Offer
Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting your pet from serious, preventable diseases. A properly vaccinated dog or cat is significantly less likely to contract illnesses that can be life-threatening, expensive to treat, and in some cases, transmissible to people. At Madison Veterinary Hospital, we tailor vaccine recommendations to each individual patient based on their age, health status, lifestyle, and risk factors, because not every pet needs every vaccine and a one-size-fits-all approach does not serve your pet as well as a thoughtful, personalized one.
We have been building vaccination and preventive care programs for pets throughout Madison Heights and the surrounding area for over 50 years. Our goal at every vaccine visit is not just to give a shot. It is to have a real conversation about your pet’s health and make sure their protection is current, appropriate, and well-understood.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle because the diseases they protect against are serious, widespread, and in some cases pose a public health risk.
Rabies
Rabies vaccination is required by law in Michigan and for good reason. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. Puppies receive their first rabies vaccine at approximately 12 to 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster at one year, and then every one to three years depending on the vaccine used.
Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DAPP)
This combination vaccine protects against four serious and potentially fatal viral diseases. Canine distemper attacks the nervous system and respiratory tract. Adenovirus causes infectious hepatitis. Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal gastrointestinal disease, particularly devastating in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Parainfluenza contributes to respiratory illness. The DAPP series is a cornerstone of puppy vaccination and is maintained in adult dogs on a schedule your veterinarian will recommend based on current guidelines.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs
Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on your individual dog’s environment, habits, and exposure risk. Our veterinarians will ask about your dog’s daily routine to help determine which of the following are appropriate.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Recommended for dogs who spend time in kennels, groomers, dog parks, training classes, or any environment where they are in contact with other dogs. Bordetella is highly contagious and causes a persistent, hacking cough that can progress to pneumonia in some cases.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by the deer tick and is present in Michigan. Dogs who spend time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas are at meaningful risk. Lyme vaccination is recommended in combination with year-round tick prevention.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected wildlife, including raccoons, deer, and rodents, and through contact with contaminated water or soil. It can cause severe kidney and liver disease and is transmissible to people. Dogs with outdoor exposure, particularly in areas with standing water or wildlife activity, are candidates for this vaccine.
Canine Influenza
Recommended for dogs who frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, or shows where canine influenza outbreaks can occur. The vaccine is available for both H3N2 and H3N8 strains.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Rabies
Like dogs, cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies in Michigan. This applies to both indoor and outdoor cats, as indoor cats can and do escape and come into contact with wildlife.
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
This combination vaccine protects against three major feline diseases. Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are the primary causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a severe and often fatal disease that attacks rapidly dividing cells. The FVRCP series begins in kittenhood and is maintained throughout adulthood.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia is a retroviral disease that suppresses the immune system and can cause cancer. It is transmitted through close contact between cats, including mutual grooming and shared food or water bowls. FeLV vaccination is strongly recommended for cats who go outdoors or live in multi-cat households with cats of unknown FeLV status.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccine Schedules
The first year of life is the most intensive period for vaccination. Puppies and kittens are born with some maternal immunity, but this wanes over the first weeks of life. A series of vaccines given at specific intervals ensures complete protection is established.
Typical Puppy Schedule:
- 6 to 8 weeks: DAPP
- 10 to 12 weeks: DAPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis (if indicated)
- 14 to 16 weeks: DAPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis booster, Lyme (if indicated)
- 12 to 16 months: Boosters for all core and applicable lifestyle vaccines
Typical Kitten Schedule:
- 6 to 8 weeks: FVRCP
- 10 to 12 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV (if indicated)
- 14 to 16 weeks: FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV booster (if indicated)
- 12 to 16 months: Boosters for all applicable vaccines
These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian will adjust timing based on when your puppy or kitten’s first visit occurs and their individual circumstances.
Adult and Senior Vaccine Schedules
Adult pets need vaccine boosters on a regular schedule to maintain protective immunity. The frequency depends on the specific vaccine, the product used, and your pet’s lifestyle and health. Your veterinarian will review your pet’s vaccine history at each wellness exam and recommend any boosters that are due.
For senior pets, vaccine protocols may be adjusted based on overall health status. Some vaccines are given less frequently in older pets with certain health conditions. We approach senior vaccination thoughtfully, ensuring protection remains in place without unnecessary immune stimulation.
Making Vaccine Visits Comfortable
We know that some pets, and some pet owners, find the veterinary visit stressful. Our team works hard to make vaccine appointments as calm and positive as possible. We take our time, we are gentle, and we are always happy to discuss any concerns you have about vaccines, side effects, or schedules before proceeding.
After vaccination, most pets experience no side effects or only mild, short-lived soreness at the injection site. Serious vaccine reactions are rare. We will review the signs to watch for before you leave and ask that you contact us promptly if your pet develops facial swelling, persistent vomiting, significant lethargy, or difficulty breathing after a vaccine.
Vaccination Is One Part of a Complete Preventive Plan
Vaccines work best alongside routine wellness exams, parasite prevention, dental care, and good nutrition nutritional counseling. When you bring your pet to Madison Veterinary Hospital for their vaccines, our team takes the opportunity to assess their overall health and make sure every aspect of their preventive care is in order. Prescription parasite preventives and heartworm medications are also available through our in-house pharmacy.
Pet families from Berkley, Hazel Park, Sterling Heights, and across the metro Detroit area choose Madison Veterinary Hospital because they know they will get straightforward, honest guidance from a team that genuinely cares. That commitment has earned us two recognitions we are proud of: AAHA accreditation, a voluntary standard held by fewer than 15% of veterinary practices in the U.S., and Newsweek’s designation as one of the Best Veterinary Hospitals in America in both 2025 and 2026. Vaccinations are foundational, and we are committed to helping your pet stay protected for life.
