Keep Your Pet Safe From Serious Disease
At Suffield Veterinary Hospital, we truly believe in the importance of preventive care, and vaccines are at the heart of that. They're designed to protect your pet from diseases that can cause serious harm, and in some cases, can be life-threatening.
The good news is that most vaccines are simple, affordable, and highly effective. A small step today can protect your pet from a lot of unnecessary suffering down the road. We take vaccination seriously because we care about your pet's long-term health — not just how they're feeling today.
Not Every Pet Needs Every Vaccine
One of the most important things to understand about pet vaccinations is that there's no single plan that works for every animal. What your pet needs depends on a few key factors — where you live, how much time they spend outdoors, whether they interact with other animals, and what their overall lifestyle looks like.
That's why we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach here. When you come in, our veterinarians will talk with you about your pet's lifestyle and environment, and together we'll decide which vaccines make the most sense. You won't be pushed into anything unnecessary — just the protection your pet actually needs.
Vaccines Commonly Recommended for Dogs
Core Vaccines
These are recommended for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or where they live.
- Rabies — Required by law in Connecticut. Protects your dog and everyone around them, including people.
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) — A combination vaccine that protects against several serious and highly contagious diseases. Parvo and distemper in particular can be fatal, especially in puppies.
Non-Core Vaccines
These are recommended based on your dog's lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure. Our veterinarians will help you decide which of these apply to your pet.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — Recommended for dogs that spend time around other dogs, such as at boarding facilities, groomers, or dog parks.
- Leptospirosis — Worth considering for dogs in Connecticut, particularly those that spend time outdoors near wildlife, soil, or standing water.
- Lyme Disease — Given the tick population in Connecticut, this is often recommended for dogs with any outdoor exposure.
- Canine Influenza — Recommended for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs, especially in group settings like kennels or doggy daycare.
Vaccines We Commonly Recommend for Cats
Core Vaccines
These are recommended for all cats, including those that live entirely indoors.
- Rabies — Required by law in Connecticut, even for indoor cats. This one is non-negotiable.
- FVRCP (Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — A combination vaccine that protects against three of the most common and contagious feline diseases. Panleukopenia in particular can be life-threatening.
Non-Core Vaccines
These are recommended based on your cat's lifestyle and risk of exposure.
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV) — Recommended for cats that go outdoors or have contact with other cats whose health status is unknown. FeLV is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats and can be serious.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) — May be considered for outdoor cats or those at higher risk of fighting with other cats, as FIV spreads primarily through bite wounds.
- Bordetella — Occasionally recommended for cats in multi-cat households or those spending time in shelters or catteries.
Keeping Up With Your Pet's Vaccine Schedule
Vaccines aren't a one-time thing. Some need to be given annually, while others are effective for longer periods. Keeping your pet on schedule is important — a lapse in protection can leave them vulnerable, even if they've been vaccinated before.
During your pet's wellness exam, we'll always review their vaccination history and let you know what's coming up. If you're not sure when your pet was last vaccinated, give us a call and we can help you figure out where things stand.
Trusted Pet Care & a Friendly Welcome for Every Pet
Call/Text: (860) 668-4041
