Cat and Dog Vaccinations in La Crosse
La Crosse Veterinary Clinic believes in routine, personalized cat and dog vaccination schedules that protect your companion according to their unique needs. We know not every vaccine we offer is going to be necessary for your pet, but we also know their vaccine requirements may shift based on changes in their environment, lifestyle, and other factors. If you have any concerns about the efficacy and safety of our pet vaccines, we would be more than happy to talk to you and put your mind at ease! Our team is here to work with you to make sure your loved one receives sufficient protection with minimal risk to their well-being.
Contact us at (608) 781-3466 or request an appointment online to meet with one of us and update your pet’s vaccines!
Why Routine Pet Vaccination Matters
Routine vaccination is the key to safeguarding dogs and cats against a wide range of preventable diseases. The quality vaccines we carry stimulate your pet's immune system, preparing it to fight off potential threats. By staying up to date with vaccinations, you give your pet the best possible defense.
Below are the vaccines we offer for dogs and cats. Please note that these may vary depending on your pet’s needs.
Vaccines for Dogs
This vaccine protects your dog from the deadly rabies virus, which can also pose a risk to humans. It can be given every 1-3 years.
The combination DA2PPL vaccine shields your dog against multiple harmful viruses. We recommend giving this vaccine annually.
We recommend this vaccine annually for all dogs in the La Crosse area and those that travel or come into contact with dogs from other regions of the country.
This oral vaccine helps to prevent kennel cough, an airborne respiratory disease that can spread rapidly in settings where multiple dogs congregate (boarding, grooming, training classes, dog parks, daycare, etc.). It should be given every 6-12 months for maximum protection.
This 2-in-1 vaccine protects dogs against the two main strains of canine influenza, H3N2 and H3N8. This vaccine should be given annually.
Vaccines for Cats
The feline rabies vaccine provides protection against this lethal, viral disease that can also be transmitted to humans. Recommended annually for your cat.
This annual vaccine is a combination vaccine offering protection against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and calicivirus.
We recommend this vaccine annually for younger cats, and highly recommend it for cats who spend at least part of their lives outdoors.
Information About Pet Diseases
What Is It?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system in mammals. It's almost always fatal once clinical signs appear.
How Does It Spread?
Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites. It can also be transmitted through open wounds or mucous membranes.
Clinical Signs in Dogs and Cats
Clinical signs may include behavioral changes, excessive salivation, aggression, paralysis, seizures, and difficulty swallowing. In advanced stages, pets may show a fear of water (hydrophobia).
What Is It?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs. There is also a feline distemper (panleukopenia), which is different but affects cats.
How Does It Spread?
It spreads through airborne exposure to respiratory secretions or contact with contaminated objects.
Clinical Signs in Dogs
Clinical signs may include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms like seizures and muscle twitches.
Clinical Signs in Cats (Panleukopenia)
Panleukopenia in cats can cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and a significant drop in white blood cell count.
What Is It?
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects dogs, while feline parvovirus affects cats (feline panleukopenia).
How Does It Spread?
It spreads through direct contact with infected feces, contaminated environments, or objects.
Clinical Signs in Dogs
CPV can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), severe dehydration, lethargy, and a weakened immune system.
What Is It?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs, often caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica.
How Does It Spread?
It spreads through the air, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated surfaces.
Clinical Signs in Dogs
Clinical signs include a persistent, dry, hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and occasionally a mild fever. It's rarely life-threatening but can be uncomfortable for dogs.
