At Healthy Paws Veterinary Clinic, we believe that prevention is the foundation of lifelong health. Our wellness recommendations protect your pets from disease, detect illness early, and help them enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life. Explore the sections below for vaccines, parasite prevention, and essential health screenings for every life stage.
Puppy Wellness (0–1 year)
Core Vaccines
DHPP
- What it protects against:
- Distemper (D): Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic disease that can be fatal.
- Hepatitis (H): Liver infection caused by canine adenovirus type 1.
- Parainfluenza (P): Respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough.
- Parvovirus (P): Severe gastrointestinal disease, often fatal, especially in young puppies.
- Why it is important: These highly contagious diseases can be deadly. Vaccination provides strong immunity during this vulnerable period.
- Risk factors: Exposure to other dogs in parks, daycare, or boarding facilities.
Rabies
- What it protects against: The Rabies vaccine protects dogs against the rabies virus, an almost universally fatal disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as the virus is present in saliva. Once symptoms appear, rabies is incurable and fatal in nearly all cases.
- Why it is important:
- Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing a serious public health concern. Vaccinating your dog not only protects them but also provides a critical layer of protection for your family and community.
- Because of its risk to both animal and human health, rabies vaccination is required by law in Wisconsin for all dogs. Proof of vaccination is necessary for licensing and boarding, and helps prevent outbreaks of this deadly disease.
- Beyond legal requirements, vaccination ensures peace of mind—protecting your pet from exposure to infected wildlife and preventing the devastating consequences of an unvaccinated bite incident.
- Risk factors: Dogs can be exposed to rabies through contact with infected wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, or foxes. Even supervised outdoor activity or a brief encounter with wildlife can pose a risk. Indoor-only dogs are also vulnerable if a bat enters the home or through interactions with unvaccinated animals.
- Public health note: In the rare event a vaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, the vaccine provides critical protection and greatly reduces the need for quarantine or euthanasia. Routine vaccination safeguards both your pet and your community from a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
Leptospirosis
- What it protects against: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by several strains of Leptospira. It primarily affects the kidneys and liver, but severe cases can also cause liver failure, bleeding disorders, and systemic illness. Infected dogs may experience fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, or acute kidney failure. The bacteria can also infect humans, making it a zoonotic disease.
- Why it is important:
- Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness in dogs and helps prevent life-threatening complications.
- Because leptospirosis is transmissible to humans, vaccinating dogs also protects families and other pets from exposure.
- Even if a vaccinated dog is exposed, the severity of disease is typically much lower and recovery is faster.
- How dogs are exposed: Dogs usually contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated water, soil, or urine from infected wildlife, including rodents, raccoons, or other urban animals. Infection can occur when dogs drink from puddles, streams, ponds, or other standing water, or through skin or mucous membrane exposure.
- Risk factors: Dogs with outdoor access, frequent interaction with wildlife, or those living in urban areas with high rodent populations are at higher risk. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to severe disease. Year-round vaccination is recommended for dogs with any exposure risk.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
- What it protects against: Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Infection can lead to fever, joint pain, lameness, kidney damage, and, in some cases, heart or neurological complications. Early detection and prevention are key, as chronic infections can cause long-term health issues.
- Why it is important:
- Vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and, if exposure occurs, decreases the severity of illness.
- Lyme disease can be difficult to treat once chronic kidney or heart involvement occurs, making prevention far safer and more effective than treatment alone.
- Because Lyme disease can also affect humans, protecting dogs through vaccination and tick prevention contributes to overall household and community health.
- How dogs are exposed: Dogs are exposed when an infected tick attaches and feeds for 24–48 hours. Ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas. Outdoor dogs, dogs that hike with their owners, or dogs in rural or suburban neighborhoods are at highest risk.
- Risk factors specific to Wisconsin: Wisconsin consistently reports some of the highest numbers of Lyme disease cases in the United States, due to widespread tick populations and favorable habitats. Dogs in wooded or suburban areas, especially during spring through fall when ticks are active, are particularly vulnerable. Year-round tick prevention and vaccination are strongly recommended for dogs in this state.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- What it protects against: Bordetella bronchiseptica and other respiratory pathogens.
- Why it is important: Prevents kennel cough outbreaks and reduces severity of illness.
- Risk factors: Boarding, dog parks, groomers, training classes.
Parasite Prevention
Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention
- Why it is important: Prevents heartworm disease, flea infestations, tick-borne illnesses, and secondary infections.
- Risk factors: Outdoor access, mosquito exposure, homes with other pets, grassy or wooded environments.
Fecal Testing
- Why it is important: Detects intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss. Some parasites can infect humans.
- Risk factors: Puppies exposed to other dogs, contaminated soil, or multi-pet households. Some puppies can also be exposed to intestinal parasites from the mother.
Wellness Exams & Bloodwork
- Comprehensive physical exam to assess growth, nutrition, and overall health. Puppy exams are used to screen for genetic and congenital abnormalities, and to ensure safety with the administration of vaccines.
Adult Dog Wellness (1–7 years)
Core Vaccines
DHPP
- What it protects against:
- Distemper (D): Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic disease that can be fatal.
- Hepatitis (H): Liver infection caused by canine adenovirus type 1.
- Parainfluenza (P): Respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough.
- Parvovirus (P): Severe gastrointestinal disease, often fatal, especially in those who have never been vaccinated, or those with weakened immune systems.
- Why it is important: These highly contagious diseases can be deadly. Vaccination provides strong immunity during this vulnerable period.
- Risk factors: Exposure to other dogs in parks, daycare, or boarding facilities.
Rabies
- What it protects against: The Rabies vaccine protects dogs against the rabies virus, an almost universally fatal disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as the virus is present in saliva. Once symptoms appear, rabies is incurable and fatal in nearly all cases.
- Why it is important:
- Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing a serious public health concern. Vaccinating your dog not only protects them but also provides a critical layer of protection for your family and community.
- Because of its risk to both animal and human health, rabies vaccination is required by law in Wisconsin for all dogs. Proof of vaccination is necessary for licensing and boarding, and helps prevent outbreaks of this deadly disease.
- Beyond legal requirements, vaccination ensures peace of mind—protecting your pet from exposure to infected wildlife and preventing the devastating consequences of an unvaccinated bite incident.
- Risk factors: Dogs can be exposed to rabies through contact with infected wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, or foxes. Even supervised outdoor activity or a brief encounter with wildlife can pose a risk. Indoor-only dogs are also vulnerable if a bat enters the home or through interactions with unvaccinated animals.
- Public health note: In the rare event a vaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, the vaccine provides critical protection and greatly reduces the need for quarantine or euthanasia. Routine vaccination safeguards both your pet and your community from a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
Leptospirosis
- What it protects against: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by several strains of Leptospira. It primarily affects the kidneys and liver, but severe cases can also cause liver failure, bleeding disorders, and systemic illness. Infected dogs may experience fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, or acute kidney failure. The bacteria can also infect humans, making it a zoonotic disease.
- Why it is important:
- Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness in dogs and helps prevent life-threatening complications.
- Because leptospirosis is transmissible to humans, vaccinating dogs also protects families and other pets from exposure.
- Even if a vaccinated dog is exposed, the severity of disease is typically much lower and recovery is faster.
- How dogs are exposed: Dogs usually contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated water, soil, or urine from infected wildlife, including rodents, raccoons, or other urban animals. Infection can occur when dogs drink from puddles, streams, ponds, or other standing water, or through skin or mucous membrane exposure.
- Risk factors: Dogs with outdoor access, frequent interaction with wildlife, or those living in urban areas with high rodent populations are at higher risk. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to severe disease. Year-round vaccination is recommended for dogs with any exposure risk.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
- What it protects against: Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Infection can lead to fever, joint pain, lameness, kidney damage, and, in some cases, heart or neurological complications. Early detection and prevention are key, as chronic infections can cause long-term health issues.
- Why it is important:
- Vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and, if exposure occurs, decreases the severity of illness.
- Lyme disease can be difficult to treat once chronic kidney or heart involvement occurs, making prevention far safer and more effective than treatment alone.
- Because Lyme disease can also affect humans, protecting dogs through vaccination and tick prevention contributes to overall household and community health.
- How dogs are exposed: Dogs are exposed when an infected tick attaches and feeds for 24–48 hours. Ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas. Outdoor dogs, dogs that hike with their owners, or dogs in rural or suburban neighborhoods are at highest risk.
- Risk factors specific to Wisconsin: Wisconsin consistently reports some of the highest numbers of Lyme disease cases in the United States, due to widespread tick populations and favorable habitats. Dogs in wooded or suburban areas, especially during spring through fall when ticks are active, are particularly vulnerable. Year-round tick prevention and vaccination are strongly recommended for dogs in this state.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- What it protects against: Bordetella bronchiseptica and other respiratory pathogens.
- Why it is important: Prevents kennel cough outbreaks and reduces severity of illness.
- Risk factors: Boarding, dog parks, groomers, training classes.
Parasite Testing & Prevention
Heartworm Testing and Prevention
- Prevents heartworm infection caused by mosquito-borne parasites. Untreated infection can cause heart failure or death.
- Heartworm prevention medications are also used to prevent and treat multiple types of intestinal parasites.
- Annual heartworm testing is required to ensure patient safety while taking preventative medications.
Flea & Tick Prevention
- Prevents external parasites and diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma.
- Wild rabbits are the leading carrier of fleas, and can pose a risk to pets with even a limited amount of time outdoors.
- Multiple types of preventative medications are available including tablets, topicals, and collars.
Fecal Testing
- Detects intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. Zoonotic potential exists.
- Any pet with exposure to other animals carries potential risk of exposure. Risk increases with contact with fecal matter and soil - including house plants.
Additional Wellness Services
- Annual nose-to-tail physical exam to evaluate overall health, behavior, nutrition, dental health and body condition.
- Wellness bloodwork (CBC, chemistry) for early disease detection and baseline health metrics.
- Blood screening is often required for monitoring patients receiving chronic medications.
Senior Dog Wellness (7+ years)
Core & Lifestyle Vaccines
- Continue DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella as recommended by your veterinarian. See recommendations for adult dogs for more information on these vaccines and why they are recommended.
Parasite Testing & Prevention
- Continue heartworm, flea, and tick prevention year-round.
- Annual fecal testing for intestinal parasites.
- Annual heartworm and tick screening to asses tick exposure and monitor safety with preventative medications.
Additional Wellness Services
- Comprehensive nose-to-tail physical exam annually. Senior pets may receive more attention to areas such as the rectum/prostate, eyes, and urinary tract.
- Wellness bloodwork (CBC, chemistry) for organ function and early disease detection. Thyroid screening is typically recommended for senior pets.
- Annual urinalysis to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract disease. Urinalysis is a much more sensitive way to detect changes with the kidneys in earlier stages of disease compared to blood testing.
Kitten Wellness (0–1 year)
Core Vaccines
FVRCP
- What it protects against: The FVRCP vaccine safeguards cats against three highly contagious and potentially life-threatening viral diseases:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): Caused by feline herpesvirus type-1, this disease affects the upper respiratory system, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, eye inflammation, and fever. Once infected, cats may carry the virus for life and experience flare-ups during times of stress.
- Calicivirus (C): Causes oral ulcers, sneezing, fever, and joint pain. Some strains can lead to pneumonia or severe systemic illness. The virus spreads easily in multi-cat environments and can survive on surfaces for days.
- Panleukopenia (P): Also known as feline distemper, this virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestines, bone marrow, and immune system. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and can be fatal—especially in kittens.
- Why it is important: These viruses are widespread in the environment and easily transmitted through direct contact, shared bowls, litter boxes, or contaminated surfaces. Vaccination provides strong protection, dramatically reducing illness severity and spread—especially in shelters, boarding facilities, and multi-cat homes.
- Risk factors: All cats are at risk, even those living exclusively indoors, as these viruses can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or other pets. Kittens and unvaccinated adult cats are most vulnerable to severe or fatal disease.
Rabies
- What it protects against: Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals, including cats, dogs, wildlife, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. The virus spreads primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as it is transmitted through saliva.
- Why it is important:
- Rabies poses a serious public health concern because it is zoonotic—meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Vaccinating pets creates a vital barrier between wildlife and people, preventing potential outbreaks and protecting your family and community.
- In cats, rabies infection can cause sudden behavioral changes, aggression, excessive drooling, paralysis, and seizures before leading to death. There is no cure once infection occurs.
- Because of its risk to both animal and human life, rabies vaccination is required by law in most states and municipalities, regardless of whether a cat lives indoors or outdoors.
- Risk factors: Any cat, even one that remains indoors, is at risk of exposure if a bat or other wild animal enters the home. Outdoor cats and those that interact with other animals are at even greater risk. Regular vaccination ensures compliance with legal requirements and protects your cat, household, and community from this fatal disease.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- What it protects against: The FeLV vaccine helps prevent infection with the Feline Leukemia Virus, a contagious and serious viral disease that weakens a cat’s immune system. Once infected, a cat’s ability to fight off everyday infections and diseases is greatly reduced. Over time, FeLV can lead to chronic illnesses such as anemia, immune suppression, and certain types of cancer, including lymphoma.
- Why it is important:
- FeLV is one of the leading infectious causes of illness and early death in cats worldwide. There is no cure once infection occurs, so prevention through vaccination and testing is the best protection.
- Vaccination not only helps protect individual cats but also reduces the spread of this virus within the cat population—especially important in homes, shelters, and communities where cats interact closely.
- The FeLV vaccine is strongly recommended for kittens (since they are more susceptible to infection) and for adult cats that go outdoors or live in multi-cat households.
- How it spreads: FeLV is transmitted primarily through close, friendly contact with infected cats—such as grooming, sharing food or water bowls, or mutual licking. It can also spread through bites, from mother to kitten during nursing, or through shared litter boxes. The virus does not survive long outside the body, but prolonged contact with an infected cat greatly increases risk.
- Risk factors: Cats that spend time outdoors, live with other cats of unknown FeLV status, or are newly adopted from shelters or rescues are at higher risk. Even indoor cats can be exposed if they live with FeLV-positive cats. Annual testing and vaccination of at-risk cats are essential to maintaining a healthy feline household.
Parasite Testing & Prevention
- Fecal testing for intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giardia).
- Monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention to reduce disease risk.
Wellness Exams & Bloodwork
- Comprehensive physical exam to assess growth, nutrition, and overall health.
- Baseline bloodwork (CBC, chemistry) to detect early or congenital conditions.
- FeLV/FIV testing for all kittens for early identification of infection.
Adult Cat Wellness (1–11 years)
Core Vaccines
FVRCP
- What it protects against: The FVRCP vaccine safeguards cats against three highly contagious and potentially life-threatening viral diseases:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): Caused by feline herpesvirus type-1, this disease affects the upper respiratory system, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, eye inflammation, and fever. Once infected, cats may carry the virus for life and experience flare-ups during times of stress.
- Calicivirus (C): Causes oral ulcers, sneezing, fever, and joint pain. Some strains can lead to pneumonia or severe systemic illness. The virus spreads easily in multi-cat environments and can survive on surfaces for days.
- Panleukopenia (P): Also known as feline distemper, this virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestines, bone marrow, and immune system. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and can be fatal—especially in kittens.
- Why it is important: These viruses are widespread in the environment and easily transmitted through direct contact, shared bowls, litter boxes, or contaminated surfaces. Vaccination provides strong protection, dramatically reducing illness severity and spread—especially in shelters, boarding facilities, and multi-cat homes.
- Risk factors: All cats are at risk, even those living exclusively indoors, as these viruses can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or other pets. Kittens and unvaccinated adult cats are most vulnerable to severe or fatal disease.
Rabies
- What it protects against: Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals, including cats, dogs, wildlife, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. The virus spreads primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as it is transmitted through saliva.
- Why it is important:
- Rabies poses a serious public health concern because it is zoonotic—meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Vaccinating pets creates a vital barrier between wildlife and people, preventing potential outbreaks and protecting your family and community.
- In cats, rabies infection can cause sudden behavioral changes, aggression, excessive drooling, paralysis, and seizures before leading to death. There is no cure once infection occurs.
- Because of its risk to both animal and human life, rabies vaccination is required by law in most states and municipalities, regardless of whether a cat lives indoors or outdoors.
- Risk factors: Any cat, even one that remains indoors, is at risk of exposure if a bat or other wild animal enters the home. Outdoor cats and those that interact with other animals are at even greater risk. Regular vaccination ensures compliance with legal requirements and protects your cat, household, and community from this fatal disease.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- What it protects against: The FeLV vaccine helps prevent infection with the Feline Leukemia Virus, a contagious and serious viral disease that weakens a cat’s immune system. Once infected, a cat’s ability to fight off everyday infections and diseases is greatly reduced. Over time, FeLV can lead to chronic illnesses such as anemia, immune suppression, and certain types of cancer, including lymphoma.
- Why it is important:
- FeLV is one of the leading infectious causes of illness and early death in cats worldwide. There is no cure once infection occurs, so prevention through vaccination and testing is the best protection.
- Vaccination not only helps protect individual cats but also reduces the spread of this virus within the cat population—especially important in homes, shelters, and communities where cats interact closely.
- The FeLV vaccine is strongly recommended for kittens (since they are more susceptible to infection) and for adult cats that go outdoors or live in multi-cat households.
- How it spreads: FeLV is transmitted primarily through close, friendly contact with infected cats—such as grooming, sharing food or water bowls, or mutual licking. It can also spread through bites, from mother to kitten during nursing, or through shared litter boxes. The virus does not survive long outside the body, but prolonged contact with an infected cat greatly increases risk.
- Risk factors: Cats that spend time outdoors, live with other cats of unknown FeLV status, or are newly adopted from shelters or rescues are at higher risk. Even indoor cats can be exposed if they live with FeLV-positive cats. Annual testing and vaccination of at-risk cats are essential to maintaining a healthy feline household.
Parasite Testing & Prevention
- Monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
- Annual fecal testing to detect intestinal parasites.
Additional Wellness Services
- Annual physical exam to evaluate health, nutrition, and behavior.
- Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry) for early detection of illness.
- Dental evaluation to prevent pain, infection, and systemic disease.
Senior Cat Wellness (11+ years)
Core & Lifestyle Vaccines
- Maintain FVRCP, Rabies, and FeLV vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian.
Parasite Testing & Prevention
- Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention year-round.
- Annual fecal testing for intestinal parasites.
Additional Wellness Services
- Comprehensive physical exam annually.
- Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry, thyroid) for early disease detection.
- Annual urinalysis to monitor kidney and urinary tract health.
- Dental evaluation to prevent oral pain and systemic illness.
- Blood pressure monitoring to detect hypertension, which is common in older cats.