Keeping your dog or cat healthy starts with proper vaccinations. At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, we provide comprehensive vaccination services to protect your pet from serious diseases while building the foundation for a long, healthy life together.
Our veterinary team understands that vaccinations can feel overwhelming, especially for new pet owners. We take the time to explain which vaccines your pet needs, when they need them, and why each one matters. As locally-owned veterinarians who’ve been serving Central Oregon for years, Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer believe in creating personal relationships with every pet family who walks through our doors. Learn more about our comprehensive veterinary services and how we can support your pet’s health journey.
Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats in Bend
Every dog and cat needs protection from certain diseases that are common in Oregon. We call these core vaccines because they’re essential for all pets, regardless of their lifestyle.
For Dogs
Your dog’s core vaccination schedule includes protection against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and rabies. Distemper and parvovirus can be deadly, especially in puppies. Parvovirus spreads easily through contaminated soil and can survive in the environment for months. In Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle, where dogs love hiking trails and exploring parks, these vaccines become even more important.
For Cats
Cats need vaccines against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies. Even indoor cats require these protections because some diseases can be carried into your home on clothing or shoes. Panleukopenia, often called feline distemper, spreads rapidly and can be fatal without proper vaccination.
When Your Pet Needs Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens need their first vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old. Adult pets typically need annual boosters, though some vaccines provide protection for longer periods.
We customize every vaccination schedule based on your pet’s:
- Age
- Health status
- Lifestyle
A dog who spends time at dog parks or boarding facilities might need additional vaccines compared to a cat who stays indoors. During your visit, we’ll discuss your pet’s routine and recommend the best protection plan.
If you’re bringing home a newly adopted pet, we offer free adoption exams for animals adopted from local rescue organizations. This wellness exam helps us understand your new companion’s health status and create the right vaccination timeline. New to our practice? Complete your new client paperwork before your first visit to streamline the process.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Vaccination Visit
Your pet’s vaccination appointment includes more than just shots. We perform a complete nose-to-tail examination to check your pet’s overall health. This comprehensive approach helps us catch potential problems early and ensures your pet is healthy enough to receive vaccines.
During the exam, we listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, check their ears and eyes, examine their teeth and gums, and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. We also discuss your pet’s diet, exercise routine, and any behavioral concerns you might have.
Most pets tolerate vaccines well, but we monitor every animal for any signs of discomfort. If your pet seems nervous, we use calming techniques like pheromone diffusers in our exam rooms and take extra time to help them feel comfortable. Our goal is making every visit as stress-free as possible. You can learn more about our team’s approach to compassionate veterinary care.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Active Bend Pets
Beyond core vaccines, some pets benefit from additional protection based on their activities. Bend’s outdoor culture means many pets enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring areas where they might encounter wildlife or other animals.
Dogs
Dogs who frequent trails, dog parks, or boarding facilities often benefit from vaccines against Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and possibly influenza. Leptospirosis can be found in water sources throughout Oregon and poses risks to both pets and humans.
Cats
Cats who spend time outdoors might need protection against feline leukemia virus. This vaccine is particularly important for cats who interact with other outdoor cats in the neighborhood.
Making Vaccinations Affordable For Your Pet
We know veterinary care represents a significant investment in your pet’s health. That’s why we accept Care Credit and Scratch Pay to help spread costs over time. These financing options let you provide necessary care without waiting or compromising your pet’s health.
We also provide transparent pricing so you can plan for your pet’s healthcare needs. Vaccination costs vary depending on which vaccines your pet needs, but we’ll always discuss pricing before proceeding with any treatments.
Dog and Cat Vaccination Safety and Side Effects
Most pets experience no side effects from vaccinations. Some might feel slightly tired or have minor soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Serious reactions are rare, but we monitor every patient carefully.
We schedule vaccination appointments during regular business hours so we can observe your pet after their shots. If you have concerns about your pet’s reaction to vaccines, we encourage you to call us. As part of our commitment to personalized care, we’re always available during business hours to address your questions.
Creating a Long-Term Health Plan
Vaccinations are just one part of keeping your pet healthy throughout their life. We work with every family to create a comprehensive wellness plan that includes regular exams, dental care, parasite prevention, and nutrition counseling.
Our approach focuses on prevention rather than just treating problems after they develop. Regular vaccination visits give us opportunities to catch health issues early when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. For ongoing medication needs, our online pharmacy makes it convenient to refill prescriptions and order preventive treatments.
Protecting Bend’s Pet Community
When we vaccinate your pet, we’re also protecting the entire Central Oregon pet community. Vaccines work best when most animals in an area are protected. This community immunity helps protect puppies and kittens who are too young for vaccines, elderly pets whose immune systems might be weakened, and pets who can’t be vaccinated due to health conditions.
Schedule Your Pet's Vaccination Appointment Today!
Ready to protect your dog or cat with proper vaccinations? Our team at Pawtown Veterinary Care is here to answer your questions and create the right vaccination schedule for your pet’s needs. We believe in taking the time to explain every aspect of your pet’s care so you can make informed decisions.
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your family or maintaining your adult pet’s vaccination schedule, we’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. Request an appointment today to discuss your pet’s vaccination needs.