Dog & Cat Vaccinations for Tampa Bay Areas

Protecting Dogs and Cats with Preventive Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of preventive veterinary care. At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we provide customized vaccination programs for puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats based on lifestyle, age, and risk factors.

Dog Vaccinations

Dr. Highbrown's dog representing dog and puppy vaccine information for Paws Bay Animal Hospital Oldsmar Tampa, FL

Rabies (Required by Law)

  • 100% Fatal viral disease affecting the brain and nervous system

  • Transmitted via bite from infected mammal

  • Vaccination: Required by state law for all dogs. After 12 weeks of age, 1 year vaccine then every 3 years or per local laws.

  • Zoonotic - fatal in humans

Canine Distemper, Adenovirus & Parvovirus (DHPP)

This combination vaccine protects against three life-threatening diseases:

Canine Distemper

  • Affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems

  • Highly contagious via airborne droplets

  • Often fatal

  • Vaccination: Core vaccine for all dogs

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus-1)

  • Damages liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs

  • Spread through urine, saliva, and feces

  • Vaccination: Included in core DHPP vaccine

Canine Parvovirus

  • Causes severe gastrointestinal disease, especially in puppies

  • Extremely contagious and environmentally resistant

  • Vaccination: Included in core DHPP vaccine

DHPP Schedule:
Start at 6–8 weeks, booster every 3–4 weeks until over 16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 2–3 years per AAHA guidelines.

Lyme Disease

  • Tick-borne bacterial disease affecting joints, kidneys and other organs

  • Prevention: Annual vaccination + tick control

  • Recommended for dogs in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent including Tampa, FL and surrounding areas

  • Vaccination: Booster initial 3-4 weeks then yearly

Bordetella & Canine Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough)

  • Causes infectious tracheobronchitis

  • Highly contagious in group settings

  • Recommended for dogs who board, groom, attend daycare, training, or dog parks

  • Vaccination: Given annually (often intranasal/oral)

Leptospirosis (AAHA Core Vaccine)

  • Bacterial disease affecting kidneys and liver

  • Spread through contaminated urine or water (hurricane areas high risk)

  • Zoonotic (can infect humans)

  • Vaccination: Booster initial 3-4 weeks then yearly

  • Required for health certificates for sale of dogs over 12 weeks

Canine Influenza (H3N8 & H3N2)

  • Causes respiratory illness; can progress to pneumonia

  • Highly contagious in social dogs

  • Recommended for dogs who travel, board, attend events, or group activities

  • Vaccination: Booster initial 3-4 weeks then yearly

Cat Vaccinations

Dr. HIghbrown's cat representing cat and kitten vaccination information for Paws Bay Animal Hospital Oldsmar Tampa, FL

Rabies (Required by Law)

  • Cats are the most commonly reported rabid domestic animal

  • 100% fatal in mammals including humans

  • Vaccination required by state law for all cats. After 12 weeks of age, 1 year vaccine then every 3 years or per local laws.

FVRCP (Core Vaccine for Cats)

Protects against:

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus)

  • Major cause of upper respiratory infections

  • Often recurrent

Feline Calicivirus

  • Causes oral ulcers and respiratory disease

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

  • Highly contagious and often fatal, especially in kittens

Schedule:
Begin at 6–8 weeks, booster every 3–4 weeks until over 16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 2–3 years.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

  • Causes immune suppression, anemia, and cancer

  • Spread through saliva and close contact

  • Testing recommended before vaccination

  • Vaccination: Recommended for all kittens and high-risk adult cats

Frequently asked questions about vaccinations

What vaccines does my dog need?

Core vaccines typically include rabies and distemper/parvovirus protection with AVMA recently adding leptospirosis as core and most breeders, rescues, boarding, grooming, etc also requiring Bordetella. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors.

What vaccines does my cat need?

Core vaccines generally include rabies and feline distemper (FVRCP). Additional vaccines may be recommended depending on your cat's lifestyle.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are carefully tested and monitored for safety. Most pets experience no significant side effects beyond mild soreness or temporary fatigue. Monitor your pet closely for 24 to 48 hours following any vaccination. While most pets only experience mild, temporary side effects, serious and life-threatening allergic reactions can occur quickly as they are meant to stimilute the immune system.

We follow AAHA guidelines, use high-quality vaccines, and tailor protocols to minimize risk while maximizing protection.

Are vaccines really necessary for indoor pets?

Yes. Many diseases are airborne, carried on clothing, or transmitted through unexpected exposure. Rabies vaccination is also legally required.

Why do puppies and kittens need multiple boosters?

Young pets have maternal antibodies that interfere with early vaccine effectiveness to produce long term memory immune cells. Boosters protect puppies during this period with the final booster done ensure long-term immunity when the puppy has a mature immune system of it's own.

Paws Bay Animal Hospital

Serving Oldsmar • Westchase • Town ‘n’ Country • Citrus Park • Upper Tampa Bay • and more...

Address

8983 Racetrack Rd

33635 Tampa

(Next to Publix)

Opening Hours

Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:30am - 6pm

Thurs: 9am-4pm