Dog & Cat Vaccinations
Vaccines are one of the most straightforward things you can do to protect your pet, and at Graber's we try to keep the conversation just as straightforward. We follow AVMA and OVMA guidelines, but we don't apply them like a checklist. What your dog or cat actually needs depends on their age, health history, lifestyle, and what they're genuinely exposed to. That looks different for a puppy in a Toledo household with young kids than it does for an indoor senior cat. Living in Northwest Ohio comes with some specific considerations worth knowing about. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through water and wildlife contact that's present throughout Ohio. If your dog spends time near standing water, wooded areas, or the Toledo Metroparks, it's a conversation worth having. Lyme disease from ticks is another one that's become more of a concern in our region over the past several years. These aren't vaccines every dog automatically needs, but they're not obscure either. They come up regularly in Toledo-area practices and we'd rather talk through them with you than skip past them. Rabies vaccination is required by law in Ohio for all dogs and cats. Everything else we'll sort through together based on what makes sense for your specific pet. No pressure, no upselling. Just an honest recommendation from a practice that's been doing this in Toledo for over 70 years.
Core & Non-Core Vaccines We Offer
Rabies: Required by Ohio law for all dogs and cats. Protects against a fatal disease that can also affect people.
DHPP (Dogs): The core combination vaccine covering Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Essential for all dogs.
FVRCP (Cats): The core combination vaccine for cats covering Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Bordetella: Kennel cough protection. Commonly required by Toledo-area boarding facilities, groomers, and doggy daycares.
Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs with outdoor exposure, particularly near water or wildlife. Worth discussing if your dog visits the Toledo Metroparks or heads up to Stoneco Park in Michigan.
Lyme: Recommended for dogs with tick exposure. Tick season in Northwest Ohio runs longer than most people expect.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Recommended for cats with any outdoor access or exposure to other cats.
Still Unsure of your Pet's Condition?
If something doesn't feel right, its always better to ask. Our team is here to listen, assess your pets symptoms and guide you on the next best steps. Whether its a sudden change in behavior or a visible injury, we’ll help you decide the appropriate level of care
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