Puppy & Kitten Wellness Care in Lenexa, KS
Who does not love seeing healthy, happy puppies and kittens romping and rolling as they explore their new world? At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, we help your new family member start life on the right paw with customized vaccine protocols, parasite prevention, nutrition guidance and gentle, Fear Free care.
Customized Vaccination Protocols
Bring your new puppy or kitten in to see us, and we will design a custom vaccination protocol based on:
- Previous vaccinations
- Medical history and any prior concerns
- Previous vaccine side effects
- Risk of exposure based on lifestyle
- Legal requirements for vaccination
We follow AAHA and AAFP guidelines for vaccination protocols, including the location of injections, and all of our vaccines are thimerosal-free.
What Vaccines Do We Use?
Pet owners sometimes want to know exactly which vaccines we use, including the brand and whether a vaccine is killed or modified live.
Distemper Vaccines for Puppies
- DAPP: Our standard puppy booster. DAPP stands for Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. It is a modified live vaccine made by Nobivac. We recommend puppies receive this booster at 8, 12 and 15 weeks of age.
- Distemper-Parvo: A simpler modified live vaccine made by Nobivac that does not contain Adenovirus or Parainfluenza. This is the vaccine of choice for owners who follow the Dr. Jean Dodds vaccination protocol.
- We do not carry a parvo-only vaccine.
Rabies Vaccines
- Imrab 1: A 1-year rabies vaccine primarily used for a puppy’s first rabies shot.
- Imrab 3: A 3-year rabies vaccine for dogs and cats, although we prefer Purevax for cats when possible. We also use Imrab 3 for ferrets, where it is licensed for 1 year.
- Purevax Rabies 1-year (cats only): Used for a kitten’s first rabies shot.
- Purevax Rabies 3-year (cats only): Our preferred rabies protection for cats. Due to its extensive licensing process, it is one of the more expensive feline vaccines, but we feel strongly that it is the best and safest option. Please call us for pricing or more information.
Feline Vaccines
- FVRCP: We use Purevax Feline 3 RCP, a non-adjuvanted modified live vaccine. Kittens receive a booster every 4 weeks, with the final booster at about 16 weeks of age.
- FeLV: We use Purevax FeLV vaccines for feline leukemia when it is in the best interest of the cat or kitten, such as for outdoor cats.
More Than Vaccines
Your puppy or kitten’s early visits are also the perfect time to set up a lifetime of good health. We will discuss:
- Year-round parasite prevention for fleas, heartworms and intestinal parasites
- Puppy and kitten nutrition and healthy growth
- Microchipping for permanent identification
- Early dental care habits
- The right timing for spay or neuter surgery
- Scratching alternatives for kittens, explained on our declawing page
Our Fear Free trained team uses gentle handling and plenty of treats so your pet learns that vet visits can be a positive experience.
Growing Up With Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center
Once your pet completes the puppy or kitten series, we transition to adult wellness care with annual exams and vaccines or titers as needed, and later to senior wellness care. Learn more about our life stage care and all of our services. New clients can find the forms they need on our forms page.
Puppy & Kitten Care FAQs
When should I bring my new puppy or kitten in?
Schedule a visit soon after bringing your new pet home, ideally around 8 weeks of age or within the first week if your pet is older.
What vaccine schedule do puppies follow?
We generally recommend the DAPP booster at 8, 12 and 15 weeks of age, with rabies vaccination at the appropriate age. Each protocol is customized to your puppy.
What vaccines do kittens need?
Kittens receive FVRCP boosters every 4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age, plus rabies vaccination. FeLV vaccination is recommended for at-risk kittens, such as those going outdoors.
Do you follow the Dr. Jean Dodds vaccination protocol?
Yes. We carry a Distemper-Parvo vaccine for owners who prefer to follow the Dr. Jean Dodds protocol.
Why do you prefer Purevax rabies for cats?
Purevax is a non-adjuvanted vaccine that we believe is the best and safest rabies option for cats.
When should my puppy or kitten be spayed or neutered?
The best timing depends on species, breed, size and lifestyle. We will discuss the right timing for your pet during their wellness visits.
Are your vaccines thimerosal-free?
Yes. All of our vaccines are thimerosal-free.
Schedule Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Visit
Give your new pet a healthy start. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.