Vaccinations Save Lives: Why Routine Pet Vaccines Matter More Than Ever
Every pet has a story — from the rescued barn cat who now rules the couch, to the backyard-loving lab who greets every neighbor with a wag. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we’ve had the honor of knowing thousands of those stories. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the healthiest pets tend to have one thing in common: they’re protected with the right vaccines at the right time.
Vaccines aren’t just a checklist. They’re a quiet, powerful form of love. And when done thoughtfully, they help your pet live longer, safer, and with fewer surprises.
Why Vaccinate?
Vaccinations help your pet’s immune system build protection against viruses and bacteria they may encounter in the real world. Some diseases are deadly. Some are contagious. Some are zoonotic — meaning they can even spread to humans. But here’s the most important thing: almost all of them are preventable.
What Vaccines Does My Pet Actually Need?
Not every pet needs every vaccine. That’s why we’ve created an entire blog series to help you make informed choices — guided by your pet’s lifestyle, risk, and local disease trends. Here’s a quick breakdown of where each vaccine fits in:
Core Vaccines for Dogs (Recommended for ALL dogs in our area)
- Rabies: Fatal, zoonotic, and required by law in Iowa (and for cats in Dubuque)
- Distemper Combo (DHPP): Covers distemper virus, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza
- Leptospirosis: Spread through urine (especially from rodents); can cause kidney failure
- Lyme Disease: 86.7% of local ticks carry Lyme — and Dubuque is a hotspot
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Considered core in our area due to local risk from dog parks, grooming, daycare, and boarding
Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs (Recommended based on lifestyle)
- Canine Influenza: For dogs traveling, especially through airports or big cities like Chicago
Core Vaccines for Cats (Recommended for ALL cats)
- Rabies: Required by law in Dubuque; protects cats and their humans
- Distemper Combo (FVRCP): Covers panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats (Recommended based on risk)
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Recommended for all kittens and any cat with outdoor access
- FIV Vaccine: Not routinely recommended due to low efficacy and testing confusion
- FIP Vaccine: Still on the market, but proven to be ineffective — not recommended
Our Promise: Vaccines Done Thoughtfully
At PetMed of Key West, we don’t over-vaccinate. We don’t recommend what you don’t need. We work with trusted vaccine manufacturers — and in rare breakthrough cases (like Lyme), we advocate for you to help with the cost of treatment. Most importantly, we create a custom vaccination plan based on your pet’s:
- Age
- Environment
- Travel habits
- Exposure risk
- Medical history
And we re-evaluate that plan every year.
Prevention Is Powerful — and Personal
We’ve seen the difference vaccines make. We’ve treated the dogs who weren’t vaccinated and got sick… and the ones who were vaccinated and never skipped a beat.
We’ve cried with families who lost pets to preventable illness — and we’ve celebrated the seniors who made it to 15 with strong immunity and wagging tails. Let us help your pet write a long, healthy story.
Ready to Update or Review Your Pet’s Vaccines?
If you’re not sure whether your pet is up to date, or just want to talk through your options, give us a call at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque. We’ll help you build a smart, customized vaccine plan that fits your pet — not just the calendar. Because a healthy life isn’t just a lucky one — it’s a protected one.