Critical Pet Vaccinations in North Charleston
An important part of your pet’s wellness visit is the administration of vaccines. Pet vaccinations protect North Charleston animals and residents from dangerous and potentially deadly diseases. Some of these are highly contagious and can be passed from animal to human, like rabies. It’s important to get proper vaccinations that give your pet optimal protection for their lifestyle at designated times. Puppies and kittens receive antibodies from their mother’s milk, but get less protection as they’re weaned. Call us at (843) 553-0441 to get started.
At Northwoods Veterinary Clinic, we tailor our vaccination protocols to each patient’s lifestyle, but we also follow the feline vaccination protocol developed by the AAFP and the canine vaccination protocol developed by AAHA. Our vaccination/wellness protocols include:
Dogs:
- DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) vaccine every 3-4 weeks from 6-8 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Leptospirosis can be added, depending on exposure risk.
- Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and yearly thereafter. The three-year vaccine is also available.
- DHPP or DHLPP vaccine at 1 year of age and every 3 years thereafter.
- Optional Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, based on exposure risk. Given every 6-12 months depending on boarding facility requirements.
- Lyme and influenza vaccines available, but not routinely given, and administered if animal is deemed to be high risk.
Cats:
- FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) vaccine every 3-4 weeks from 8 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age.
- Rabies at 16 weeks of age and yearly thereafter.
- FELV (feline leukemia virus) vaccine given twice, 3-4 weeks apart, between 8 and 16 weeks of age, if kitten will be going outdoors.
- FVRCP vaccine given at 1 year of age and every 3 years thereafter. Annual FELV vaccinations (outdoor cats only).
Because we don’t want to vaccinate your pet more than necessary, some vaccinations are lifestyle dependent. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection dogs can get in moist climates from standing water. We’ll assess whether this vaccination is good for your dog when we talk about their daily and travel activities. Feline leukemia is only necessary if your cat goes outdoors. Vaccination from Bordetella, kennel cough, can sometimes be helpful to both cats and dogs. Please contact us with any questions about pet vaccinations. We care about the pets of North Charleston and surrounding regions.
Dr. J. is the best vet that I know of. The crew is awesome.
-Wanda B.