Pet Wellness & Care Guide for Dogs & Cats
The Animal Hospital of North Charleston has outlined a general wellness, vaccination schedule, parasite prevention, blood work, and dental care protocol guide for your dog & cat.
Dog Standards of Care
General
- Annual Exam (Twice annual for seniors over the age of 7)
- Spay/Neuter for all non-breeding dogs
- Annual counseling for planned breeding
- Annual diet review + obesity counseling as needed
- Microchipping and obedience training for all
Vaccines
A combination of the following vaccines, based on risk factors established during this exam and AAHA Vaccine Guidelines:
Rabies, as required by law
- Initially at 12+ weeks of age
- 1 year of age
- Every 3 years following the 1 year mark
DHPP (Distemper / Hepatitis / Parainfluenza / Parvovirus)
- Full puppy series (every 3-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age until 16 weeks of age)
- A one-year vaccination at the first annual exam
- An annual or 3-year vaccine thereafter, depending on risk
Bordetella (Injectable or Intra-nasal)
Recommended for all but the most reclusive of dogs; dogs that have any exposure to other dogs (either boarding, grooming, dog parks or neighborhood walks) should be vaccinated. Some kennels require this every 6 months.
Not recommended vaccines include
Giardia, Lyme, Influenza, Rattlesnake, Coronavirus.
Parasites
- Annual fecal exam
- Annual deworming
- Annual heartworm check
- Year round heartworm prevention
- Year round flea & tick prevention
Annual Bloodwork Screening
- Basic for puppies and young adults
- More comprehensive panel for dogs & cats that are 7 years or older
Dental
- Brush teeth with dog toothpaste
- Dental health treats
- Dental cleanings ideally every year, but especially when tartar present.
Cat Standards of Care
General
- Annual Exam
- Spay/Neuter for all non-breeding animals
- Annual diet review + obesity counseling as needed
- Microchipping and obedience training for all
Vaccines
A combination of the following vaccines, based on risk factors established during this exam and AAHA Vaccine Guidelines:
Rabies, as required by law
- Initially at 12+ weeks of age
- 1 year of age
- Every 3 years following the 1 year mark
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis / Caliciviruses / Panleukopenia)
Full kitten series (every 3-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age until 16 weeks of age)
- A one-year vaccination at the first annual exam
- An annual or 3-year vaccine thereafter, depending on risk
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
Full kitten series (2 vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart between the ages of 8 + 16 weeks)
- Annual vaccination until 2 years of age
- Annual testing and re-vaccination for life of at-risk cats
Vaccines not generally recommended: FIV, Giardia, Corona/FIP, Bortadella
Parasites
- Annual fecal exam
- Annual deworming
- Heartworm screening every year
- Year round heartworm prevention
- Year round flea prevention
- Tick prevention for at risk cats
Annual Bloodwork Screening:
- Basic for kittens and young adults
- More comprehensive panel for seniors that are 7 years and older
- Annual FIV/FeLV testing for at risk cats (Semi annual senior panels for cats over 7 years)
Dental
- Brush teeth
- Dental health treats
- Dental cleanings ideally every year, but especially when tartar present
