Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Keeping your cat and dog up to date on vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect them from serious and potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines strengthen your pet’s immune system against viruses like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, ensuring they live a long, healthy life.
What are Core & Non-Core Vaccines?
Vaccines are categorized into core and non-core types based on necessity and lifestyle factors. You might also hear our team refer to these as core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines. During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarians will discuss your pet’s lifestyle to assess your pet’s risk factors and recommend a personalized vaccination plan.
When should my pet be vaccinated?
Vaccination schedules vary based on age and medical history. Here’s a general guideline:
- Puppies & Kittens: Start core vaccines at 6-8 weeks old with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
- Adult Pets: Booster shots are needed annually or every three years, depending on the vaccine.
Staying on schedule ensures maximum protection against preventable diseases.
What vaccines do dogs need?
Core Vaccines For Dogs
Rabies: protects your dog against the fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system. Rabies is transmissible to humans and your pet is required by North Carolina law to be up-to-date on this vaccination.
DHPP: a combination vaccine that protects against multiple diseases including Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza.
Bordetella: prevents “kennel cough”. A bacterial infection that causes persistent coughing, common in social dogs.
Non-Core Vaccines For Dogs
Leptospirosis: protects against this bacterial disease that affects the kidneys and liver. Also transmissible to humans.
Lyme: a tick-borne bacterial infection causing joint pain, fever, and fatigue. If you take your pet hiking in the WNC mountains, we'd recommend your pet is vaccinated.
Canine Influenza Virus: protects against dog flu. A contagious respiratory infection that causes coughing, fever, and nasal discharge in dogs.
What vaccines do cats need?
Core Vaccines For Cats
Rabies: legally required by North Carolina, protects your cat against the fatal disease.
FVRCP: also known as feline distemper, a highly contagious and life-threatening disease in cats. A combination vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Non-Core Vaccines For Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus: protects against feline Leukemia. A contagious virus that suppresses the immune system and leads to severe health issues in cats.
