The Importance of Cat & Dog Vaccinations in Charleston, SC

two vets performing exam on brown and white dog

We highly recommend cat and dog vaccinations in Charleston, SC because they offer valuable protection against many dangerous, potentially lethal diseases. A variety of animal diseases have been greatly minimized over the years thanks to pet vaccines! However, rabies is still prevalent among wildlife and a real risk for pets as well as humans. That’s why annual vaccination against rabies is required by law here in our state.

At West Ashley Veterinary Clinic, we work to give our patients the fullest protection with core vaccines, and we can provide additional protection with lifestyle-based vaccines as needed.

Strengthen your pet’s disease immunity with vaccines. Contact us today for an appointment!

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Our Core Vaccines for Dogs & Cats

Our Core Vaccines for Dogs & Cats

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommend certain vaccines for all dogs and cats to protect against highly prevalent, life-threatening diseases. These vaccines are known as “core” vaccines, and include the following:

Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs & Cats

Our animal hospital in Charleston, SC also carries a range of non-core, or lifestyle-based, vaccines for dogs and cats. During your pet’s exam, we’ll ask questions about your pet’s life and health history to determine whether they require any lifestyle-based vaccines:

  • Does your pet stay indoors, outdoors, or divide time between the two?

  • Do you have other pets in your home? If so, what kind of animals are they?

  • Do you travel to other parts of the country with your pet? If so, where?

  • Do you board your pet or frequent dog parks, daycares, or beaches?

Depending on the information you provide, we may recommend vaccines such as Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, Lyme disease, or the rattlesnake vaccine. Cats that go outside may need the feline Leukemia vaccine.

Get Started with Your Puppy or Kitten’s Vaccination Series

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations early in life to build up their disease immunity. When puppies and kittens are weaned from their mothers, they gradually lose the protective antibodies they gained from nursing, leaving them vulnerable to harmful viruses.

Black White Puppy posting in front of flower bush

West Ashley Veterinary Clinic can help your new puppy or kitten get started with their protection by providing the vaccines they need to grow up healthy. Contact us at (843) 571-7095 or request an appointment today!

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Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Protocols

While every pet is a unique individual, we do have standardized vaccine recommendations for puppies and kittens as they start their life with you.

Two Kittens In Gray Blanket

How Safe are Vaccines for Puppies & Kittens?

West Ashley Veterinary Clinic uses the highest-quality vaccines and follows strict guidelines to keep your pet safe through every immunization they receive. We also use Fear Free techniques to make the experience as low-stress as possible. Our cat and dog vaccines are extremely safe, with minimal to no adverse reactions reported in our patients. Regardless, there are still potential side effects, including:

  • Reduced appetite or loss of appetite for 1-2 meals
  • Soreness at the injection site
  • Lethargy
  • Reluctance to move around
  • Mild fever

If your pet experiences a more severe reaction such as vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, or itchy, bumpy skin, call us immediately at (843) 571-7095.