Protection That Starts With a Simple Shot
Vaccinating your pet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep them healthy. Vaccines protect your dog or cat from serious diseases, some of which can be life-threatening or even spread to people. At DOKO Animal Hospital, we make sure your pet gets the right vaccines at the right time, so they’re always covered.
Why Pet Vaccinations Matter
Some pet owners wonder if vaccines are really necessary, especially for indoor pets or pets that seem perfectly healthy. The truth is, many of the diseases vaccines protect against are highly contagious and can be picked up in places you’d least expect — a walk in the park, a visit to the groomer, or even contact with a wild animal in your backyard.
Here’s why staying current on vaccines is so important:
- Vaccines protect your pet from serious and sometimes fatal diseases
- They help stop the spread of illness to other animals and people
- Some vaccines, like rabies, are required by law in South Carolina
- Keeping vaccines up to date is often required for boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare
- Preventative care through vaccination is far less costly than treating a serious illness
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines for Pets
Core vaccines are recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines are given based on your pet’s individual risk factors, such as where they live, how much time they spend outdoors, and whether they interact with other animals.
- Core Vaccines for Dogs: Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis). These four are often given together in a combination vaccine commonly known as the DHPP shot.
- Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs: Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, lyme disease, canine influenza. These are recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk level.
- Core Vaccines for Cats: Rabies and FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). These are recommended for all cats, including indoor-only cats.
- Non-Core Vaccines for Cats: Feline leukemia (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), bordetella. These are given based on your cat’s individual risk.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccination Schedules
Young pets need a series of vaccines in their first few months of life to build up proper protection. This is because the immunity they receive from their mother starts to fade, and their own immune system needs time to develop. Puppies and kittens typically start their vaccine series around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every few weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old. After that, vaccines are updated on a regular schedule throughout their adult life.
If you’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten, book an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can get them started on the right track.
Experience the Doko Difference!
THE BESt
EXPERIENCe
Our team has worked hard to become masters of their fields giving them the experience to handle a multitude of medical procedures.
The Best
Care
DOKO’s abundance of services ensures your pet not only feels good, but looks good too!
The best
equipment
Our facility features brand new top of the line equipment to ensure the best care for our patients.
