The Animal Hospital of North Charleston

Wellness Protocols at The Animal Hospital of North Charleston

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

Join the The Animal Hospital of North Charleston Family Today!

Phone: 843-552-8278

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