The Animal Hospital of North Charleston

Animal Wellness Protocols

Canine and feline care performed at The Animal Hospital of North Charleston is outlined here! General wellness, vaccines, parasite prevention, blood work and dental care explained.

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

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Phone: 843-552-8278

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