Preventive health care including pet vaccinations and parasite prevention from the vets at Providence South Animal Hospital in Waxhaw can help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Pet Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention in Waxhaw
At Providence South Animal Hospital, we consider consistent preventive care to be the key to life-long health for the pets we treat.
Routine exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and good nutrition are essential to ensuring your pet has a long and happy life.
We’ll work with you to create a custom plan for your pet to ensure they get the care they need and deserve.
Request AppointmentPuppy Vaccination Schedule
In the first year of life, puppies need a series of vaccinations to protect them from many dangerous diseases as their immune system develops.
6 to 8 weeks
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
10 to 12 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bortdella (Optional)
- Leptospirosis (Optional)
14 to 16 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Rabies
- Booster: Bortdella (Optional)
- Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
- Spay (female) or Neuter (male)
12 to 16 Months
- Final Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Rabies
- Final Booster: Bortdella (Optional)
- Final Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
Which vaccines should I get for my dog?
Vaccines that are required by state law, or strongly recommended for all dogs fall under the category of Core Vaccines listed below.
Canine Parvovirus
- Canine parvovirus is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be life-threatening. Parvovirus can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. Dogs that are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting the virus. Vaccinating your puppy or dog against parvovirus could save their life.
Distemper
- Canine distemper is a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system, as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eyes. Distemper is spread through contact with the fresh urine of an infected animal. This virus can travel to the brain, causing seizures, shaking and trembling. Protect your dog against distemper by having them vaccinated.
Canine Hepatitis
- Dogs suffering from canine hepatitis experience swelling and cell damage in the liver, which may result in hemorrhage and death. This virus is spread through contact with the feces and urine of infected dogs. Simply by having your dog vaccinated you can protect your dog against canine hepatitis.
Rabies
- In many states, including North Carolina, rabies shots are mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets, without exception.
- Rabies is typically transmitted through a bite from the infected animal and is one of the few diseases that can be transmitted to people from their pets. The rabies virus causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and will gradually infect the entire nervous system of the animal or person causing death.
Boosters for Adult Dogs
Your adult dog needs boosters on the core vaccines every one to three years starting one year after the initial round. The frequency of boosters depends on the specific vaccine used, as well as your dog's lifestyle.
Which vaccines should I get for my cat?
The Core Vaccines for cats listed below are those that are either required by state law, or strongly recommended for all cats, regardless of lifestyle.
Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper or Feline Parvo)
- Panleukopenia is an extremely contagious viral disease that is closely related to the canine parvovirus. Caused by the feline parvovirus this disease is life-threatening to cats. This virus attacks the rapidly dividing blood cells in the body, including the cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, skin or developing fetus. Panleukopenia is spread through the urine, stool, and nasal secretions of infected cats, or from the fleas of an infected cat.
Feline Calicivirus
- Feline calicivirus is a common respiratory disease in cats and kittens. This illness attacks the cat's respiratory tract including the nasal passages and lungs, as well as the mouth, intestines and the cat's musculoskeletal system. This illness is highly contagious in unvaccinated cats, and is often found in multi-cat homes, or shelters. This respiratory illness can be very difficult to get rid of once it has been contracted, and vaccinating your cat against feline calicivirus is strongly recommended.
Feline Herpesvirus Type I (Rhinotracheitis)
- Feline Herpesvirus (also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis -FVR) is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats, as well as inflammation of the tissues surrounding the cat's eyes. Once a cat has been infected with FVR it becomes a carriers of the virus. While most carriers will remain latent for long periods of time, stress and illness may cause the virus to become reactivated and infectious.
Rabies
- In many states, including North Carolina, rabies shots are mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets, without exception.
- Rabies is typically transmitted through a bite from the infected animal and is one of the few diseases that can be transmitted to people from their pets. The rabies virus causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and will gradually infect the entire nervous system of the animal or person causing death.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
During their first year, kittens need several vaccinations to protect them against serious diseases. After that, they will need annual boosters.
6 to 8 weeks
- Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
10 to 12 weeks
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia
14 to 16 Weeks
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia 2
5 to 6 month
Although not vaccinations, spaying or neutering can help protect your cat from a a variety of health problems.
Boosters for Adult Cats
Your adult cat needs boosters of the core vaccines one year following the initial kitten vaccines. After that booster, these vaccines are generally boostered every one to three years.
Fleas
Small, flightless insects, fleas are external parasites that consume the blood of mammals and birds.
Ticks
Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Earmites
Ear mites are arachnids that live in the ear canals of cats, dogs, other small animals and humans.
Heartworm
Heartworm is a small, thread-like parasitic roundworm that is spread through mosquito bites.
Hookworm
Hookworms are blood-feeding, parasitic roundworms that live in the digestive system of dogs and cats.
Roundworm
Roundworms are parasites that live in the intestine and feed off of partially digested intestinal contents.
Tapeworm
Tapeworms are flat, segmented parasitic worms that live in the intestines of some animals.
Whipworm
Whipworm is a parasitic roundworm common in dogs, that gets its name from its whip-like appearance.