Vaccinations are the best way to protect your pet from common diseases.
These potentially life-threatening diseases can spread between pets and also their people.
At Shiland Animal Hospital, we believe that prevention is always the best medicine. By vaccinating your pets, you’re protecting them and the broader pet community. Our team will make sure your furry friend is up-to-date on their pet vaccines, keeping them healthy and protected.
Vaccinations for Dogs
Dog vaccines protect against highly contagious and dangerous diseases. Shiland Animal Hospital offers both core and non-core vaccines based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health history. Core vaccines include Rabies and the DAPP/DHPP vaccination, which includes distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. These vaccines are recommended for all dogs, regardless of external factors.
For dogs with particular lifestyles, such as those who frequently visit dog parks, board at kennels, or are exposed to other dogs regularly, our veterinarians may recommend additional non-core dog vaccinations like Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza. These dog shots protect your pup from illnesses they might encounter in social settings. Our veterinary team will work with you to determine the correct vaccine plan for your canine companion.
Vaccinations for Cats
Like dogs, cats need vaccines to protect them from dangerous diseases. The core vaccines for cats include Rabies and the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. These diseases can be fatal, and vaccinating your cat is the best way to prevent them. Even indoor cats should receive core cat vaccines, as some diseases can be transmitted by humans bringing pathogens or contaminated objects into the home.
For cats that spend time outdoors or in multi-cat households, non-core vaccines such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Bordetella (kennel cough), and Chlamydophila felis may be recommended. These diseases are spread through contact with other cats, and while not every cat needs this vaccine, it’s a smart step for those at higher risk. Our veterinary team will help you decide which cat shots are necessary based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Vaccine Schedules for Puppies and Kittens
Puppy and kitten vaccines build your small fur baby’s immunity and protect them from preventable diseases.
We typically begin their vaccine series at around 8 weeks of age, with several boosters needed over the next few months for full protection. Puppies and kittens will need boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they reach about 16 weeks of age.
It’s important to stay on track with these booster appointments. If you happen to miss one, please call us right away so we can get your pet back on schedule. Waiting too long between boosters can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine series, and, in some cases, we may need to restart the series. Our team will do everything we can to help make sure your pet stays protected, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your kitten’s or puppy’s vaccination schedule.
Getting Pet Shots: Vaccine Safety at the Vet
Vaccines work by stimulating your pet’s immune system to produce antibodies that protect against specific diseases. When your pet is exposed to the actual disease, their immune system is ready to fight it off, greatly reducing the severity of symptoms or even preventing the illness altogether.
At Shiland Animal Hospital, we take vaccine science and safety seriously. Our team uses only high-quality pet vaccines that are proven to be both safe and effective. While some pets may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or slight lethargy for a day or two, serious reactions are rare. If your pet has had a reaction to a shot in the past, let us know so we can adjust their vaccine protocol. We are here to make the vaccination process as safe and comfortable as possible for your pet.
Our shots help keep your pet shielded from deadly disease.
Vaccinating your pet is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health. At Shiland Animal Hospital, we are committed to making sure your pets receive the right vaccines at the right time, keeping them safe from preventable diseases. If your pet is due for their annual vaccines or just starting their vaccination journey, schedule their pet vaccine appointment. We have same-day and walk-ins available 6 days a week—give us a call! Build your four-legged friend’s immunity with our experts.
Shiland Animal Hospital provides vaccines for cats and dogs in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Lancaster, Chester, Indian Land, York County, and Lancaster County, SC, as well as Pineville, NC and the greater Charlotte, NC area.
