Which vaccines does my dog or cat need?

Here is what we recommend (Please note that every veterinarian or clinic may have recommendations different than ours based on their experience and the manufacturer of their products):

It is crucial your pet be dewormed with each vaccine. We do carry combo dewormer at our Community Clinics and will offer it to you with each vaccine. Puppies and kittens are born with intestinal parasites. Due to the mild winters we experience in South Texas, intestinal parasites are common year-round. If intestinal parasites are not treated, this could result in the death of our pet.

Dogs (less than 4 months of age): need three sets of DAPPv (with 2-3 weeks between each vaccine), then on the 4th vaccine, they need DAPPv+L4 (which is given after 4 months of age).

Dogs (over 4 months of age): need DAPPv+L4. If your pet has never been vaccinated, you may return in 2-3 weeks for a DAPPv booster.

Cats (less than 4 months of age that will be strictly indoor): need at least one set of RCP, then in 2-3 weeks after their kitten vaccine, they need HCPCH+FelV.

Cats (less than 4 months of age that will be indoor/ outdoor): need two sets of RCP (with 2-3 weeks between each vaccine), then on the 3rd vaccine, they need HCPCH+FelV (which is given after 4 months of age).

Cats (over 4 months of age): need HCPCH+FelV. If your pet has never been vaccinated, you may return in 2-3 weeks for an RCP booster.

Rabies Vaccine: is a legal requirement for all pets over 4 months of age. Please note that we do not carry this vaccine at our Community Clinics, and it is only available through our Spay/ Neuter Assistance Program. If you like and follow our page on Facebook, we do share when Rabies Vaccine Clinics will be available to the community. If you are following our page, those posts will appear in your feed.

What is RCP or HCPCH+FelV and why is it important for my cat to receive these vaccines?

RCP protects your cat against: Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Calici, and Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper). These viruses can lead to death of your cat, if they were to contract these illnesses. There are no cures for these viruses, so the best course of action is prevention.

HCPCH+FelV: includes protection against all of the above mentioned viruses but gives additional protection for your cat against Chlamydia Psittaci and Feline Leukemia Virus. Texas has one of the highest rates of Feline Leukemia Virus. There is no cure and it is highly contagious. Besides the suffering your cat would endure if they were to contract Feline Leukemia, the cost for regular supportive care can range from $400 per month or more.

What is DAPPv or DAPPv+L4 and why is it important for my dog to receive these vaccines?

DAPPv protects your dog against: Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 1 (Hepatitis), Adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), Canine Distemper, and Parvo Virus. These viruses can lead to the death of your dog, if they were to contract these illnesses. There are no cures for these viruses, so it is best to prevent your pet from contracting these illnesses.

DAPPv+L4: includes protection against all of the above mentioned viruses but gives additional protection for your dog against Leptospirosis 4-Way (a bacterial infection that can also spread to humans). To not only prevent illness for your pet, this vaccine is recommend to prevent illness to you and your family.

What is Bordetella and why is it important for my dog to receive this inoculation?

Bordetella, commonly referred to as kennel cough, is a common upper respiratory disease among dogs. Often times, dogs may have these bacteria in their system but not show any outwards signs or symptoms. This is most especially concerning for dogs that go to grooming, dog parks, or other places where there are multiple dogs. Receiving inoculation for Bordetella is no different than humans getting vaccinated against the flu or Covid. Each situation is different, but if your pet goes to grooming, dog parks, or places where they will come into contact with other dogs, this is highly recommended. An untreated bacterial infection could lead to very serious complications that include death.

How do microchips work and why would my pet need one?

Microchips are inserted underneath your pet’s skin in the shoulder blade area. Each microchip contains a unique number that is registered with a microchip company. We specifically use Home Again because they offer bilingual support services, a tag for your pet’s collar, an ID card for your wallet, and 90 days of premium membership and the microchip is valid for the life of your pet. There is no annual fee for the microchip unless you choose the premium services. Pets can easily lose their collars and tags, but the microchip remains in place under your pet’s skin. If your pet is ever lost, finders/ animal control/ vet clinics/ shelters/ rescues/ pet stores/ grooming salons/ and others can scan your pet for the microchip. If your pet is microchipped, you can be contacted to reunite with your pet. If your pet ever ends up in a shelter, a microchip could mean the difference between life and death for your pet.

Federal law has changed for pets crossing the border to and from Mexico. Pets are now required to be microchipped.

Microchips are not GPS. It is important to notify your microchip company if your address or phone number ever changes.

Why are nail trims so important?

It is important to trim your pet’s nails every 6-8 weeks. Most pets have a dewclaw and if not trimmed properly, it can grow too long and curve back into the skin. If the nail penetrates the skin, it can be painful for your pet to walk, and lead to infection. This could also result in the need for amputation of the toe and/ or part of the foot. The other nails also need to be trimmed. If the nails grow too long, it will change the positioning of your pet’s feet on the ground and cause disruption and discomfort in their posture. This could lead to premature arthritis. If you are unable to trim your pet’s nails, we highly recommend that you bring them to us and let us help you.

Why are ear cleanings important and why must my pet have their hair removed prior to an ear cleaning?

Regular ear cleaning is important to prevent infection in your pet’s ears. Concerns in the ears could also be a result of some other medical concern such as food allergies, ear mites, or even injury. Breeds with long hair on their bodies such as Persian cats, shi tzu, schnauzers, etc… tend to have long hair in their ears. If that hair is left in their ears, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause an infection in your pet’s ears. This is why we must remove hair from certain breeds prior to ear cleaning. We are trained to know the difference between the concerns that can arise in your pet’s ears. If you are unable to clean your pet’s ears yourself, or you have concerns, we recommend that you bring your pet to us for our low-cost services.

Why would my dog need their anal glands expressed?

As pets age, gain weight, become less active, it is much more difficult for them to express their own anal glands. Sometimes pets need manual assistance. If your pet is scooting their bottom across the floor, or they have a foul odor (not gas or poop) coming from their bottom, they may require an anal gland expression to relieve any discomfort they may be experiencing. A few minutes of discomfort from the expression can offer long-lasting relief for your pet afterwards.

Why would my cat need to be tested for AIDS/ Leukemia?

AIDS and Leukemia are highly contagious and have no cure. There is currently no vaccine available for the prevention of AIDS. If you have adopted/ purchased/ rescued a cat, it is important to keep it separate from other pets until you have it tested. You would not want you resident pets to contract AIDS or Leukemia.

Why does my dog need to be tested for Heartworms and tick diseases?

Heartworms is highly contagious, costly to treat, and easily preventable. Untreated heartworms can result in the death of your pet. Any dog, even one on flea and tick prevention, can contract tick disease. It only takes one infected tick to bite your pet and spread the disease. This is why we recommend annual testing. The test checks for Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, and Lyme. Untreated tick disease can lead to the death of your pet. Unfortunately, Lyme can spread from your pet to you and other family members. It is important to get tick diseases treated right away before they cause any long-lasting affects to your pet or spread to you and your other family members.

What are some of the common side effects of microchips?

• Redness, mild swelling, and tenderness at the injection site

• The microchip can shift around under the skin of your pet

What are some common side effects of vaccination?

Some of the most common mild side effects that can be seen after immunization include:

• Redness, mild swelling, and tenderness at the vaccination site

• Decreased activity levels (fatigue)

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever

• Nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, or other respiratory symptoms, which may occur up to 2 to 4 days after an intranasal vaccine (vaccination with drops or sprays via the nostrils) is administered

If any of these signs lasts more than 24 hours or if your pet appears extremely uncomfortable, notify your veterinarian.

It is also common for a pet to develop a small, firm nodule at the vaccination site. It should begin to shrink and vanish within 14 days. If the swelling lasts longer than 3 weeks or appears to get larger or more painful, contact your veterinarian.

Are there other possible side effects of vaccination that I should watch for in my pet?

Other less common but more serious side effects can occur within minutes after vaccination. These reactions are considered to be medical emergencies, and you should seek veterinary care immediately if any of the following occur:

• Collapse or fainting

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent and severe coughing

• Small, red, raised, itchy bumps over the body (hives)

• Swollen or puffy eyes, muzzle, or face

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

Before immunization, tell us if your pet has had any previous vaccine reactions, regardless of how insignificant they may seem. If you have any concerns that your pet may have a serious vaccine reaction, wait at our community clinic for 30 to 60 minutes after vaccination. Our clinic typically closes at 9pm so be sure to arrive to the clinic early to ensure enough time for your wait.

Who should NOT be vaccinated or microchipped during Community Clinics?

• Pets that have had a previous reaction

• Pets that have been sick in the last 30 days

• Pets that may have been exposed to ill pets in the last 30 days

• Pets that are extremely filthy should postpone vaccines and microchips until they are cleaned up to ensure that the injection site does not become infected

• Pets that have severe skin condition in the injection site

• Aggressive pets

Who is responsible for providing aftercare for my pet?

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to keep the injection site clean and dry. Every pet is different, some may bleed more than others. Pets should remain in the vicinity of the Community Clinic until the bleeding has subsided. Early departure is at your own risk. If there is any swelling, you may apply ice or warm compress to the site. It is important that you monitor your pet when applying ice or warm compress. If you choose to relieve any swelling with this method, it is done so at your own risk. Pet Stores such as PetSmart and Petco sell over the counter pain relief that is species specific. Giving over the counter pain medication is done at your own discretion.