Vaccinations
Cats & Dogs Vaccination at Clover Vet
Vaccinations are key to protecting your pet from contagious diseases. At Clover Vet, we adhere to the AAHA guidelines for dog immunizations and stay updated on recommendations to guard against new and emerging diseases, ensuring your pet’s health and safety.
We are proud to announce that all of our cat 1 and 3-year vaccines have been upgraded to Purevax.
Vaccinations for Dogs
We recommend a combination of
core and
non-core vaccines for dogs based on their lifestyle, such as whether they visit dog parks, board, or spend time outdoors. Here’s what we suggest:
Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Dogs)
Rabies: Required by South Carolina law, this vaccine protects against a deadly virus transmissible to humans. Puppies receive their first dose at 12-16 weeks, with boosters every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): This combination vaccine guards against four serious diseases. Puppies get a series of shots every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3 years for adults. Parvovirus is especially common in South Carolina, making this vaccine critical.
Non-Core Vaccines (Lifestyle-Based)
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs that board, attend daycare, or visit dog parks. Administered every 6-12 months.
Lyme Disease: Suggested for dogs in tick-heavy areas of South Carolina. Requires two initial doses, then annual boosters.
Leptospirosis: Now considered a core vaccine in some regions due to its prevalence, this protects against a bacterial disease spread through water or wildlife. Recommended annually for dogs with outdoor exposure.
Vaccinations for Cats
Cats require fewer vaccines than dogs, but protection is just as important, especially for those with outdoor access. We use Purevax vaccines, which are designed for cats, offering advanced protection against major feline diseases without the use of adjuvants - additives that can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Cats)
Rabies: Mandatory in South Carolina, this vaccine is given at 12-16 weeks, with boosters every 1-3 years. We often combine it with other vaccines for fewer injections.
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): This combination vaccine protects against three common feline diseases. Kittens receive a series starting at 6-8 weeks, every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, with boosters every 3 years for low-risk cats. Panleukopenia is highly contagious and often fatal, making this vaccine essential.
Non-Core Vaccines (Lifestyle-Based)
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccination is recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats. They are given as two initial doses, then annually for at-risk cats. We use the Vetjet system for this vaccine to enhance safety and comfort.