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 your pet. Please let us know if your pet is pregnant or nursing so that we can ensure to use the appropriate products for nursing or pregnant pets.

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. Please let us know if your pet is pregnant so that we can coordinate the leptospirosis booster for after the birth.

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. Many veterinarians recommend 3 sets of RCP, if you would like all 3 RCP boosters, we are more than happy to accommodate this request.

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). Many veterinarians recommend 3 sets of RCP, if you would like all 3 RCP boosters, we are more than happy to accommodate this request.

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 the 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.

Please let us know if your pet is pregnant so that we can coordinate the leptospirosis booster for after the birth.

What is IntraTrac3 (generically referred to as 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. IntraTrac3 also protects against parainfluenza and adenovirus.

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.

What is Panleukopenia and when does my cat need this test?

Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or cat parvo, is a highly contagious and often deadly viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. This virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a cat’s body, especially in the bone marrow and intestines, which leads to a severe drop in white blood cells and makes it very difficult for the body to fight off infection. It is most commonly seen in kittens and unvaccinated cats, but any cat can be affected if they are not properly protected.

Cats with panleukopenia can become very sick very quickly. Symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), loss of appetite, fever, extreme lethargy, and dehydration. Because the immune system is weakened, secondary infections can also occur. The virus is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for long periods, making it easy to spread through contaminated surfaces, food bowls, litter boxes, or even on clothing and shoes.

Testing for panleukopenia is not routinely done in healthy cats but is strongly recommended if your cat is showing signs of illness—especially vomiting, diarrhea, or sudden weakness. Kittens, recently adopted cats, or cats from shelters or multi-cat environments are at higher risk and should be tested promptly if symptoms appear. Early diagnosis is critical because the disease can progress rapidly, and supportive care must begin as soon as possible to improve survival chances.

The best protection against panleukopenia is vaccination. This disease is included in standard core vaccines such as RCP or HCPCH, which are commonly offered at community clinics. Keeping your cat up to date on vaccines, practicing good hygiene, and limiting exposure to unknown or unvaccinated animals are key steps in prevention.

What is Toxoplasmosis and when should I test my cat for it?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats can become infected by hunting and eating infected prey (like rodents or birds) or through contaminated environments, and they may shed the parasite in their feces for a short period of time. Most cats show no symptoms, but in some cases—especially in kittens or cats with weakened immune systems—it can cause signs such as lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, breathing issues, or eye inflammation.

You should consider testing your cat for toxoplasmosis if they are showing symptoms consistent with infection, if they have a weakened immune system, or if there has been known exposure (such as hunting or living in high-risk environments). Testing may also be recommended in certain households, such as when someone is pregnant or immunocompromised, to better understand potential risk.

What is Feline Covid and when should I test my cat for it?

Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) is a common virus in cats that primarily affects the intestinal tract. Many cats—especially those in multi-cat environments—are exposed at some point in their lives. Most infected cats show no symptoms or may only have mild, temporary diarrhea. However, in rare cases, the virus can mutate into a serious and often fatal disease called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

You should consider testing your cat for FCoV if they have ongoing gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, live in a multi-cat household or shelter environment, or if your veterinarian is trying to rule out possible causes of illness. Testing may also be recommended if a cat is showing symptoms that could be associated with FIP—such as persistent fever, weight loss, lethargy, or fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest.

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 effects to your pet or spread to you and your other family members.

How does Heartworm effect cats and when should I test my cat for Heartworms?

Heartworm disease in cats is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by a parasite that is spread through mosquito bites. Even indoor cats are at risk, and it only takes a single bite for infection to occur. Cats may be at even greater risk if there are heartworm-positive dogs in the home, as this indicates that infected mosquitoes are present in the environment. Unlike dogs, cats typically have only a few worms, but even immature worms can cause significant damage to the lungs and lead to a condition known as Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). In some cases, the first sign of infection may be sudden collapse or death. Symptoms in cats can be subtle and are often mistaken for other illnesses. These may include coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, or weight loss, which can make heartworm disease difficult to recognize early.

Testing in cats is more complex than in dogs and may require a combination of bloodwork and imaging. We can offer heartworm antigen testing for cats; however, it’s important to understand its limitations. This test typically only shows positive if the cat is carrying adult female heartworms. Since most cats are infected with one or two male worms, many infected cats may test negative. Even if your cat tests negative, additional bloodwork and imaging may still be needed to help rule out heartworms. A positive result is typically accurate. You should consider testing your cat if they are showing respiratory symptoms, unexplained vomiting, or lethargy, if there has been known exposure to mosquitoes, or if there are heartworm-positive dogs in the home. There is no approved treatment to kill adult heartworms in cats, which makes prevention essential. Monthly preventatives are the safest and most effective way to protect your cat—especially in areas like South Texas, where mosquitoes are present year-round.

What is Canine Distemper and when should I test my dog for it?

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is caused by a virus similar to measles in humans and is spread through the air (such as coughing or sneezing) or through contact with contaminated surfaces, food bowls, or infected animals. Early signs can include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, while more advanced cases may lead to neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or difficulty walking. Distemper is a very serious condition with no specific cure, so treatment focuses on supportive care, and prevention through vaccination is critical.

You should consider testing your dog for distemper if they are showing symptoms consistent with the disease—especially respiratory signs combined with gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms—or if they have been exposed to a dog known or suspected to be infected. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk, so any illness in these pets should be taken seriously. Early evaluation is important because prompt supportive care can improve outcomes and help reduce the spread to other animals.

What is ringworm and when would I need to test for it?

Ringworm is not actually a worm—it’s a contagious fungal infection that affects a pet’s skin, hair, and sometimes nails, and it can also spread to people and other animals. It often appears as circular areas of hair loss, scaly or crusty skin, redness, or itching, but some pets may carry it without obvious signs.

You may need to have your pet tested if you notice unexplained hair loss, skin irritation, or lesions, or if your pet has been exposed to other animals with suspected or confirmed ringworm. Testing is also recommended if the condition is not improving with basic care or if multiple pets (or people in the household) are developing similar skin issues. Early testing helps confirm the diagnosis and prevent the spread to others.

What is a urinalysis and when would I need to have one done for my pet?

A urinalysis is a diagnostic test that evaluates your pet’s urine to assess overall health and detect potential problems within the urinary tract and other body systems. It looks at things like urine concentration, pH levels, the presence of proteins, glucose, blood, bacteria, crystals, and other substances that can indicate infections, kidney function issues, diabetes, or bladder stones.

Your pet may need a urinalysis if they are showing signs such as frequent urination, straining to urinate, accidents in the house, blood in the urine, strong odor, or excessive drinking. It is also commonly recommended for pets with ongoing health conditions (like kidney disease or diabetes), during routine wellness checks for senior pets, or before certain medical procedures. Early testing can help identify issues before they become serious, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment.

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 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

• Pregnant and nursing pets are not able to receive certain products and services. Please let us know if your pet is pregnant or nursing so that we can ensure to use the appropriate products for nursing or pregnant 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.