Dog Vaccinations in Anderson, SC

Tailored Canine Immunizations

What Vaccines Does Your Dog Need in Anderson, SC?

The state of South Carolina legally requires the rabies vaccine for dogs, but several other vaccines are strongly recommended to protect your pet from serious illness. At Walker Canine Care, we follow AVMA-recommended core vaccines, including:

• Rabies – Required by law; protects against a fatal virus transmissible to humans
• DA2PP – A combination vaccine that guards against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza
• Leptospirosis – Protects against a bacterial disease that can be life-threatening and is spread through standing water
• Bordetella – Recommended for social dogs or those entering grooming, daycare, or boarding environments

Dr. Walker will recommend a personalized schedule based on your dog’s age, health, lifestyle, and risk factors.

What Are the Benefits of Vaccinating Your Dog?

Choosing canine immunizations means choosing preventive care over emergency care. Vaccines provide reliable protection against some of the most dangerous and expensive diseases your dog can face.

• Helps prevent illnesses like rabies, parvo, and distemper
• Reduces the need for emergency visits or long-term treatments
• Protects other pets and people in your household
• Required for most boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare facilities

Vaccines are a simple, effective way to give your dog the best chance at a healthy life.

Puppy Shots: What’s the Right Schedule?

At Walker Canine Care, we typically start vaccinations around 6 weeks of age and continue every 3–4 weeks until your puppy is at least 16 weeks old. These visits not only protect your puppy from preventable diseases, but also give us the opportunity to check their overall health, start important preventatives, and discuss their individual needs.

6 to 9 Week Puppy Visit

• Physical exam
• Intestinal parasite screen (fecal)
• Dewormer
• 1st DA2PP vaccine
• 1st Bordetella vaccine
• Start flea/tick and heartworm prevention
• Offer microchip

10 to 12 Week Puppy Visit

• Physical exam
• Repeat fecal screen if previous test was positive
• Dewormer if needed
• 2nd DA2PP vaccine
• 1st Lepto vaccine (at 12 weeks or older)
• Annual Bordetella vaccine
• 1-year Rabies vaccine (at 12 weeks or older)

13 to 15 Week Puppy Visit

• Physical exam
• 3rd DA2PP vaccine
• Annual Lepto vaccine
• Lyme, snake, and flu vaccines offered based on lifestyle/risk factors

16 Weeks & Older Puppy Visit

• Physical exam
• 1-year DA2PP vaccine
• Boosters for Lyme, snake, and flu vaccines if given at 12-week visit

By following this schedule, your puppy will be well on their way to full protection, which is generally achieved two to three weeks after their final vaccine. We’ll walk you through every step so your new best friend gets a healthy start in life.

How Often Should My Dog Get Booster Shots?

Booster shots are essential to maintain your dog’s immunity. At Walker Canine Care, we recommend the following schedule for booster vaccines:

• Rabies – Every 3 years
• DA2PP – Every 3 years
• Leptospirosis – Annually

These timelines may vary depending on your dog’s medical history, lifestyle, and age. Dr. Walker will always review your pet’s needs and tailor the plan accordingly.

Do Senior Dogs Still Need Vaccines?

Dogs over the age of 7 often have different needs, but that doesn’t mean vaccines should stop. For most senior pets, we still recommend:

• Leptospirosis vaccine
• Rabies vaccine

After age 7, the DA2PP vaccine is usually no longer necessary unless medically indicated. Senior wellness care at Walker Canine Care includes age-appropriate recommendations to ensure your dog stays protected without unnecessary treatment.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Up to Date on Vaccines?

If you’re unsure whether your dog is current on vaccines, we can help. During your annual visit, our team will:

• Review your pet’s vaccination history
• Confirm which dog shots are due or coming up
• Create a schedule that keeps your pet on track

If you’ve recently moved to the area or changed veterinarians, we’re happy to help gather and review prior records.

What Should I Expect After My Dog Gets Vaccinated?

Most dogs experience minimal side effects after receiving pet immunizations, but a mild response is completely normal. You may notice:

• Mild swelling or soreness at the injection site
• Slight lethargy or decreased appetite
• A low-grade fever

These symptoms typically resolve within 24–48 hours. If you ever have questions or concerns after a visit, our team is here to help.

How Long Do Dog Vaccines Take to Work?

After your dog receives a vaccine, it generally takes 2 to 3 weeks for full immunity to develop. In puppies, protection builds across the full series. For adult dogs, booster shots tend to activate the immune response faster due to established memory cells.

What’s Included in a Vaccination Appointment at Walker Canine Care?

We don’t offer standalone “vaccine-only” visits. Instead, all dog vaccinations are performed as part of your dog’s annual wellness exam. This allows us to take a complete, proactive approach to your pet’s health.

Each visit includes:

• A full physical exam
• Review of lifestyle and risk factors
• Parasite prevention review
• Diagnostics (as needed)
• Vaccination updates

This model allows Dr. Walker to provide truly customized care that supports your dog’s whole health.

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost in Anderson, SC?

Vaccine pricing varies depending on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and medical needs. Because we integrate vaccines into our wellness exams, we’re able to evaluate your dog’s health holistically and avoid unnecessary treatments.

For current pricing and to schedule a visit, please contact our office. Our team is happy to walk you through your options.