Dog Vaccines: Staying on Top of Your Pets Health Plan

Being a great pet parent means doing everything you can to give your dog a long, healthy life—and vaccines are one of the easiest and most effective ways to do just that.

As part of our Best Pet Parent Practices blog series, we’re highlighting the importance of staying on top of dog vaccines and how they help protect your pup from common diseases in and around the Lowcountry. Whether your dog is a social butterfly, a backyard explorer, or your go-to beach companion, we’re here to help you make the best health decisions for them.

Dog Vaccines: Why Dog Vaccines Matter for Lowcountry Pets?

Vaccines help your dog build immunity against harmful viruses and bacteria before they ever get sick. From preventing deadly diseases like rabies to minimizing the spread of kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease) at the groomer, vaccines are a vital part of preventive care.

Here in Mount Pleasant, our dogs are exposed to unique risks, especially if they:

  • Swim in natural water sources
  • Visit parks or beaches
  • Attend daycare or dog-friendly events
  • Interact with wildlife like raccoons or foxes

By staying on top of their vaccines, you’re protecting your dog—and every other pet they meet.

Dog Vaccines: Core Vaccines – What Every Pet Parent Should Know

There are a few core vaccines that every dog, regardless of lifestyle, should have:

  • Rabies: Required by law in South Carolina and protects against a fatal virus that can affect humans, too.
  • DA2P (or DHP): A 3-in-1 vaccine that guards against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parvovirus.. These are highly contagious and often deadly if left untreated.

Puppies need a series of boosters starting at 6–8 weeks of age that will include some additional vaccines, like parainfluenza. Adult dogs require regular updates based on their vet’s recommendations—usually annually or every three years. For more information on vaccines, check out the video below! 

Dog Vaccines: Lifestyle Vaccines – What’s Recommended in the Lowcountry

Your dog’s adventures in the Lowcountry might call for additional protection. That’s where lifestyle vaccines come in:

  • Leptospirosis: Spread through contaminated water—especially important for dogs that swim or play near marshes.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Required by most groomers, daycares, and boarding facilities. (CIRD)
  • Canine Influenza/Parainfluenza: Ideal for social dogs, especially during outbreaks.
  • Lyme Disease: Transmitted by ticks; important if you hike or camp with your dog.

Not sure what your dog needs? At Safe Harbor, we customize each vaccine plan to your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health history.

Dog Vaccines: Keep Records Handy with the MyPetsWellness App

We know keeping up with your pet’s vaccine schedule can feel overwhelming. That’s why we recommend downloading the MyPetsWellness app, which is available for all our Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry clients.

With the app, you can:

  • Access up-to-date vaccine records
  • Get reminders for upcoming boosters
  • Request appointments or prescription refills
  • Share records with groomers, daycares, or emergency clinics

Have questions about how to use it? Just give us a call at (843) 648-4787—we’re happy to help!

Dog Vaccines: Best Pet Parents Ask Questions—We’re Here to Answer Them

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we believe in partnering with you to make the best choices for your dog’s long-term health. If you’re unsure about which vaccines are due, what your dog might need, or how to safely space them out, our team is here for you.

We’re your neighbors, your go-to resource, and your biggest supporters in helping your pet live a happy, healthy life. Let’s build a vaccine plan that’s tailored to your dog and your lifestyle.

Call us today at (843) 648-4787 or schedule an appointment online. Together, we’ll build a vaccine plan that supports your pet’s health from puppyhood to senior years.

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of a locally owned, family-owned network of animal hospitals known as Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry. Our network includes:

Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital: South Mount Pleasant SC, At Coleman Blvd and Old Village

Shuler Veterinary Clinic: Central Mount Pleasant SC, At Town Center

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital: North Mount Pleasant SC, At North MP and Hwy 41

Visit any of our three locations and join our family today!