A series of vaccines are necessary for kittens and puppies in order to prevent illness. Get on schedule by calling us today for an appointment. We recommend starting puppy vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks, with repeat boosters every 2-4 weeks until the age of AT LEAST 16 weeks (4 months). Bordetella (kennel cough) should be given at 12 weeks or older.  It is recommended for all puppies, especially if obedience classes are in his/her future!  With kittens, we recommend starting vaccines between 6 and 9 weeks. Feline leukemia vaccine should not be given before 9 weeks. Feline leukemia vaccine needs 1 booster in about 3 weeks. Feline distemper should be boostered every 2-4 weeks until AT LEAST 16 weeks of age. By 4 months old (16 weeks) all cats and dogs should be vaccinated with their first Rabies vaccine per NC State Law.


Vaccine reactions can occur, but they are treatable. Once we know your pet has reactions, we will pre-medicate or remove the vaccine from future treatment. Signs of a vaccine reaction include uncontrollable vomiting, facial swelling (as shown with Lilly), lethargy, pain or hair loss at the injection site.








Routine deworming is strongly recommended for puppies and kittens.  Some internal parasites can be seen in the stool, such as roundworms, and some cause loose stool without actually seeing the parasite.  A small stool sample will be checked as part of your pet's routine treatment.

Is your pet scratching more than usual? Pets get allergies, too, such as food, environment, products used, parasites, and more. Pets also suffer from anxiety issues. Make an appointment to discuss these and other issues. Help is available!

If you are concerned about your pet, the escape artist, talk to us about microchipping (by Avid). It is a permanent and easy way to identify your pet!

Travelling with your pet or relocating? A Health Certificate may be required. You will need to check with the airline, such as Delta, if travelling by plane. International shipping requirements and interstate shipping requirments vary, so be sure to get your information correct. Carolina Crossing Vet has the Companion Animal Health Certificate needed for most travel. For completion of this form, your pet needs an exam (and possibly vaccines or other services). You must bring previous history information (proof of vaccines) and the addresses of where the pet is travelling from and his/her destination. Time frames exist, so plan accordingly.

Questions about your pet's recent surgery? If your pet has a bandage, splint or cast it is extremely important that it be kept dry at all times. Ziploc bags or shopping bags can be used for quick trips to potty in the rain, however do not leave plastic over the bandaged area. Swelling and redness should be checked by the veterinarian. Slight swelling and skin irritation is somewhat common, but if you're unsure, get your pet checked. Oozing or bleeding from a surgery site is reason to be vet checked. Your pet may not want to eat or potty for about 24 hours after surgery. Like people, pets react to anesthesia differently. It is not unusual for the body to take about 24 hours to recover and for all normal functions to resume. You are your pet's best resource because you know your pet better than anyone. If you are worried, call us at 934 7729 or VSH (emergency) at 233 4911.