At AdvanceCare Veterinary Hospital, we believe that great pet care goes beyond just treating illness—it’s about supporting the whole health of your pet, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Located in beautiful Pilot Point, Texas, our team, including Dr. Murphy, offers a unique blend of traditional veterinary medicine and holistic care to help your pets live their best lives.
Whether you’ve got a new puppy, a senior cat, or anything in between, here’s our expert guide to when your pet needs vaccines, check-ups, and how we support their health from every angle.
🐾 Why Routine Care Matters
Your pet can’t always tell you when something’s wrong—which is why regular veterinary visits are so important. Vaccines help prevent dangerous diseases, and wellness exams give us a chance to catch early signs of illness before they become serious. At AdvanceCare, we take it a step further by offering holistic services like nutrition counseling, acupuncture, and herbal therapies under the guidance of Dr. Murphy, helping to restore and maintain balance in your pet’s body and mind.
📅 Dog Vaccine & Check-Up Schedule
Puppies (6–16 weeks):
- 6–8 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- 10–12 weeks: DHPP booster, Bordetella (kennel cough)
- 14–16 weeks: Final DHPP, Rabies (required in Texas)
- Optional based on lifestyle: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
Adults (1+ year):
- Yearly exam: Physical, vaccine updates, dental check, lifestyle review
- Vaccines: Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and other lifestyle-based vaccines
- Holistic Tip: Dr. Murphy can assess immune system health and offer alternatives or supplements to support pets with sensitivities to vaccines.
🐱 Cat Vaccine & Check-Up Schedule
Kittens (6–16 weeks):
- 6–8 weeks: FVRCP (upper respiratory and distemper)
- 10–12 weeks: FVRCP booster, FeLV (if outdoor or multi-cat household)
- 14–16 weeks: Final FVRCP, Rabies
Adults (1+ year):
- Annual wellness exam
- Vaccines: Rabies, FVRCP, FeLV (as needed)
- Holistic Tip: Cats are especially sensitive—Dr. Murphy offers stress-reducing options, homeopathic support, and nutritional advice tailored for feline health.
🌿 What Is Holistic Pet Care?
Holistic care means we treat your pet as a whole—not just a list of symptoms. Under Dr. Murphy’s care, your pet can benefit from:
- Acupuncture for pain relief, mobility, anxiety, and chronic conditions
- Herbal medicine to naturally support organ health, immunity, and inflammation
- Nutritional counseling with whole-food diets or supplements
- Chiropractic adjustments for joint and spinal health
- Behavioral and emotional support using flower essences or essential oils
Whether used alone or alongside conventional treatments, holistic care can make a big difference—especially for senior pets, pets with chronic illness, or those who don’t respond well to medications.
🐕 Senior & Special Needs Pets
Once your pet reaches about 7 years old (or 5 for large breeds), we recommend twice-yearly exams. These visits allow us to:
- Monitor mobility, weight, and organ function
- Catch age-related issues early
- Offer gentle, non-invasive holistic therapies to keep them comfortable
Dr. Murphy’s integrative approach is especially helpful for managing arthritis, digestive issues, allergies, and anxiety in senior pets.
🏥 Why Choose AdvanceCare Veterinary Hospital?
We’re not your average vet clinic. At AdvanceCare, we treat pets like family—with time, compassion, and a personalized approach that blends modern medicine and holistic healing. Whether your pet needs a routine vaccination or support for a complex condition, we’re here with the experience and heart you can trust.
📅 Ready to Schedule?
It’s never too early—or too late—to give your pet the care they deserve. Call us to book a visit with Dr. Murphy and our caring team.
Let’s build a lifetime of wellness together—one paw at a time.
AdvanceCare Veterinary Hospital
Whole-health care for pets in Pilot Point, TX