Vaccinate Your Pets with Us
Vaccinations are an important part of any animal prevention routine. Not only do they protect your pet, in some cases they can keep you safe as well. Vaccinations are typically given during regular vet care throughout your pet’s life and can vary depending on your pet’s lifestyle and age. If you live in the Brooklyn area, your veterinarian at Prospect Park Animal Clinic can provide the vaccines your pet needs.
What Do Vaccines Do?
Vaccines are carefully crafted to stimulate an animal’s immune system to create specific antibodies against various dangerous and often deadly diseases. They are made from the actual disease, its products, or from a synthetic substitute and are given in a small dose that’s enough to act as an antigen without inducing the disease in the animal. After receiving the vaccination, if your pet is ever exposed to the disease, his immune system is prepared to recognize and fight off the disease in its entirety or dramatically reduce the severity of the illness.
When Should Your Pet Get Vaccinations?
Puppies and kittens start receiving vaccinations as young as six-eight weeks of age. These vaccines continue every three to four weeks until your pet is around four months old. Young pets receive vaccinations more often to provide extra protection as they transition from their mother’s antibodies to their own.
After their initial vaccinations, your pet may receive shots every year to three years depending on the vaccine. In some cases, your veterinarian may perform a titer test to see if your pet is immune to a specific disease so you can skip a new dose of the vaccination.
Types of Vaccinations
There are two types of animal vaccinations: core and non-core. Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all pets. Some of these include Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Rabies. In most locations, the Rabies vaccination is legally required. Pet owners can be fined if they do not keep their pet’s vaccinations for rabies up-to-date.
Non-core vaccines are those that aren’t required, but are recommended depending on where you live, the animals your pet is exposed to and your pet’s lifestyle. Some non-core vaccines include Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Canine Influenza.
Don’t Risk Your Pet’s Health
For more information on the types of vaccinations, your pet needs or to schedule an appointment for an exam, contact Prospect Park Animal Clinic at 718-768-6125
