Canine vaccination is a necessity for all dog owners. Not only do they protect your beloved furry friend from deadly diseases, but they also help to keep the dog population as a whole healthy. Core vaccines are recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle. Our veterinarian at Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn offers the following vaccinations.
Canine Distemper
A highly contagious and often deadly virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. All puppies should be vaccinated against distemper starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are 4 months old. Adult dogs should also be vaccinated against distemper every year or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used.
Canine Parvovirus
This vaccine is given to puppies at the same time as their distemper shots, starting at six to eight weeks old. They'll require two more immunizations, given three to four weeks apart. After that, dogs will need a booster shot yearly or every three years, depending on the vaccine used. Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly, so it’s important to keep your dog away from other dogs that haven’t been vaccinated.
Canine Adenovirus
There are two types of this virus, one of which causes kennel cough and the other that can lead to infectious hepatitis. At six to eight weeks old, pups should receive their first Adenovirus immunization, with two additional vaccinations three to four weeks later. This will provide them with lifelong immunity against adenovirus hepatitis, but they will need yearly booster shots to maintain immunity against kennel cough.
Rabies
The rabies vaccine is required by law, as rabies is a fatal disease that affects pets and humans alike.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Brooklyn
Your canine needs initial vaccines starting at six to eight weeks old, followed by booster shots once a year or every three years. At Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn, we offer all core vaccines for dogs. Call us today at (718) 623-3999 for more information or to schedule an appointment.