Vaccinate to keep your pets, household, and our community happy and healthy
Pet parents in the Lakewood, California area do not have to look far for trusted veterinary care. As among a group of select clinics in the U.S. and Canada to acquire American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation, Bloomfield Animal Hospital has the integrity, training, and technologies to support the health and safety of your pet in all that we do. In many cases, our approach can help patients avoid or delay the need for more extensive treatment, as we emphasize proactive rather than reactive care. Vaccinations are a fundamental part of our preventative approach.
How do vaccinations work?
Vaccines refer to medical products formulated to stimulate an immune response in the safest way possible. This process protects your dog or cat by strengthening their natural defenses and capacity to fight the pathogens responsible for potentially deadly disease. As immunization triggers the production of antibodies, your pet is then able to home in on and defend against disease-causing “invaders.” Your companion is also less likely to experience serious symptoms when infected in the future. For some vaccines, immunity is actually provided to prevent specific infections or diseases from arising in the first place. You are also doing your neighbors and our communities a big favor by helping to prevent the spread of diseases that may be passed from pet to pet or even from pets to people.
When should my puppy or kitten get vaccinated?
Young pups and kitties do not have fully developed immune systems. So, a series of vaccines are needed to protect them from infectious disease. The initial dose helps to “prime” their immune system against threats such as viruses and bacteria. Periodically, “boosters” are administered to build up antibodies. This shot schedule is essential to sustain immunity and protect against disease for the long-term health of your pet. Initially, your puppy or kitten may get shots every three to four weeks.
How often should my pet be vaccinated?
Dogs or cats may be vaccinated every couple of years against certain pathogens/diseases. How often these vaccines are administered depends on factors such as the level of immunity, and the duration of protection that accompanies each dose of the vaccine product. It is also important to note that “when” and “what” vaccines are administered depend on factors specific to your dog or cat, including their “environmental” risks.
What types of vaccines are typically administered?
Vaccines generally fall under the category of “core” or “non-core.” Core vaccines are recommended for most pets. They include:
- Rabies
- Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (or a “DAPP” combo vaccine)
- FPV (Feline Panleukopenia)
- FHV-1 (Feline Herpesvirus-1)
- FCV (Feline Calicivirus)
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
In fact, pet owners are required by law to have dogs and cats immunized against rabies, a very real threat to populations of companion animals, wildlife, and people. Our veterinarians are skilled at recommending appropriate vaccines, dosages, and timing of those shots to support utmost protection of your pet from major health risks.
What do you mean by “non-core” vaccines?
These vaccines are tailored to the specific and unique needs and characteristics of your dog or cat. Depending on their “risk exposure,” we may need to protect your dog from “lepto” (leptospirosis bacteria), or your cat from Chlamydia Felis bacteria. Risk factors for lepto include dogs that spend lots of times outdoors and who may have considerable increased risk of contact with wildlife, muddy soil, and bacteria. Cats who spend a lot of time outside or in “multi-cat environments” (like kennels and grooming facilities) may be good candidates for the C. felis vaccine.
Whatever the case may be, do not become lax about getting your cat or dog vaxxed. If your pet is overdue for a visit to Bloomfield Animal Hospital, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact our team in Lakewood, CA at (562) 383-7788 today.
