Vaccinations are critical to pet care. Preventive care helps pets boost immunity, enabling them to fight off infectious diseases. Puppies begin vaccination as early as six weeks, while kittens are vaccinated at seven weeks. At Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton, NJ, we provide pet vaccinations for a range of diseases, including:
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged ticks living in tall grass and forests and causes kidney failure and death. Dogs living in the Northeastern region of the United States, Upper Midwest, and mid-Atlantic are more likely to contract the disease.
Also, dogs that spend a significant amount of time in wooded areas are at a high risk of exposure. Note, Lyme disease vaccination isn't an all-in-one cure. Pet owners still need to visit a veterinarian for flea and tick prevention medication.
Rabies
Proper rabies vaccination is critical to keeping a dog safe and healthy. Since there are no tests to diagnose this disease and it doesn't exhibit symptoms, it’s essential to follow the stipulated vaccination schedule for pets in your state.
Most states outline that the first rabies vaccination should be administered at or before 16 weeks. The second is given a year after the first vaccine and then every year or three years depending on the state’s law. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to get these dates right.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks can make a pet’s life incredibly uncomfortable. These parasites feed on your pet’s blood, causing intense itching. Fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae, while ticks transmit Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other severe conditions.
What’s more, when adult fleas feed, they lay eggs that fall off pets and hatch new fleas. The new fleas latch on to other pets, continuing the cycle. Unfortunately, there is no flea and tick vaccine. Instead, pet owners are highly recommended to administer monthly preventive medication.
If your dog is already infested with parasites, our veterinarian will prescribe flea treatment in the form of a tablet, shampoo, or dog collar. Routine pet care like combing, bathing, and keeping your home clean also prevents flea and tick infestation.
Heartworm Disease
This is a fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the heart. The disease often affects dogs and is spread by mosquitoes.
Immature heartworms grow as long as 12 inches and migrate to the lungs and the heart. Infected dogs hardly exhibit symptoms, but a blood test at a veterinary clinic will determine if your dog has heartworm disease. While this condition isn't common, preventive care is vital, especially during the winter months.
Where to Go for Pet Vaccinations in Clifton?
Now that you know the essential vaccines, schedule your pet an appointment with Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton, NJ. We provide comprehensive veterinary services, including vaccination and treatment for various pet conditions.