Pet Vaccines in Downey, CA

If you're a new pet owner, you might not know the importance of vaccines or when your pet needs them. Vaccines help protect your pet from deadly diseases, some of which can be passed on to humans. Though the initial vaccination costs may seem high, they barely compare to the cost of treating a sick animal or the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet to a preventable disease. At Firestone Animal Hospital in Downey, CA, our veterinarian is here to help you understand the importance of vaccines and create a proper schedule for your pet.

Importance of Vaccines

What Are Vaccines?

Vaccines work by introducing a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria into the body. The animal's immune system fights off the invading agent and builds immunity to that disease. So if your pet is ever exposed to the disease in the future, their immune system is primed and ready to fight it, preventing them or reducing the severity of the illness.

Core vaccines are recommended for all pets, while non-core vaccines are only for certain animals based on their lifestyle and risk factors. For example, core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, and adenovirus. Core vaccines for cats include feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus.

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on an individual pet's lifestyle and other factors. For example, dogs that frequent the dog park or boarding facilities regularly may benefit from a Bordetella vaccine, which protects against kennel cough. Similarly, outside cats are at risk for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), so a FeLV vaccine may be recommended.

Additionally, several new vaccines for dogs and cats weren't available even a few years ago. Yet, your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines suit your pet.

How Often Do Pets Need Vaccines?

Puppies and kittens need vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks and continuing every 3-4 weeks until they're 16 weeks old. After that, most pets need booster vaccinations once a year. However, some vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, are required by law to be given more frequently.

Check with your local animal control agency to determine the frequency requirements for rabies vaccinations in your area. You can also visit our veterinarian, who will advise you on the correct vaccination schedule for your pet.

Find the Best Pet Vaccines at Firestone Animal Hospital

At Firestone Animal Hospital, understand the importance of keeping your pet healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations. We offer several vaccines for dogs and cats of all ages and can help you create a customized vaccination schedule that can keep your pet protected. So call today at (562) 928-1341 to get started!

Office Hours

7539 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241, United States

Firestone Office Hours

Monday

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday

Emergency Services & Urgent care available by appointment after-hours and Sundays

Firestone Office Hours

Monday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday
Emergency Services & Urgent care available by appointment after-hours and Sundays

Location

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