Dog Vaccinations - sfahnyc.com

Client Education

Canine
Vaccinations
St.Francis Animal Hospital

At St.Francis Animal Hospital, our goal is to keep your dog healthy, happy, and protected for years to come. Schedule your dog’s vaccination appointment today and give them the best defense against preventable diseases.

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Vaccine Information

Click the sections below to learn more about the vaccinations we offer for your pet’s health and protection.

Rabies (Core Vaccine)

Cause: Rabies virus (Lyssaviridae family)
Zoonotic: Yes (can be transmitted to humans)
Transmission: Bite wounds via saliva from infected animals
Affected Species: All mammals, including humans
Local Wildlife Risks: Raccoons, bats, and skunks in NYC
Why It Matters: Rabies attacks the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Vaccination is required by NYC law for all cats and dogs.
Schedule:
First dose at 12–16 weeks of age
Booster every 1 to 3 years, depending on vaccine type and local regulations

Canine Distemper-Adenovirus-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus (DHPP/DA2PP)

Also Known As: The “distemper vaccine”
Core Vaccine
Covers Multiple Serious Illnesses:
Distemper: Affects the GI, respiratory, and nervous systems; highly contagious
Adenovirus-1 (Hepatitis): Causes liver inflammation
Adenovirus-2: Contributes to kennel cough (respiratory illness)
Parainfluenza: Mild respiratory disease; also part of kennel cough
Parvovirus: A life-threatening disease affecting the GI tract and immune system; causes severe diarrhea and vomiting
Schedule:
Start at 8-12 weeks of age
Booster every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks
Revaccinate every 1 to 3 years

Bordetella (Kennel Cough Vaccine)

Cause: Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
Transmission: Airborne, direct contact with infected dogs
Symptoms: Hacking cough, nasal/eye discharge
Non-Core (but strongly recommended for dogs in social settings or hospital stays)
Important for: Brachycephalic breeds and dogs that board, groom, or attend daycare
Schedule:
Start as early as 3–4 weeks (commonly given at 8-12 weeks)
Intra-nasal or oral forms: no booster needed
Subcutaneous (injection): booster in 2–4 weeks, then annually

Leptospirosis

Cause: Leptospira (spirochete bacteria)
Zoonotic: Yes
Transmission: Contact with urine from infected wildlife or contaminated water (e.g., puddles)
Risks: Liver and kidney failure; potentially fatal rodent urine, city risk, transmittable to humans
Core Vaccine
Schedule:
Start at 6–8 weeks
Booster in 2–4 weeks, then annually

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

Cause: Influenza virus (Orthomyxoviridae family)
Transmission: Dog-to-dog contact, airborne droplets
Symptoms: Cough, fever, possible pneumonia
Non-Core, but recommended for social dogs, frequent groomers, and brachycephalic breeds
Schedule:
Start at 6–8 weeks
Booster in 2–4 weeks, then yearly

Lyme Disease

Cause: Borrelia burgdorferi (bacteria)
Transmission: Via tick bites (typically after 24–48 hours of attachment)
Symptoms: Often non-symptomatic; may include lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
Non-Core, but recommended for dogs exposed to tick-prone areas
Schedule:
Start at 8–9 weeks
Booster in 2–4 weeks, then annually

Book an appointment

At St.Francis Animal Hospital, we provide compassionate, lifelong care for your pets in Brooklyn and surrounding areas. Call or text us today to book your visit!

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Have a question?

Have a question? Fill out our quick online form and we’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.

7303 13th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11228

Phone: (718) 621-1629

Monday : 10 AM–5 PM
Tuesday : 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday : Closed
Thursday : 10 AM–3 PM
Friday : 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday : 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday : 9 AM–2 PM

Client Education

CanineVaccinationsSt.Francis Animal Hospital

Vaccine Information

Book an appointment

Have a question?

Canine
Vaccinations
St.Francis Animal Hospital