Dog (Canine) Vaccinations

What vaccinations are needed for my Dog?

Puppy:

• DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo) at about 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks, and 16-18 weeks of age.
• Bordetella at about 8-10 weeks (intranasal), and at about 12-14 weeks (injectable).
• Rabies at about 16-18 weeks of age.
  

Adult Dog:

• DHLPP Booster at one year after puppy plan, then every 3 years.
• Bordetalla Booster every 6 months.
• Rabies Booster at one year after puppy plan, then every 3 years.

Optional Vaccines:

• Giardia – given when an animal is prone to Giardia. Speak w/ doctors about when boosters are due.
• Lyme – give when animal is going to be exposed to deer ticks on regular basis or prolonged periods of time. Speak w/ doctors about when boosters are due
• Corona – not recommended for pet dogs – only recommended in high density areas (show dogs) or in kennels long term.

RABIES
This vaccine protects against a fatal virus that damages the central nervous system. Symptoms include fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, and seizures. Rabies is acquired by eating infected animals or being bitten by infected animals. It can be transmitted to humans too. This vaccine is required by law.

DISTEMPER VIRUS (DA2Pi)
This vaccine protects against 3 viruses, 2 of which can be fatal. They attack the liver, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Some signs include coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. They are spread in the air or in infected bodily discharges.

PARVO VIRUS
This vaccine protects against a fatal virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. Signs include severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvo is spread in the feces and can survive in the environment for months.

LEPTOSPIROSIS
This vaccine protects against a fatal bacterial disease that affects the liver and kidneys. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, depression, lethargy, and jaundice. It is spread in the urine of infected wild animals and other dogs and can be present in puddles, streams, ponds, lakes, and moist soil. The bacteria can be transmitted to humans.

BORDETELLA
This vaccine protects against a bacteria that causes a dry hacking cough that can last for several months. Bordetella is required yearly by most kennels, daycares, training classes, and groomers. This vaccine is also recommended for dogs that frequent dog parks.

LYME
This vaccine protects against a bacterial disease that is transmitted by ticks. Some infected dogs do not have symptoms. Others exhibit lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, and/or limping.

PREVENTATIVE CARE

Heartworm/Parasistic Screen
This is a yearly blood test that detects worms in your dog’s heart that have been transmitted by mosquitoes and also 3 different diseases transmitted by ticks: Lyme, Ehrlichia Canis, and Anaplasmosis.
If positive, additional blood testing is recommended and treatment is available.
Heartworm is a fatal disease, so all dogs receive monthly preventative tablets from April - December.

Fecal Examination
This test detects intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, giardia, and tapeworms). Puppies become infected in their mother’s womb and from her milk. Adult dogs become infected by ingesting the eggs in other dog’s feces, eating rodents, birds, or fleas, or by penetration of their paw pads. Some parasites can be spread to humans and can be very dangerous, particularly to children. Therefore, it is important to check a stool sample every 6 -12 months.

Flea and Tick Prevention
Topical medication should be applied monthly from April through December to kill fleas and ticks.

Annual Blood Screen
This blood screen is recommended for pets 7 years of age and older to detect problems related to aging. Early detection may improve and lengthen your pet’s life.