Canine Vaccinations
Core Vaccinations
Vaccines which every dog should receive, regardless of lifestyle and exposure to other dogs. These include rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. These are all viruses that are potentially deadly and for which no good treatment has been determined. These are given as a series of vaccinations as a puppy, then an “adult booster” a year later. These vaccines are then given every 3 years to adults. The viruses for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are all within one vaccine, DHPP.
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Canine Distemper: This virus invades the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (inflammation of spinal and brain tissues). Young, old and immunosuppressed animals are the patients most likely to exhibit overt signs (i.e. fever, dehydration, discharge from eyes and nose, seizures) however, a patient does not have to have neurologic signs when infected with distemper. The virus spreads mostly via respiratory secretions and is fatal in most cases.
Parvovirus: This is a disease that almost exclusively affects puppies. This virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and causes severe dehydration due to excessive episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. We can diagnose this disease by testing fecal content from the affected pup. There is no specific treatment for this virus and hospitalizing a puppy for care can be financially daunting, so vaccination is highly recommended for all puppies beginning at 6 weeks of age.
Adenovirus: This virus has different forms and can cause respiratory signs and/or severe liver disease. Usually, this virus, in itself, is not fatal. However, with additional complications, fatality is possible. Both forms of the virus are included in our combination vaccine.
Parainfluenza: This virus contributes to signs similar to “kennel cough” (see below). The disease usually presents itself in young dogs or those with recent history of exposure to a kennel or shelter environment. Persistent cough is a common owner complaint.
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This virus attacks the brain of affected animals. Transmission is usually from a bite, where the saliva infects the victim. Humans are also at risk for contracting rabies from any rabid animal. Signs of the disease include sudden behavioral changes (usually aggressive), unexplained progressive paralysis and excessive drooling. This disease does not have a cure and death is the expected outcome in every case. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks of age to receive their first rabies vaccine.
Puppy Vaccinations
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Deworm
DHPPV
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Deworm
DHPPV
Primary Rabies
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Deworm
DHPPV
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Deworm
DHPPV
Rabies
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Deworm (every 6 months)
DHPPV
Rabies
Non-Core Vaccinations
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This potentially fatal bacterial disease occurs sporadically in the U.S., usually in summer/fall, and is usually contracted near water sources. Infected dogs often have a fever, do not eat well, may vomit, and may suffer liver and kidney damage. Currently, the vaccine is boosted yearly after an initial series of 2 vaccines, 2-4 weeks apart. This disease can be passed on to people but is uncommon in our area.
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This vaccine helps protect dogs against some forms of contagious bronchitis, and is recommended for dogs that stay in boarding facilities, go regularly to groomers, visit dog parks, attend dog shows or obedience classes, or frequently contact large numbers of dogs. Many facilities require Bordetella vaccinations, and the vaccine should be given every year.
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This disease occurs mainly in the eastern U.S. but has been diagnosed in the west; 0t is caused by a bacteria. Any dog that may be exposed to ticks is at risk, as ticks transmit the bacteria during feeding. While effective tick control remains the cornerstone for reducing the risk of all tick-borne diseases, you may elect to reduce the risk further by having your dog vaccinated. This is given as a series of 2 vaccines, given 2-4 weeks apart, then an annual booster. Before starting this series, we would test your dog for Lyme disease.
Risks of Vaccination
Although rare, vaccines may cause localized pain or swelling, low grade transient fever, allergic reactions such as swelling of lips and eyelids, and mild lethargy. With any vaccine, anaphylaxis may occur. While there is no direct cause and effect relationship between vaccinations and certain immune-mediated diseases, this continues to be investigated. Overall, the risk of any reaction is quite small compared to the risk of the diseases the vaccines protect against.
All information adapted from “Vaccines for Your Dog Handout”, VIN, Sandra E. Young, DVM, 2009.