Core Vaccinations  

The rabies vaccine is given to all dogs that are at least 12 weeks old.  Their first rabies vaccination is good for one year.  The rabies booster vaccine given the following year should then be updated every three years.

The Rabies virus is present in the saliva and transmitted when an infected animal bites another animal (including humans).  The disease can have a wide range of clinical signs with the onset of symptoms varying from 1 week to 8 months from the time of the bite.  Although there have been a few reported cases of survival, rabies is virtually always fatal. Fortunately, vaccination has been extremely effective in reducing the prevalence of rabies in our pets and in decreasing the incidence of rabies infection in humans.  However, because wild and un-vaccinated animals can still become infected, it is of the utmost importance to continue to keep our pets up to date on rabies vaccination.

DHPP is a combination vaccine given to all dogs.  It includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.  It should be updated regularly during adulthood. 

Distemper- is a virus that can cause systemic illness that can affect multiple body systems. 

Hepatitis(viral)- is a virus that can cause disease of the liver.

Parainfluenza-is a viral infection that can cause upper respiratory symptoms.

Parvovirus-is a severe disease that can cause life threatening gastrointestinal disease.

Bordetella vaccination is recommended for those dogs that come into frequent contact with other dogs, such as at a boarding facility, dog park, or the groomer. Initially, 2 vaccines are given 3 to 4 weeks apart and are boosted every 12 months, or alternatively an oral or intranasal vaccine can be given annually.

 

Bordetella brochiseptica is a bacterium that is one of the causes of Kennel Cough.  Most boarding facilities will require this vaccine be given in order for a pet to stay with them.  It is important to note that this vaccine does not prevent infection.  Rather, the aim of vaccination is to decrease clinical signs if the infection does occur.  The predominant symptom of infection is a harsh, dry cough.  If infection does occur, it is generally uncomplicated and self-limiting.

Leptospirosis vaccination is recommended for those dogs with an increased risk of infection.  Dogs that spend significant time outdoors, near wetland areas, swim, or otherwise come in contact with water have a greater chance of becoming infected.  It is recommended to vaccinate those dogs that have an increased risk of contracting this disease.

 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs and other mammals (including humans) that particularly affects the liver and kidneys.  The disease is transmitted by coming in contact with urine from infected animals, swimming in contaminated water, or ingesting contaminated materials.  A definitive diagnosis of letpospirosis is not always easy to obtain.  Treatment typically involves hospitalization for intensive supportive care and antibiotic therapy.  Because the disease can also infect humans, it is important to vaccinate those dogs that are at higher risk of coming in contact with the disease.