Recommended Vaccines for Dogs

Recommended Vaccines for Dogs:

Rabies:

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It spreads through contact with the saliva of infected animals (such as skunks, foxes and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will protect your dog/cat if exposed to the disease. There is no cure once it occurs; it is almost always FATAL. This is the reason that this vaccine is required by law. The initial vaccine is good for 1 year and subsequent vaccines only need to be done every 3 years. If your dog/cat bites someone and the Rabies vaccine is not current, they could be subjected to a quarantine and/or euthanasia. Please protect your pet!

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo):

This vaccine is highly recommended and needs to be done in a series of vaccines given 3 weeks apart. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule that the doctor sets to acquire proper immunity.

Distemper is an often fatal disease that is highly contagious to other dogs. It is spread by discharge from the eyes and nose of an infected dog. Symptoms of the disease include fever, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea; seizures and paralysis may occur in the final stages of the disease. The virus affects many organ systems, including the nervous system, which could cause permanent damage even if the dog recovers from it.

Hepatitis is a disease caused by canine adenovirus and is transmitted through the saliva, urine or feces of an infected dog. Its signs are similar to distemper and cause liver failure and eye damage. This disease can range from mild to fatal. Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory virus that is highly contagious and commonly develops in situations where dogs are in close proximity to each other. It is transmitted through contact with infected dogs who are coughing and sneezing, as well as their bowls and bedding.

Parvovirus is a very common and highly contagious disease that is spread through infected feces. Signs are severe in puppies and include high fever, diarrhea and vomiting. This virus is one of the few viruses that can remain in the environment for long periods of time and can continue to infect dogs. For this reason, it is important that you keep any young puppies away from potentially infected areas (like dog parks and pet stores) until they are fully vaccinated.

Leptospirosis is a disease that attacks the kidney and liver and is caused by bacteria that live in standing water. It is zoonotic, meaning that people can also be infected. Dogs can get leptospirosis by swimming or playing in water contaminated by the urine of an infected animal. If your dog is exposed to water, this is a vaccine you will want your dog to receive.

Canine Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) is a highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract. It is spread through the air via coughing and sneezing. Coughing is the main symptom of this disease. It commonly develops in situations where dogs are in close proximity to each other (boarding/grooming facilities, dog parks). We recommend this vaccine if your dog will be in any of those situations.

Canine Influenza  is a highly contagious virus that easily spreads from infected dogs to other dogs through coughing, barking and sneezing, as well as contact with contaminated objects like food and water bowls. Dogs develop a persistent cough, thick nasal discharge and a high fever. These symptoms can be mild or severe. Dogs that come into close contact with other dogs or travel regularly should be vaccinated against Canine Influenza.