What are Vaccines?

Vaccines provide your pet with an enhanced level of immunity to common feline diseases. Vaccines accomplish this by introducing a small quantity of an altered or "killed" virus or bacteria into your pets bloodstream. This stimulates their immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies which will protect your pet from these diseases in the case of a future challenge.

What should you vaccinate your dog for?

Rabies - Rabies is an incurable viral disease affecting the central nervous system. It may be spread via the saliva of an infected animal )for example skunks, foxes, raccoons, bats). There is no cure for Rabies. Most municipalities require that all cats, whether indoor or outdoor receive rabies vaccines on a regular basis (see vaccine schedule). Remember that Rabies is a zoohotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred from your pet to you!

Canine Distemper – Distemper is a highly contagious, viral disease. Canine Distemper is spread through bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, nasal discharge/congestion, and neurological signs (including involuntary twitching, paresis or paralysis, and convulsions). This virus may also be found in foxes, wolves, skunks, and raccoons. Treatment includes supportive care, and could result in death.

Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a bacteria. Infection is caused by contact of skin or mucous membranes with the urine of an infected animal, usually by intake of contaminated feed or water. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, anorexia, abortion, jaundice, kidney failure, and sometimes death. This organism can survive for long periods of time in rivers, streams and swamps, as well as mud and soil. Like the Distemper virus, Leptospirosis may infect and/or be carried by raccoons, skunks, foxes etc. Treatment includes supportive care.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica – Otherwise known as Kennel Cough, Bordetella is a bacterial infection most commonly affecting dogs that attend kennels, parks, groomers, pet stores and dog shows. Bordetella is spread via aerosolized respiratory secretions. Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by a gagging or retching noise, which is sometimes followed by production of a white foam. Signs and symptoms may last from 7 to 21 days. Treatment includes a course of antibiotics sensitive to Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Lyme Disease – Otherwise known as Borreliosis, Lyme disease is a tick-borne, bacterial disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). The Ixodes ticks are the common vectors for this disease. Symptoms include lameness (with or without swollen joints), fever, anorexia, lethargy and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes). Treatment includes a long course of antibiotics sensitive to Borrelia burgdorferi. Tick avoidance/prevention plays a key role in disease control. Products such as Revolution and Advantage-Multi, will help to prevent tick-borne diseases in your dog. We are now testing for Lyme disease with your dog’s annual heartworm test.

Vaccine Guidelines for your Puppy:

8 weeks: DAP (Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvovirus), BBPI (Bordetella Bronchiseptica/Parainfluenza)

11-12 weeks: DAP booster, Leptovax 4 (Leptospirosis – 4 strains)

13-15 weeks: Leptovax 4 booster, Rabies

And for your Adult Dog:

Annual vaccines: BBPI (may be required every six months), Leptovax 4, Lymevax (depending on lifestyle/exposure)

3-year vaccines: DAP, Rabies (after a second yearly booster)