Canine Vaccinations
DHLPPC
(“Distemper”, “Parvo”) vaccine
- Canine
distemper virus (CDV)
- This
virus primarily affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of
dogs. This disease is approximately 50%
fatal with younger dogs being more susceptible than adult dogs.
- Clinical
signs may include: fever, depression, poor appetite, sneezing, coughing, runny
nose, mattery eyes, seizures, incoordination, paralysis, and death.
- Canine
Adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2)
- Also
protects against CAV-1 (“Infectious canine hepatitis virus”)
- CAV-1
virus is shed in the saliva and feces of infected dogs and is primarily a
threat to dogs < 1 year of age.
- Clinical
signs may include: fever, poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea,
stomach pain, bleeding, “blue eye”, seizures, incoordination, paralysis, and
death.
- Leptospira
bacterin (Leptospira canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, & L. pomona)
- This
group of bacteria are shed in the urine, semen, and aborted pups of infected
animals and can be spread to other animals without direct contact.
- Clinical
signs may include: fever, cough, breathing difficulty, bleeding (nose, mouth,
urine, stool, etc.), “pink eye”, and reluctance to move.
- This
group of bacteria is a human health risk and precautions are necessary.
- Parainfluenza
virus (CPIV)
- A
component of Infectious canine tracheobronchitis (“Kennel cough”).
- This
virus can damage the respiratory system leading to invasion by bacterial
organisms resulting in a severe respiratory infection.
- Canine
Parvovirus (CPV-2)
- This
virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs and may remain in the environment
for some time. Generally affects pups
less than 4 months of age with a greater prevalence seen in certain breeds
(Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit bull terriers, German shepherds, English springer
spaniels, and Alaskans).
- Clinical
signs may include: depression, poor appetite, vomiting, fever, watery diarrhea
with blood and mucus often present, dehydration, and death.
- A
1:32 dilution of bleach
can be used to kill the virus on infected surfaces.
- Canine
Coronavirus (CCV)
- This
virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs and may infect dogs of all ages.
- Clinical
signs may include: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, poor appetite, and
dehydration.
- Vaccination
schedule
- Puppies
(≤ 16 weeks): start at 6-8 weeks and revaccinate every 3 weeks up to 12-14
weeks of age.
- All
dogs > 16 weeks: initially receive 2 doses 3 weeks apart and then booster
yearly.
Rabies
vaccine
- This
virus is shed in the saliva of wild and domestic mammals and is often
transmitted through a bite wound from an infected animal.
- Clinical
signs may include: changes in behavior, aggression, seizures, incoordination,
paralysis, and death.
- This
virus is a human health hazard.
- Vaccination
schedule
- Initial
vaccination given at ≥ 12 weeks of age and then second dose in 1 year. Booster every 3 years thereafter.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
(“Kennel cough”) vaccine
- This
bacterium invades the respiratory system causing a respiratory infection. Younger dogs are usually more severely
affected than adult dogs. Exposure
usually occurs in kennel or shelter situations with clinical signs seen in 4-7
days.
- Clinical
signs may include: coughing, gagging, coughing up white foam, depression, poor
appetite, and breathing difficulties.
- Vaccination
schedule
- Initial
vaccination given at ≥ 6 weeks of age and second dose given 3 weeks later. Booster yearly. Should be given at least 1 week prior to
exposure (i.e., boarding, grooming).
Borrelia burgdorferi
(“Lyme”) vaccine
- This
bacterium is transmitted from the bite of an infected tick approximately 24-48
hours after attachment.
- Clinical
signs may include: lameness, swollen joints (warm, painful), fever, poor
appetite, depression, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss,
increased thirst and urination, and edema.
- Vaccination
schedule
- Initial
vaccination given at 9-12 weeks of age and second dose given 3 weeks
later. Booster yearly. It is recommended that any dogs that are at
risk of tick exposure receive this vaccine.
Vaccine
facts:
- DHLPPC and Rabies vaccinations
are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle.
- Bordetella
(“Kennel cough”) and Borrelia
(“Lyme”) vaccinations may be recommended for your dog based on lifestyle and
risk of exposure.
- Following vaccination, it is not
uncommon for a dog to have a poor appetite or a decrease in activity for
approximately 24 hours.
- There may be a slight swelling at
the injection site(s) and tenderness for a few days following vaccination. If swelling progresses, is warm to the touch,
and painful this may be an indication of a vaccine-induced infection (rare). Please call us at the number above if this
occurs.
- Rarely a hypersensitivity
reaction to a vaccine may occur resulting in any number of the following:
redness of the skin (particularly the ears), “hives” (numerous raised bumps on
the skin), vomiting, and diarrhea.
Hypersensitivity reactions will typically occur shortly following
vaccination so it is recommended that you observe your dog for a few hours following
vaccination. Please call us at the
number above if this occurs and be prepared to bring the dog in for a recheck
and treatment.