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.

• 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.