Vaccinations *

Puppies - We recommend starting puppies with their first wellness visit at the age of 8 weeks. 

(starting vaccines earlier than 8 weeks of age is not recommended due to the level of interference from 

maternal antibodies.)     

      DHPP and DHLPP Vaccines - recommended at 8, 12 and 16 weeks.

        (the last distemper vaccine needs to be at 16 weeks or after  - if series is completed before 16 weeks

         it may not be completely protective due to the interference of maternal antibodies.)

      Bordetella/Parainfluenza Vaccines - recommended by 12 weeks.

      Lyme Vaccine - recommended at 12 and 16 weeks.

      Rabies Vaccine - recommended at 16 weeks.

Also recommended at each visit - a fecal flotation, Heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention 

Dogs - All dogs should have a wellness exam yearly

      DHLPP - recommended yearly.

      Lyme - recommended yearly.

      Bordetella/Parainfluenza - recommended yearly (sometimes every 6 months).

      Rabies - Recommended at 1 year then every three years.

Also recommended at each yearly wellness visit - a fecal flotation, 4DX heartworm test, year round heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention

* The following is a description of each of the above vaccinations:

Canine DHLPP Vaccine:  This vaccine is basically eight different vaccines put into one injection.  The following are descriptions of the diseases included in this vaccine. This vaccine should be started at 8 weeks of age; boostered every 3-4 weeks until 4 months old; then once yearly.

      Distemper: This disease is a paramyxovirus which is similar to human measles.  It can cause

         fever, poor appetite, pneumonia and can continue on to cause neurologic symptoms (which

         can be permanent) and death.  It is transmitted mainly through saliva but can be potentially

         transmitted through any secretion. 

      Hepatitis:  This disease is caused by an adenovirus.  It primarily causes liver failure but can

         also affect the eyes and kidneys.  The symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in

         the cornea of the eye and even death.  It is transmitted by bodily fluids, especially nasal

         discharge and urine.

      Parainfluenza: The parainfluenza virus is one of several agents that can be part of the

         tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) disease.  This virus causes mild disease unless combined

         with another virus or the bordetella bacteria.  It causes a dry hacking cough and watery nasal

         discharge but can progress to pneumonia.  If left untreated it can even cause death. It is

         transmitted by saliva and nasal discharge.

      Parvovirus:  This virus can cause severe, bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, electrolyte

         imbalances and frequently death.  It is transmitted through the feces.  This virus is very hardy

         and can live in the environment for months under the right conditions. 

      Leptospirosis:  This is a bacteria that is found in many types of outdoor environments.  There

         are over 200+ strains for this bacteria.  The vaccine does not cross protect (basically each strain

         needs its own vaccine).  The symptoms can be either kidney or liver failure ? severe lethargy,

         fever, inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea and increased drinking/urination.  Permanent kidney

         damage or death can also occur.  It is transmitted through urine with contaminated water a

         likely source.

(DHPP is the above vaccine without Leptospirosis - this vaccine is given to puppies that are under

      12 weeks of age and any puppy or dog that has had a significant reaction after receiving the

      vaccine with Leptospirosis in it.)

      Bordetella/ Kennel Cough Vaccine: This disease is usually caused by more than one virus

         and/or bacteria.  Usually bordetella bacteria and parainfluenza virus are the main culprits. 

         However, herpes virus, distemper and several other viruses can also be involved. 

         The disease is spread by nasal discharge or fomites. This vaccine goes into the nose instead

         of injecting under the skin.

(This vaccine is required by most boarding facilities - we recommend it for all dogs even if they are not going to the groomer, dog park or boarding because they still can come into contact with the virus and/or bacteria that causes the disease from outside sources (ie. family members can bring it home to them))

      Lyme Vaccine: Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and can be a

         serious debilitating disease.  It is transmitted by the deer tick (and possibly other ticks as well). 

         The bacteria causes swollen lymph nodes, fever, joint pain, lethargy, inappetance and can lead

         to kidney disease and occasionally death.  It is treated with antibiotics but there can be

         reoccurrence because it is very difficult to eliminate this bacteria completely.

(This vaccine's second booster the first year has to be given within 5 weeks of the the first or a third booster has to be added.  Also if it becomes more than six months overdue for the yearly, an additional vaccine has to be given)

      Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is a very serious disease transmitted by saliva either by bite wounds or

         saliva contact with open wounds.  Incubation from time of exposure to symptoms is usually 3-6 weeks

         in the dog but can be as long as 6 months.  It attacks brain cells and causes neurologic symptoms. 

         Once an animal gets rabies it is always fatal.  Vaccination for rabies is required by state law for dogs

         and in many communities keeping cats up to date with the rabies vaccine is also required.