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Vaccinations in Dogs

Vaccinations in General

Your veterinarian is your best resource for working with you to establish the optimal vaccine schedule and protocol for your dog.

Common Vaccinations for Dogs

"Distemper" or "DHLPP"
Usually includes vaccine for Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus type II (Hepatitis), Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. We will not go into detail here on all these diseases, but the major concerns are the Canine Distemper Virus, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis.

• Canine Distemper
  A viral disease of dogs, most seriously affecting unvaccinated puppies. It can cause first a respiratory disease and fever, and later on serious neurological signs which can include seizures and death. It can be acquired directly from affected animals, or through contaminated soil or surfaces.
  
  
• Parvovirus
  A viral disease of dogs, the initial signs can be variable but usually show a severe, often bloody vomiting and diarrhea, fever, and also affects the immune system, lowering the body's system defenses. Dogs can die quickly without treatment - usually from severe dehydration, and overwhelming bacterial infection from the reduced immunity. It is acquired from any fecal contaminated surfaces or soil.
  
  
• Leptospirosis
  A bacterial pathogen that is carried and transmitted by wildlife. From the urine of many wildlife species, including raccoons, skunks, possum, etc., puddles, ponds and soil become contaminated. Dogs drinking form infected still water sources or eating dirt may contract Leptospirosis. Symptoms include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite and the disease can cause liver or kidney failure and death. Leptospirosis can be transmitted from pets to people with equally serious effects. We have expanded this vaccine from a "2-way" to a "4-way" vaccine as more types of this bacteria are being found in dogs in our neighborhood. This remains an annual vaccine.

Young puppies are usually given their first set of vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. Additional vaccinations are given every three to four weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old. If previously unvaccinated, a minimum of two vaccines containing Distemper and Parvovirus are given three to four weeks apart to all dogs over three month of age.

Rabies
A virus which has certainly been in the news with the current strain of rabies in raccoons. It can theoretically affect all warm-blooded mammals (however, some, like rodents, have shown to be much more resistant to it). Signs of Rabies can be variable and can include the classic "furious" (i.e. Mad Dog) and "dumb" (reclusive, drooling, unable to swallow) forms. It is acquired by contact with secretions from an affected animal through a break in the skin -- usually via a bite, but can be from the affected animal's saliva getting into any wound. The virus travels via the nerves from the wound area, eventually arriving in the brain and affecting the nervous system. The vaccine is highly effective, but State laws regulate how it is to be given, and how long it will legally be considered protective. In Massachusetts, to be legal, the vaccine must be given by a veterinarian to dogs 3 months of age and older (dogs need to be vaccinated to be licensed, and in most cases must be licensed by 6 months of age); the vaccine is legally accepted as protective for 1 year. If the dog receives 2 vaccinations within 9 to 12 months of each other (no more and no less) at some time during it's life, the second and subsequent vaccines are then good for 3 years.

Infectious Bronchitis
Also called Canine Cough, "Kennel Cough" or Bordatella -- Infectious Bronchitis is actually a complex of disease organisms, the worst being Parainfluenza virus and Bordatella bronchiseptica, a bacteria. These organisms cause a severe infection of the throat with a usually very harsh, dry cough which can sometimes progress to pneumonia. It is acquired usually by being around infected animals or their secretions, which is why the vaccine is recommended for any situation where the dog may come in direct or indirect contact with other dogs, as in a kennel, show, field trials, etc. Also, this is why many kennels require this vaccine. The vaccine stimulates cells lining the respiratory tract to produce a local antibody to help keep the organisms from entering the system. This type of immunity may not last as long in some animals, which is why some kennels require the vaccination to have been given within 6 months instead of the usual 1 year. Remember also that this vaccine immunizes only against Parainfluenza and Bordatella -- other (hopefully less severe) organisms could still cause coughing in dogs.

Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is now considered to be prevalent in our geographical area. Borrelia bugdorfi, a spirochete (somewhere between a virus and a bacteria) causes lyme disease, and can be difficult to diagnose, as the signs can be similar to other diseases and problems. Several blood tests are available to help diagnose Lyme disease. The disease is transmitted by the Deer Tick. Skin rashes have not been noted in dogs, but fever, lethargy, joint problems and other body system problems can occur. Using topical products such as Frontline and Advantix to minimize tick exposure and vaccinating dogs who get ticks are recommended as best prevention tools. An initial set of 2 vaccinations is given to dogs 9 weeks of age or older. Thereafter, an annual vaccination is administered.
Also, see our specific topic «Lyme Disease» for more details

Vaccine Reactions in Dogs
Vaccine reactions are usually mild and of brief duration - perhaps 12 to 24 hours. Soreness, slight fever, and drowsiness are the most common side effects. If these last more than 24 hours, your veterinarian should be contacted. Rarely do animals have a more severe reactions -- i.e. vomiting, facial swelling , and hives and/or breathing difficulties to mention some. If a vaccination reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.

As scientific reports support longer lasting immunities for some vaccines, we have extended our vaccination frequencies to best minimize adverse vaccine reactions for your pet. Also, taking blood samples for vaccine titers may be an option instead of vaccinating for Distemper and Parvovirus vaccines. If interested, please discuss this with your veterinarian.

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