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Newman
Owned by Angel
Vaccine choices for your dog
Vaccine choices for your dog
Not all dogs need all vaccines, but it is important to consider what type of dogs you have and what their exposures might be. This is an important discussion to have with your veterinarian to decide how best to protect your dog from infectious diseases.
Vaccine guidelines are established by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association).
Mad River Veterinary Hospital's Pet Health Library has many informative articles, including one regarding vaccines for dogs.
Puppies can start their DHPP vaccine as young as 6 weeks old and boosters are recommended every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old.
Leptospirosis is usually added in after 12 weeks old. AAHA's Lepto Handout.
Bordetella is initially a series of 2 vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart and can be started at 12 weeks old.
Rabies is a single vaccine given between 12 to 16 weeks old.
Flu vaccine is initially a series of 2 vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart and can be started at 12 weeks old.
Lyme vaccine is initially a series of 2 vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart and can be started at 12 weeks old.
For more description of what these vaccines cover, click here.
After their initial series of vaccines, some vaccines are given annually (Lepto, bordetella, flu and Lyme) and some vaccines can be given every 3 years (DHPP and rabies).
Zoetis has a vaccine brochure regarding what is covered in the vaccines and when they are usually given.
Basil
Owned by Kristin
All Dogs
Who: These are your every day dogs that do normal dog stuff ranging from chilling on the couch to keeping you company on car rides to taking you for walks around the neighborhood.
What vaccines do they need: All dogs need their CORE vaccines.
These include the distemper combo vaccine (covers distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza) and the rabies vaccine since it is required by law. There is also no treatment for rabies and can be spread to humans.
Many places consider Bordetella and Leptospirosis a core vaccine.
Why: Distemper combo and rabies vaccines are considered CORE vaccines because they are important for all dogs to receive. The distemper combo vaccine covers multiple infectious respiratory and diarrheal diseases. Rabies is a public health concern since it is 99.9% fatal if contracted and is zoonotic meaning it can be spread to humans.
Harley and Daisy
Owned by Bailey
The Walmart Greeters
Who: These dogs have an active social life and spend a lot of time interacting with other dogs at places like doggy daycare, boarding facilities, training classes, grooming facilities, and dog parks.
What vaccines do the need: CORE vaccines PLUS Bordetella (some places consider this a core vaccine) and Flu vaccine.
Why: Bordetella and flu are spread through close contact with other dogs that are sick or shedding the virus or bacteria, which usually happens in the above situations.
Not all vaccines are 100% effective, but they can make the infection less severe if your dog is vaccinated.
Cookie
Owned by Shelby
The Adventurers
Who: These dogs like to explore, experience new places outdoors, and are exposed to ticks.
What vaccines do they need: CORE vaccines PLUS Leptospirosis (some places consider this a core vaccine) and Lyme vaccine.
Why: Leptospirosis is a bacteria found in the environment and shed via the urine of infected wildlife. This bacteria can cause kidney disease in dogs and can be transmitted to humans.
Lyme disease is a tick borne disease that can cause fever, lameness, and kidney disease. Keeping on good flea and tick prevention all year round can help prevent Lyme disease, but not all tick preventions kill the tick fast enough to stop the transmission of the bacteria. The vaccine provides extra protection.
Side effects of vaccines are often mild and last for 1-2 days.
Possible side effects include, soreness and mild swelling at site of injections, tiredness or lethargy, mild fever, and decreased appetite.
If a firm swelling or mass appears at the site of vaccination, this can be normal and should go away in a couple weeks. If the bump is still there after the 3 week mark, have your veterinarian assess it.
Signs of a serious vaccine side effect that require immediate veterinary care include:
collapse or fainting
facial or limb swelling
hives (red, itchy bumps all over)
continuous vomiting or diarrhea
continuous significant coughing
trouble breathing
Don't forget to tell your veterinarian if your pet has had reactions to any vaccines in the past. Most vaccines reactions happen within the first 30-60 minutes after vaccines are given. If you are concerned about a possible reaction, let your veterinarian know and discuss waiting at the clinic for the next 30-60 minutes for monitoring.
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