Canine Vaccinations

The Granby Animal Clinic, Inc.

CANINE VACCINATION GUIDELINES

All dogs should receive the DAPP combination vaccine which protects against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo and Parainfluenza viruses. These are very serious viruses which can be transmitted directly from other dogs, picked up from the environment or transmitted by fomites (like on shoes and clothing). We recommend that after the initial puppy series, this vaccine should be boostered one year later, then every two to three years depending on the health and lifestyle of your pet and the other vaccinations that your pet is receiving.

Rabies vaccination is required by law and is very important since we live in a rabies endemic area. Your dog needs to receive two rabies vaccinations within nine to twelve months to be eligible for a three-year vaccination. Your pet should have its rabies vaccine boostered, if he/she receives a wound that may have come from another animal. Please pay close attention to the expiration date of your pet’s rabies vaccination, since they will be considered unvaccinated once the vaccine expires.

We highly recommend the Lyme vaccination since we are in a Lyme endemic area. This disease is contracted via a tick bite. There are a large number of cases of Lyme disease in our area. Although the vaccine is not 100% effective, it greatly reduces your dog’s chances of contracting the disease. After the initial series, your dog should receive this vaccine every year.

Leptospirosis is a mild to deadly disease that occurs sporadically. This disease is also zoonotic, which means that you can catch it from your dog. Your dog contracts this disease by coming in contact with infected ground. There are several different serovirus types of this disease. Vaccines only protect against their specific serovirus. We recommend the four serotype vaccine (L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa and L. Pomona). Dogs at greatest risk are those that can drink standing or running water and those that spend time in the woods or wet areas: however, leptospirosis is also on the rise in dogs who just out into their own backyards for a few minutes a day. Due to the potentially fatal or zoonotic consequences of this disease, we recommend vaccinating against it. This is a yearly vaccination.

Bordetella is a common upper respiratory pathogen. It is most frequently encountered while boarding. We recommend this vaccination for dogs that are boarded, groomed, go to daycare or interact with other dogs on a regular basis like at the park, dog shows or classes. This vaccine lessens the severity of the disease but may not prevent illness. It is best to be given one month before needed and should be repeated every six to twelve months or on an as needed basis.

Canine Influenza is another upper respiratory pathogen with signs similar to what is seen with bordetella, but more severe. Currently it is not common in this area but vaccination should be considered for dogs that regularly interact with multiple other dogs especially in enclosed areas. This is a yearly vaccination.

Please remember that no vaccination is 100% effective and although reactions to vaccinations are usually mild, on rare occasions serious reactions can occur. Please let the veterinarian know if your dog has had any significant reactions to any vaccinations or medications in the past.

Please discuss your pet’s vaccination schedule with the veterinarian, if you have any questions.

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