DHPP

DHPP, commonly known as "the dog distemper vaccine" is a combination vaccine for Distemper virus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis virus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza virus.  Distemper is spread through the air.  The disease can be mild and self limiting with signs of lethargy, fever, and respiratory infection.  Some, however, may be severe involving diarrhea, vomiting, neurological abnormalities, and even death.   Infectious Canine Hepatitis virus is spread through contact with contaminated objects or contact with infected individuals.  Severely infected dogs can die within hours.  Less severe cases may result in fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  It may also cause ocular problems, neurological disease, and liver disease.  Parvovirus is primarily spread via contact with contaminated feces, although it may also be spread by people, objects, insects and rodents.  It is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs, and can be fatal.  It causes severe intestinal disease, and can damage the immune system.  Parainfluenza virus is spread through the air and is highly contagious.  It most frequently causes respiratory signs including coughing.  Most cases are mild and self limiting, however some individuals may be more severely affected.

DHPP vaccine is given to all puppies at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.  At one year of age we booster with DHPP vaccine, then every 1 to 3 years based on individual risk factors.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system, most commonly transmitted by bites from an infected animal.  Humans and animals can and do die from rabies virus.  Vaccination is required by law.

Rabies vaccine is given to all puppies at 12 weeks of age, boostered at 1 year, then every 3 years thereafter.

Lyme

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria which is spread by ticks.  It is extremely common in our area.  Infection causes fever, lameness, and anorexia  Some patients may develop kidney failure secondary to the infection.  The basic infection is quite treatable, however the kidney form is commonly fatal.

Lyme vaccine is given to all puppies at 9 and 12 weeks, or at 12 and 16 weeks of age, and then once yearly.  Adult dogs who are not vaccinated are first tested for exposure.  If negative, they are given a series of two vaccines, then yearly boosters.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by exposure to urine of infected animals.  The most common source is raccoons.  While not common in our immediate area, there are pockets of Leptospirosis in many regional areas.  The bacteria damages the kidneys and liver, and can be fatal.  It is contagious to humans, and may be fatal to us as well.

Leptospirosis vaccine is given to at risk dogs as a series of two vaccines, then once yearly.  At risk dogs are allowed to roam off leash leading to possible exposure to raccoons.  Additionally, if you feed wildlife (please don't) your dogs are at increased risk and should be vaccinated.

Bordetella

Bordetella is commonly known as kennel cough.  However, many other organisms can cause the kennel cough syndrome, thus vaccination for Bordetella does not prevent all cases of kennel cough.  It is spread through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces.  It is typically self limiting, though some patients may develop secondary pneumonia which can occasionally be fatal.

Bordetella vaccine is given to at risk dogs with the understanding that it will not prevent all cases of kennel cough.

DHPP and Rabies are considered core vaccines by AAHA and AAFP, thus we require that all of our canine patients be current on these unless they have a documented medical reason otherwise.  Lyme is non-core, however since it is by far the most common vaccine preventable disease we see in dogs we highly reccommend that dogs be vaccinated. Leptospirosis is non core, however it is recommended for at risk dogs.  Bordetella vaccine is non-core, and given if required by your groomer or kennel.

Other vaccines are available for dogs, however, they are not considered beneficial to most patients.  Thus, they are considered not recommended.  These vaccines are for diseases such as Giardia, and corona virus.