Vaccination is a critically important part of your dog’s preventative healthcare. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize certain common diseases. Vaccines are generally separated into two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are required for all dogs because they protect against diseases that are highly contagious or diseases that pose a significant risk to human health. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on an individual dog’s risk of exposure to certain diseases. Your veterinarian will decide which non-core vaccines are necessary for your dog based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and previous vaccination status.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Canine Distemper, Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus
(Also known as the Distemper Vaccine, DA2PP, or DHPP Vaccine for Dogs)
This is a combination vaccine that protects against four different diseases. Canine Distemper is a viral disease that can cause neurologic signs, respiratory disease, and eye problems such as conjunctivitis and uveitis. Canine Infectious Hepatitis is a viral disease that causes fever, bleeding disorders, inflammation of the eyes, and death. Parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that is a common component of the disease known as “kennel cough”. Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease causing severe hemorrhagic diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, sepsis, and shock. Due to the highly contagious nature of these diseases, this vaccine is required for all dogs.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing neurologic signs and death. It is transmitted primarily by bite wounds from infected mammals. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can also affect humans. Due to the high risk to human health, rabies vaccination is a core vaccine and is required by state law in most states.
Non-Core Vaccines
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
(Also known as the Bordetella Vaccine or the Kennel Cough Vaccine)
“Kennel Cough” is an umbrella term for a variety of infectious agents that cause respiratory disease in dogs. The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is just one of these agents. Signs of infection include coughing, sneezing, ocular or nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever. Bordetella is highly contagious and is spread quickly by animal-to-animal contact, aerosols, or fomites. This vaccine is highly recommended for any dog that will be in close contact with other dogs, such as in boarding facilities, dog parks, or training classes.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by tick bites. Some dogs infected with Lyme disease show no symptoms. Others may have joint pain, lameness, fever, lethargy, or kidney damage. Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause permanent damage to the joints, kidneys, and heart. Due to the high prevalence of Lyme disease in the northeast, this vaccine is recommended for most dogs, including those on regular flea and tick prevention medications.
Leptospirosis
(Also known as the Lepto Vaccine)
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted in the urine of infected animals. Its primary carriers are wildlife and areas where these infected animals urinate can remain contaminated for months. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people. Dogs infected with Leptospirosis may initially show non-specific signs such as lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain, and may progress to acute kidney failure, liver disease, or respiratory signs. This vaccine is recommended for all dogs in contact with wildlife and their environment, including those living in urban communities where contact with rodents or other nuisance wildlife is possible.
Adverse Reactions
The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. It is normal for your dog to be a little sore or tired for the first 24-48 hours after receiving a vaccine. Rarely, a more serious reaction can occur within minutes or hours of vaccination. Signs of a vaccine reaction include severe lethargy, fever, swelling of the face and limbs, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If these signs occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Recommended Testing
Many veterinarians recommend that your dog receive a heartworm and tick-borne diseases test at 6-7 months of age, and once annually thereafter. Your veterinarian may also recommend the test if your dog shows symptoms of these common diseases. This test is a quick blood test performed in the clinic that can be used to diagnose the following diseases:
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite that lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries. This parasite is transmitted by mosquito bites. Infected dogs may show no signs, or may have coughing, exercise intolerance, labored breathing, poor growth, bleeding, and fluid accumulation. This disease is becoming increasingly prevalent, and treatment is a long and costly process. It is strongly recommended that your dog be maintained on heartworm preventatives year-round.
Lyme Disease
As discussed above, Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. Lyme disease can cause joint pain, lameness, fever, lethargy, and kidney damage. Due to the high prevalence of Lyme disease in some areas, it is strongly recommended that dogs be tested annually even if they are maintained on flea and tick prevention year-round.
Anaplasma
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. Like Lyme disease, many dogs infected with Anaplasma show no signs, while others may have lameness, joint pain, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Anaplasma can also cause bruising or bleeding due to its effects on platelets. Co-infection with both Anaplasma and Lyme disease is common. Due to the high prevalence of this disease in many areas, it is recommended that dogs be tested for it annually.
Ehrlichia
Ehrlichiosis is a rickettsial disease of dogs most commonly caused by Ehrlichia canis. This organism is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. Dogs with Ehrlichia infection may show no signs, while others may have fever, lethargy, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and bleeding. In some cases, anemia and bleeding disorders may be severe enough to require blood transfusions. Ehrlichia is most common in southern and southwestern states but is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the US.
Recommended Puppy Vaccination Schedule
The schedule below is only a general guideline. Your veterinarian may choose to alter the schedule based on your puppy’s age, health status, risk level, and previous vaccinations.
8 weeks of age: Wellness exam, DA2PP #1.
10-12 weeks of age: Wellness exam, DA2PP #2.
12-14 weeks of age: Wellness exam, Rabies vaccine, Bordetella vaccine (if necessary).
16 weeks of age: Wellness exam, DA2PP #3.
18 weeks of age: Lyme #1 and Leptospirosis #1 (if necessary).
20-22 weeks of age: Lyme #2 and Leptospirosis #2 (if necessary).
6 months of age: Heartworm and tick-borne diseases test.
1 year of age: Wellness exam, annual boosters for all vaccines.
Annually: Wellness exam; Lyme, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella vaccines (if necessary);
heartworm and tick-borne diseases test.
Every 3 years: DA2PP Booster, Rabies Booster.
Share this post with your friends!