Puppy Vaccinations

Puppy Immunization

Many canine diseases can now be prevented through vaccination.  A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your dog.  Below are the most important diseases for which vaccines are currently available.  

When your puppy goes home at 8 weeks of age, he/she will have received the first five-way vaccine that includes, adenovirus type 1 and 2, distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. This vaccine will need to be boostered by your veterinarian every 4 weeks until your puppy is 4 months of age.  Rabies vaccine can be administered at 12 weeks. The Lyme vaccine series is recommended to start at about the age of 10-12 weeks of age.  Bordetella is recommended and often required if you will be attending puppy classes, boarding, or grooming.

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Canine adenovirus type 1 and type 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively.  Hepatitis caused by adenovirus type 1 may cause severe liver damage or death.  Adenovirus type 2 is a cause of respiratory disease in dogs.

Canine distemper is a widespread, often fatal, disease and can result in severe multi-systemic disease involving the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin and central nervous system.  All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper.

Canine parvovirus is a disease of widespread distribution which may cause severe dehydrating, diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of varying ages.  Parvovirus is especially dangerous in puppies.

Canine parainfluenza is a cause of infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough.  Parainfluenza is often a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs. 

Rabies  The rabies virus is always fatal and attacks the nervous system, and is transmitted chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.

Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage.  THe disease may be spready to other pets and to humans.

Canine bordetella is a cause of respiratory disease in dogs.  It is the primary causative agent of kennel cough.  This bacterial infection can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza and other respiratory problems.

Lyme is a tick transmitted disease that can cause fever and joint pain.