Vaccines

What does it mean to vaccinate or immunize your pet?

Immunization or vaccination helps your pet immune system recognize a virus and destroy them before it can cause any damage to the immune system. The vaccines contain antigens, which mimic virus' in a dog's immune system, but don't actually cause disease. It stimulates the immune system to create antibodies to help identify and destroy the virus' before they can cause the actual disease. Vaccinating lessens the chance of your puppy getting really sick from a number of well known viruses that can be prevented.

Core Vaccines:

  • DA2PP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) - Administered every 3-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age until the last dose is given at 16 weeks of age or older
  • Rabies - Administered between 12-14 weeks of age older. Required by law.
  • Bordetella - Administered once yearly starting at 6 weeks old, but some boarding facilities or daycares require every 6 months.
  • Leptospirosis - Administered at 8 weeks old or older, this is a one-year vaccine that needs a booster 3-4 weeks after initial dose. This is a core vaccine in this region.
  • Lyme - Administered at 8 weeks old or older, this is a one-year vaccine that needs a booster 3-4 weeks after initial dose. This is a core vaccine in this region

Optional Vaccines:

  • Influenza (CIV) - Canine Influenza Virus is an upper respiratory infection that can be more severe than kennel cough, and causes pneumonia and may lead to death. It is extremely contagious between dogs and thus HIGHLY recommended if participating in boarding, grooming or doggie day care and is REQUIRED at our boarding facility Hickory Pet Inn. It can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age. It is a one-year vaccine that needs a booster 3-4 weeks after initial dose.

Sample Puppy Vaccine Schedule

  • 6 weeks - Start DAPP, Bordetella - begin CIV series (optional)
  • 9 weeks - DAPP booster - CIV booster (optional) - (Lyme/Lepto can be started as early as 8 weeks, booster in 3-4 weeks)
  • 12 weeks - DAPP booster, start Lepto + Lyme series
  • 16 weeks - Final DAPP, Lepto, Lyme booster, Rabies

Vaccine Reactions:

  • It will be normal after vaccines for your puppy to be tired and quiet until the next day.
  • We usually will have you wait 10-15 minutes after initial vaccines are given to make sure there is no immediate emergent reaction.
  • CALL US if your puppy is sore to the touch, won’t move at all, is limping, having vomiting or diarrhea or is not eating or drinking.
  • COME IMMEDIATELY BACK to us or the closest emergency clinic if your puppy’s face is swelling or your puppy is having any trouble breathing.

Vaccinations for Your Puppy.

  • Why does my puppy need vaccines?
    • Vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to detect infection and help the body fight against infection if necessary.
  • Why does my puppy need a series of more than one vaccine?
    • Puppies get some antibodies from their mother when they nurse the first few times. If these antibodies are too high when vaccinated, it may interfere with the puppies own body’s immunity creating cells and therefore they need a series of vaccines.

What are the vaccines you are recommending for my puppy?

  • Bordetella vaccine – Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that is another potential cause of “kennel cough” or canine infectious cough.
    • This is not a core vaccine but is required for most boarding kennels and recommended for any pets that will be around other dogs at grooming, training courses, dog parks or boarding.
  • DA2PP – (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus) combo vaccine
    • Distemper is a paramyxovirus related to measles and rinderpest that attacks multiple body systems causing coughing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes neurological signs that can be lethal and difficult to treat.
    • Adenovirus can cause either respiratory signs or hepatitis in canine patients
    • Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is one of the causes of canine infectious cough or kennel cough.
    • Parvovirus is a potentially lethal virus causing vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea in young dogs.
  • Canine Influenza is a virus that causes respiratory disease with severe symptoms of cough, fever and spreads quickly through a canine population.
    • This is not a core vaccine but is required for boarding at Hickory Pet Inn and Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital.
  • Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread by animal urine (mice, rabbits, raccoons, deer, squirrels).
    • Exposure happens when your dog licks puddles or walks through wet grass and licks their paws.
    • If your dog or you go outdoors at all they are exposed!
    • This infection causes kidney and/or liver failure.
    • This disease is also zoonotic, and humans can also be infected.
  • Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause fever, lethargy and limping, and also kidney failure.
    • This disease is a zoonotic disease that humans are also at risk for.
  • Rabies is a highly contagious virus that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in mammals.
    • This vaccines can only be administered by a veterinarian and it is required by law.
    • It is a zoonotic disease (can be given to humans) through bites, scratches and saliva.
    • It is 100% preventable by the vaccine.