Vaccinations

Vaccinating your dog is a vital part of their overall health and a simple way to help prolong their life. Vaccination can prevent common illnesses that your pet can contract from other dogs and wildlife, often just through contact with their feces. The most notable example of the need for vaccination is the rabies virus. Rabies is a potentially fatal disease that affects all mammals, therefore vaccinating your dog also helps to protect you and your family.

What types of vaccinations do you offer for adult dogs?

DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus) is a core vaccine, which means it is recommended for all dogs. Distemper is spread most often by coyotes and can be fatal, or cause permanent physical damage. Adenovirus causes infectious canine hepatitis, but it is not as common in our area due to vaccination.

Rabies is also a core vaccine and recommended for all dogs.

Bordetella (kennel cough) is an optional vaccine that may be administered if required for your dog’s lifestyle. Kennels and daycares typically require proof of kennel cough vaccination to accept your dog. Frequent trips to the dog park may also be a reason to consider protection for kennel cough.

Is there a schedule for how often a dog should be vaccinated?

Vaccination as a puppy is crucial to establish protective immunity prior to the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Your puppy’s recommended vaccination series may vary, depending on the timing of vaccines previously administered by a breeder or rescue. Our veterinary staff would be happy to make recommendations specific to your puppy’s history. Call us as soon as you know you are getting a puppy, and we’ll be sure we are making the best recommendations for them. After an initial puppy series, vaccines are boosted one year later. After that point, DAP and rabies vaccines would be boosted every 3 years. Bordetella vaccines are boosted annually depending on lifestyle requirements.

Why is it important to vaccinate your dog?

All of the vaccines we recommend help with protecting your pet from spreading and contracting specific known pathogens that can be detrimental to your pet’s health. If you are unsure of what vaccines are important for your pet, you can discuss this with your veterinarian.

How much does it cost to vaccinate my dog?

Vaccination is relatively inexpensive, but it is always administered at the time of physical examinations to ensure your pet is in good health, prior to challenging their immune system with these important vaccinations.