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Vaccine—Dog:
· Core (Strongly Recommended)
(a) Rabies
o Required by law
o Vaccination is required every 3 years after 2 vaccines given approximately 1 year apart
(b)DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
o One vaccine includes a single dose of all four viruses
o Vaccination is recommended for puppies every 3-4 weeks until they are 4-5 months of age (Certain breeds including Rotweilers and Dobermans should continue getting boosters until at least 5 months of age
o Yearly boosters are recommended for adult dogs
(c) Bordetella (Kennel Cough Vaccine)
o First vaccination is recommended for puppies between 10-12 weeks of age and boosted 3-4 weeks after initial vaccine
o Booster is recommended every 6 months for adult dogs
· Optional
(a) Leptospirosis (Recommended in dogs over 30#)
o Disease is more prevalent than in the past
o Vaccine protects against 4 of 11 serovars (strains)
o Vaccine is recommended for dogs greater than 30#
o Recommend a 2 dose series given 3-4 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters in adult dogs
(b)Rattlesnake Vaccine (Recommended in dogs at high risk of exposure)
o Recommended for dogs living in areas with rattlesnakes
o Vaccine is still experimental but the hope is that the dog will need less treatment and will recover more quickly
o Although many things factor into the severity of a snakebite, the vaccine is worth the expense. In 2008 we have seen 4 rattlesnake bites and 3 of the 4 received antivenom as part of their treatment. One was vaccinated and got no antivenom and had no swelling. Two were vaccinated and received antivenom and had only mild swelling. One received no vaccination but was given antivenom and had moderate swelling.
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Dr. Julie Newman
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