Canine Vaccines

Rabies

A virus which is shed in the saliva of infected animals. It causes neurologic disease in affected animals and is always fatal. All mammals are susceptible to rabies. Vaccination is required by law due to the risks of humans contracting the disease from their pets.


DHLPP

Distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus = given to adult dogs annually.

Distemper: A virus usually infecting young, unvaccinated dogs. Early signs are respiratory (sneezing, discharge from the nose) which progresses to vomiting and neurologic signs (most commonly seizures). Distemper is almost always fatal.

Hepatitis: Infectious canine hepatitis = A virus (adenovirus) which causes signs of fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, discharge from the eyes, and bleeding. It is rarely seen in vaccinated dogs.

Leptospirosis: A bacteria carried by wild rodents, farm animals, and unvaccinated dogs and is passed in the urine. It can cause severe kidney disease.

Parainfluenza: A virus which causes signs of upper respiratory disease.

Parvo Enteritis: A virus which attacks the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and suppresses the immune system. Early signs include vomiting and diarrhea, often with blood, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Without treatment, it is often deadly. Parvovirus is shed in the feces and is very resistant to environmental breakdown. The virus is stable in the environment for over year in direct sun light and over a year and half in the shade. It is commonly seen in puppies, with rottweilers and pit bulls being extremely susceptible.


Corona Virus

A virus which causes mild vomiting and diarrhea in young puppies.


Bordetella

Also known as “Kennel Cough” is a bacteria which causes a dry, hacking cough. It is very contagious from dog to dog and is spread by casual contact. Dogs that are boarded, groomed outside of the home or go to dog parks are at an increased risk for this disease. The vaccine can be given intra-nasally (as a spray into the nose) or as an injection, with the intra-nasal route giving the best protection. The vaccine is similar to the “flu shot” for humans – it does not always prevent disease, but will make it less severe if it is contracted. The vaccine should be given every six months to one year. Dogs boarded in our kennels are required to have this vaccine every six months. We also recommend that social dogs and dogs who go to groomers should be given this vaccine every six months.


Lyme Disease

A parasite carried by some species of ticks which can cause vague signs of illness in people and dogs. It is rare in California. A vaccine is available for dogs with high exposure to ticks.


Possible Vaccination Reactions

Posibles Reacciones de la Vacunacion