Dog Vaccination

For several decades, Everhart Veterinary Hospital has been educating dog owners on the importance of dog vaccinations. We love animals, and we know which vaccinations can help your dog live a long and healthy life!

What Are Dog Vaccinations And Why Are They Necessary? 

Dog vaccines prepare a dog’s immune system against various disease causing organisms. This is possible because vaccines contain antigens which are similar to disease-causing organisms, yet do not contain any actual disease. The purpose of the vaccinations is to stimulate the dog’s immune system through the antigens. If your pet is ever facing a real disease in the  future, their immune system will be equipped and ready to put up a fight.

What Are The Major Dog Vaccinations? 

Dog vaccinations are necessary because they will help to keep your dog disease-free. In addition to the state law that requires your dog to be vaccinated for rabies, there are also other vaccinations that will help ensure  you companion lives a long and healthy life.

The American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Task Force has determined that Rabies, leptospirosis, canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis and canine distemper to be the core dog vaccinations. Other optional vaccinations include lyme vaccine, bordetella, and canine influenza. When you bring your dog in for an appointment, we will review which immunizations make the most  sense for your dog.

Core Vaccines:

Rabies: is a virus that effects dog’s neurologic system and can be spread by infected wildlife, most commonly through a bite wound. Rabies is required by law for all dogs over the age of 12 weeks. The first Rabies vaccine is good for 1 year duration. Each  booster is recommended every 3 years. At Everhart, our policy requires every patient to have a valid rabies vaccine or yearly titer in order to maintain our relationship. This is for the safety of our staff.

Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvovirus (DAP) 

• Distemper can affect the respiratory, neurologic and gastrointestinal system of dogs. This disease is often fatal in dogs who contract it as there is no specific treatment aside from supportive care.
• Adenovirus (Infectious Hepatitis) causes severe inflammation within the liver. In severe cases, dogs can be affected with fever, lethargy, jaundice, vomiting or diarrhea. Milder cases can have decreased appetite and mild fever. Some dogs can develop cloudiness of their eyes.
• Parvovirus causes severe inflammation along the intestines tract and causes sloughing of the intestine wall. Dogs will have significant diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy is infected. Parvovirus is found in the environment and can persist for up to 2 years. It is shed through the feces of the infected animal. This disease can be fatal.

We recommend dogs start receiving this vaccine at 8 weeks old and booster vaccines are given every 3-4 weeks until the age of 14-16 weeks. Once the initial vaccine series is complete, we booster every 3 years.

Leptospirosis: is bacterial infection that is spread through wildlife (rats are most common) that can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs. Only about 50% of dogs will survive with treatment if they are systemically sick. Intensive hospitalization is recommended. This vaccine can be given as soon as 8 weeks old. 2 boosters are required for the initial series. Yearly booster lifelong are recommended.

Non Core Vaccines:

Bordetella/Kennel Cough: is a broad term for respiratory disease caused by a few different bacteria. Symptoms include cough (usually sounds like a goose honk), nasal discharge, coughing up phlegm, and possible fever. Vaccines can help decrease symptoms (some dogs do not require treatment) but may not prevent infection. Dogs who go to daycare or dog parks are at the highest risk for infection. Vaccines are recommended  yearly but can be given as frequently as every 6 months if their exposure level is high.

Lyme: is a bacterial infection caused by an infected tick bite. Symptoms can vary widely. Some dogs are not symptomatic but show antibodies on routine testing. Significant symptoms can include fever, joint pain or swelling, shfiting leg lameness or kidney disease. Dogs who have exposure to ticks are recommended for vaccination, especially those who go hiking or camping. This vaccine is typically started after 12-14 weeks old. 2 boosters are required for the initial series and yearly boosters are recommended.

Influenza: is a virus that causes respiratory symptoms in dogs. Symptoms include cough, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy etc. There is no specific treatment for these dogs but supportive care with antibiotics, nebulization, oxygen therapy may be helpful. Dogs at most risk are those who go to daycare. It is often a required vaccine for most daycares. This vaccine is typically started after 12-14 weeks old. 2 boosters are required for the initial series and yearly boosters are recommended.

Why Put Your Trust In Us 

At Everhart, you and your companion are always given individual and personal attention at every visit. When it comes to immunizations, it is imperative to understand that all patients are different and needs individual attention. Our veterinarians will consider factors such lifestyle, age, and current health before recommending any vaccination for your dog.