Distemper/Parvo Vaccine (DHPP): This is a core vaccine that we recommend for all puppies. Distemper is a viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs and puppies. Parvovirus us a highly contagious disease that affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Distemper and Parvo are both deadly diseases that are preventable with vaccines. We recommend this vaccine every 3 to 4 weeks until your puppy is at least 16 weeks old. It is important that the last vaccine be at 16 weeks or older in order to allow the immune system to mature enough to respond properly to the vaccine.

Rabies Vaccine: This is a core vaccine that is required by law. Rabies vaccines are required by law because it is contagious and deadly to humans. Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals. It invariably causes swelling of the brain and death after a relatively short illness. The rabies vaccine is given after 12 weeks of age and will last for 1 year. The second shot will last for 3 years.

Bordetella: This vaccine protects against kennel cough. It is recommended for dogs that are going to be around other dogs in boarding, grooming, training, and daycare situations. Most of these facilities require they have this vaccine, and it is never a bad idea in case you need to board your dog at the last minute. This is an oral vaccine that does not need to be boostered and is good for one year.

Canine Influenza Vaccine: Dog flu, or canine influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in dogs. It is generally seen in places where a large amount of dogs are together, like dog shows, some boarding facilities, and dog daycares. Unlike the flu in humans, it is not seasonal and can occur at any time. The vaccine can be given to puppies 8 weeks of age and older. The initial vaccine is given as a 2 part series, 3 weeks apart. It is then an annual vaccine. The vaccine protects against both strains of canine influenza, H3N8 and H3N2.

Lyme Vaccine: The Lyme vaccine helps prevent the transmission of Lyme disease from the tick to your dog. We recommend the Lyme vaccine for most dogs who live in this area because we do see a lot of Lyme exposure. It is especially recommended for dogs who hike, hunt, and spend a lot of time outside in wooded areas or tall grass. The initial vaccine is given as a 2 part series, 3 weeks apart. It is then an annual vaccine.

Leptospirosis Vaccine: Leptospirosis is a bacteria that is carried by wild animals and is shed in their urine and concentrated in standing water. It is transmitted when dogs drink, swim, or wade in affected water. This disease can cause liver and kidney failure and can be transmitted to humans. Anywhere that wild animals are around is where leptospirosis can be found, including urban areas. This means that even dogs who do not hike or go into the woods can be at risk. The initial vaccine is given as a 2 part series, 2 weeks apart. It is than an annual vaccine.

Here are Pittsfield Vet, we offer combination vaccines that pose a lesser risk of vaccine side effects. We have a Lyme/Leptospirosis combination vaccine and a Distemper/Parvo/Lyme/Leptospirosis combination vaccine.