Getting a puppy or adopting a dog can be filled with an overwhelming amount of information. There are different types of vaccinations that are recommended for your dog. I remember having to provide a list of vaccines and what they are, core vs. non-core vaccines, how often they should be given, does your dog’s lifestyle require some of them or even all of them, and it goes on and on. I feel as though it is easier to understand when you’re reading the information as compared to when hearing it. I’m hoping to provide some clarification on the different types of vaccines.
Core Vaccines
What are core vaccines? Core vaccines are vaccines that are recommended for all dogs despite their lifestyle unless there is a medical reason not to vaccinate.
Rabies
Rabies is one of the vaccines that is required by law. This disease attacks the central nervous system. Some symptoms may be aggression, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, pica, and a fatal seizure.
The first rabies vaccine is given at 16 weeks of age and is good for one year. After one year, the rabies vaccine can be given every 3 years. This vaccination is given intramuscularly.
DHPP/DHLPP (Distemper Adenovirus Parvovirus +/- Parainfluenza, L is for Leptospirosis)
This is a combination vaccine that protects against multiple different diseases.
Distemper : Distemper attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Some symptoms may include high fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and discharge from the eyes and nose. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, or paralysis. It can become fatal quickly and dogs at higher risk are puppies and dogs with a weakened immune system.
Adenovirus : Canine Hepatitis (CAV-1) This is a highly contagious disease that affects your dog’s liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, congestion, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, eye inflammation and bruising as the disease progresses. Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) is a milder adenovirus. Although the symptoms are not as severe as Canine Hepatitis, this virus can still lead to kennel cough.
Parainfluenza : Parainfluenza is highly contagious as well, and the symptoms are more similar to flu-like symptoms.
Parvovirus : Parvo is a very serious and highly contagious disease. This disease can become fatal fairly quickly. Parvo attacks the gastrointestinal system, and symptoms result in vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and rapid loss of fluid and protein. This disease requires hospitalization and treatment to save your dog’s life.
DHPP/DHLPP is a series vaccine. This combination vaccine is given every 2-4 weeks between 6 and 16 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will decide how many vaccines will be given depending on the age and when the next vaccine needs to be given. After the series vaccine is completed, the vaccine will be either given once a year or every 3 years, this depends on which vaccine your veterinarian may have in the office.
Non-Core Vaccines
What are non-core vaccines? Non-core vaccines are vaccines that are recommended based on lifestyle and exposure.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that is found in still water. This type of bacteria is found in an infected animal’s urine. Some signs of leptospirosis may include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice, or inflammation within the eyes. It is also to be noted that this is ZOONOTIC. Meaning, that humans can get it too.
The leptospirosis vaccine is a series of two vaccines that are given 2-4 weeks apart. After the series is finished, the vaccine is administered yearly.
Lyme
Lyme disease is transmitted through ticks. If your dog has Lyme, they may experience symptoms such as feverish, sluggish, swollen joints, and limping and their lymph nodes may swell.
This vaccine is a series of two vaccines that are given 2-4 weeks apart. After the series is completed, the vaccine is administered yearly.
Bordetella
Bordetella, also known as Kennel Cough, is an upper respiratory illness that is highly contagious in dogs. Your dog may contract Kennel Cough in daycares, dog parks, boarding facilities, and groomers. Your dog may have nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, and sneezing.
There are mostly 2 ways to administer this vaccine, intranasally, or a small dose given in the nose, or orally. Both are given in a single dose and are either administered yearly or every 6 months.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Some signs of canine influenza are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, or decreased appetite.
This vaccine is a series of 2 vaccines that are given 2-4 weeks apart. Then, the boosters are done annually.
If you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian.