New Puppy Vaccinations: Which Vaccinations are Right For Me?

Brief Explanation of the diseases your puppy is vaccinated for and how effective they are.

Distemper- Very important vaccination for young dogs. Comes in a combo DHPP. 

• Type of disease-Virus, highly infectious and transmitted from nasal or respiratory secretions (coughing and sneezing) 
• Symptoms- Neurologic signs including seizures, vomiting and trouble walking (ataxia), death
• Time- Given 8 weeks, 12wks, 16 weeks, 1 year of age, every 3 years
• Tests- Very difficult to test, and test are unreliable
• Complications of Vaccine- relatively safe

  

Hepatitis  

• Type of disease- Virus that causes infection of the liver Symptoms- Vomiting, lethargy
• Time- Given 8, 12 and 16 weeks, then every 3 years

 

Leptospirosis- Optional vaccination  

• Type of disease -This is a type of bacteria that is commonly contracted from fresh water and causes kidney failure. Spread by wildlife and contracted in free standing water.
• Symptoms- fever, vomiting, difficulty urinating 
• Time- Given 12 and 16 weeks, then every 1- 3 years 
• Complications- This is not recommended for small dogs and has a higher incidence of causing vaccine reactions. 

  

Parvo virus- Very important vaccination for puppies due to potential for death 

• Type of disease-Virus that infects the intestines and it does not allow the pet to absorb nutrients or water  
• Symptoms- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, also blood in the vomit and diarrhea is common, can lead to death if not treated immediately. 
• Time-Given 8, 12 and 16 wks of age, then every 3 years 
• Effectiveness-  One of the most important vaccines, puppies are very susceptible until they are adults and are fully vaccinated  

   

Rabies- Very important for disease control in the environment. Also, by law pets must be euthanized if they bite a person and they are not vaccinated for rabies 

• Type of disease- Rabies is a virus that is contracted through saliva and blood from an infective host which can include wildlife or other dogs and cats. 
• Symptoms-Neurologic signs such as salivating, difficulty walking, unable to stand, aggression, etc.  
• Time-The vaccine is given at 4 months of age, booster given at 1 yr and is good for 3 yrs ( in most states).
• Tests- The only way to test for rabies is to retrieve a sample of the brain.
• Complications-This vaccination often is responsible for allergic reactions.

  

Bordetella- Optional 

• Type of disease-This can be caused by virus or bacteria and is known as "kennel cough" or "Infectious tracheal bronchitis".  The vaccine only protects against the virus.
• Symptoms-Bordetella causes a honking cough often elicited by pushing on the trachea (windpipe).  It usually goes away in 10-14 days but can increase susceptibility to other infections and should be treated for by a veterinarian.  
• Time-Initially given at 12 weeks. The vaccine must be repeated every 6 months. 
• Tests- diagnosis is from symptoms 
• Complications- safe vaccine, slightly effective because the disease is often contracted from the bacterial form which the vaccine does not cover  

  

Additional Vaccinations: 

  

These vaccines are not recommended for all breeds and only need to given to pets in certain areas where the diseases are prevalent.   

  

Giardia- 

Type of disease-This is caused by a parasite called a protozoan.  The parasite infects the intestines and can be detected on fecal floats.  Symptoms- Diarrhea, vomiting, etc. 

• Time- Every 1 year 
• Tests- fecal floatation
• Complications of Vaccine- Unknown effectiveness 

  

Rattlesnake vaccination  

• Type of disease- Venom of the rattlesnake can either be cardiotoxic or neurotoxic depending on the species of snake. 
• Symptoms- swelling of the infective limb, difficulty breathing, bleeding disorders and bruising. 
• Time- Once yearly 
• Complications- There is currently no evidence that the vaccine works.

  

  

Corona- Optional, The disease rarely causes illness.  

• Type of disease- A virus that infects the intestines.  The infection is often is asymptomatic (no clinical signs). 
• Symptoms- mild diarrhea and rarely fever 
• Time- Every 1 year
• Tests- none 
• Complications-Relatively safe vaccine. Many Universities do not recommend this vaccine especially in small dogs.