We recommend all dogs be vaccinated against canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis and rabies. There may also be other vaccines that your pet may need such as Bordetella vaccine. We will review each of your pet's vaccination history, current health status and lifestyle to determine what is the best vaccination protocol.
Vaccines that are frequently recommended include:
- Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Adenovirus/Infectious Hepatitis
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme
- Rabies
NOTE: We are excited to say we use Ultra vaccines which are 1/2 ml vaccines. This allows us to offer a more comfortable experience for your dog/cat. Get further information at BeVaccineSmart.com
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) or Kennel Cough
Some of your pets history may indicate activities that put your dog in close contact with other dogs. These activities increase the risk your dog will be exposed to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) frequently referred to as kennel cough. The most common cause of CIRD is infection with a bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs that appear healthy can shed Bordetella bronchiseptica. Any activity where you dog gets exposure to other dogs could result in transmission. This disease is most common when dogs are boarded in kennels, but can occur any place where dogs can get together. This includes, dog parks, pet stores, grooming facilities, etc. This disease is extremely common and spreads easily among unprotected dogs. Secondary infections can lead to very serious and possibly life threatening disease. Vaccination is a simple way to minimize the risk of CIRD in susceptible dogs.
YOUR DOG DOES NOT HAVE TO BOARD IN A KENNEL TO GET KENNEL COUGHTraditionally, there have been two types of vaccine formulations to prevent CIRD: intranasal and injected vaccines. Recently we acquired a new vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica that is given orally simply by being squirted into your dog's mouth. This allows for a more comfortable vaccine experience.
Leptospirosis
Your dog may be
at risk of exposure to Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is caused by a
bacteria that are frequently transmitted by wildlife that can
contaminate soil, food and water sources. The organism enters your
dog's body via contact with these contaminated sources. It is important
to realize that wildlife share our lives even in metropolitan areas
where rodents, raccoons, foxes and even coyotes live happily as our
neighbors and provide a very real risk of infection. Dogs can also be
sources of infection for other dogs.
Leptospirosis is the
most common zoonotic disease in the world. Zoontic diseases are those
that can affect both humans and animals. Organizations like the American
College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and experts in
infectious diseases recommend that dogs considered at risk be vaccinated
against Leptospirosis yearly.
Because you will share
some of your dog's activities, this could put you and your family at
risk of exposure to the bacteria that cause Leptospirosis. The following
websites offer excellent advice to help you understand the risks of
exposure and steps you can take to prevent Leptospirosis.
Lyme Disease
Your dog's activities, where you live and travel may also put your dog at risk of exposure to Lyme disease.
Canine Lyme disease at a glance:
The exposure risk for your state and states you may visit are seen on this map.
Canine Lyme disease at a glance:
- Lyme disease is a potentially serious tick-borne illness that can affect you and your dog.
- It is caused by infection with a bacteria named Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Dogs and people get Lyme disease from the bite of an infected Ixodes tick also called deer tick or black legged tick.
- Ticks become infected with the bacteria by feeding on wild animals like rodents and white-tailed deer.
- The range of infected ticks has expanded and with it the areas where Lyme disease occurs..
- Because dogs are more likely to be exposed to ticks, the risk of exposure to Lyme disease may be greater among dogs than humans.
- Depending on location, infected ticks can be present at most times of the year.
- Canine Lyme disease is largely preventable by using tick control, tick checks and annual vaccination.
The exposure risk for your state and states you may visit are seen on this map.
NOTE OF CAUTION - THESE HIGH RISK AREAS ARE EXPANDING
(map courtesy of Companion Animal Parasite Council at www.capcvet.org)
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there is a strong correlation between the incidence of Lyme disease in dogs and humans. We recommend aggressive tick control and vaccination of dogs considered at risk.
Lyme disease is not transmitted directly from animals to humans. However your family and your pets share common potential exposure risks. The following websites offer excellent advice to better understand risk of exposure and in steps you can take to reduce your risk of Lyme disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there is a strong correlation between the incidence of Lyme disease in dogs and humans. We recommend aggressive tick control and vaccination of dogs considered at risk.
Lyme disease is not transmitted directly from animals to humans. However your family and your pets share common potential exposure risks. The following websites offer excellent advice to better understand risk of exposure and in steps you can take to reduce your risk of Lyme disease.
