When To Vaccinate Your Pet

Not sure what these vaccines are for?
Hover over or click each vaccine below to learn more about the disease it prevents:

Dogs

• Rabies – is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals. The first rabies vaccination should be given at 3 to 4 months of age, with the first booster shot given one year later (at 15 months of age). Thereafter, give boosters annually.
  
  
• DAPPv – Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DAPPv): Commonly called the “distemper shot,” this combination vaccine actually protects against five diseases: canine distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. It’s given to puppies in a series of three vaccines and then given every year to adult dogs. Along with rabies, DAPPv is considered a set of core vaccines: those universally recommended for dogs no matter what the circumstance.
  
  
• Bordetella – Bordetella (commonly called “kennel cough”): The bordetella virus causes an extremely contagious upper respiratory infection. Puppies should be given two doses of the Bordetella vaccine, about a month apart. Annual boosters are recommended if your dog regularly interacts with large groups of unknown dogs (boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, etc.)
  
  
• Canine Influenza H3N8/H3N2 – Canine Influenza (CIV): Commonly known as “the canine flu,” canine influenza is easily transmitted between dogs through a combination of aerosols, droplets, and direct contact with respiratory secretions. Annual boosters are recommended if your dog regularly interects with large groups of unknown dogs (boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, etc.)
  
  
• Lepto – Leptospirosis: Dogs can become infected with “Leptospira” bacteria by exposure to contaminated water, exposure to urine from an infected animal, bite wounds, and ingestion of tissues from infected animals. Annual boosters are recommended if your dog has potential to come in contact with any wild animals or unknown bodies of water.
  
  
• Lyme – Lyme: Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called “Borrelia burgdorferi” and is spread by ticks. Annual boosters are recommended (ideally before tick season) if your dog is in an area where ticks may be present.
  
  
• Heartworm Prevention – Heartworm Preventative Medication: Heartworms are contracted through mosquito bites. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to administer a safe heartworm preventive that kills immature worms before they cause damage. Treatment for heartworms is risky and expensive so it is important to use year-round preventative medication since heartworm disease is preventable. Puppies should begin on heartworm preventative by 6 months of age. Any dog older than 6 months should be tested prior to beginning heartworm preventative. Testing is required annually even if your dog has been on preventative.