What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

Your dog’s vaccination needs depend on his lifestyle. At TCAP, the Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccines are considered your adult dog’s core yearly vaccines. In this blog, we will explore the reason for each vaccine and why they are important.

If you have a puppy, she will need three sets of vaccinations to properly protect her for her first year. Need help keeping up with your puppy’s vaccine schedule? Check out our guide:

 

Rabies

Definition: Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals. The first Rabies vaccination should be given at 3-4 months of age, with the first booster shot given one year later. Thereafter, give boosters annually. This is the only vaccine legally required by all cities.

Why Is this Important? Once Rabies is contracted, it is often fatal. Rabies is typically transferred from the bite of an infected animal. Once infected, animals begin to show overt aggression or weakness and lack of coordination. Even if your pet remains indoors and never interacts with any other animals, it is important to keep your dog up-to-date on their rabies vaccination to remain complaint with your city code.

 

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)

Definition: Commonly referred to as the “distemper vaccine,” this combination vaccine protects against the diseases mentioned in its full name: 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.

Why Is this Important? Each of the five diseases this vaccine protects against is either lethal or highly contagious. This vaccination can protect your pet against some of the more hardy viruses they may encounter. Most groomers, dog parks, boarding facilities, and pet events will require proof of this vaccine prior to admitting participating dogs.

 

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Definition: Commonly referred to as “Kennel Cough”. Bordetella is  an extremely contagious upper respiratory infection often caused by a bacteria called “Bordetella Bronchiseptica.” Annual boosters are recommended if your dog regularly interacts with large groups of unknown dogs. Most groomers, dog parks, boarding facilities, and pet events will require proof of this vaccine prior to admitting participating dogs.

Why Is this Important? Kennel Cough is highly contagious, but treatable if contracted. In healthy adult dogs, Bordetella typically causes no more than mild illness, but can be severe or lethal for puppies or dogs with underlying health issues. Just like with DHPP, most groomers, dog parks, boarding facilities, and pet events will require proof of this vaccine prior to admitting participating dogs.

Need to update your pet on their core vaccines? Check out our convenient locations and hours here.