Read About Dog Vaccinations

Image

Many veterinarians are changing their protocols for vaccinating pets these days. Research has shown some vaccines are more effective than we believed in the past.

The more educated my clients become, the more they begin to question that 'annual' or 'semi-annual' vaccination that has become routine at many clinics. On the other hand, I have also seen problems with some of the newer veterinary school graduates not wanting to vaccinate at all! The diseases are still out there--I still see active cases of canine distemper and leptospirosis, feline rhinotracheitis and leukemia--these are all preventable diseases.

ImageIn fact, the American Animal Hospital Association has current recommendations that we now follow at my clinic. I am going to give you a broad overview of these recommendations, but keep in mind there are dogs at higher risk for certain diseases, thus risk assessments must be done. Then, you and your veterinarian can come up with the best preventative health care plan for your pet.

Initial Puppy Vaccinations (Less than 16 weeks old):

Distemper, Parvo virus, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza- Administer at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 12 to14 weeks old.

Bordetella bronchoseptica- Administer a single dose as early as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer, either 3 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks. For best results, a second dose should be given 2 to 4 weeks after the first dose.

Leptospirosis- Administer one dose at 12 weeks and another dose at 14 to16 weeks. Do not administer this vaccine to dogs younger than 12 weeks. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so it should be done only if dog is considered in a high exposure risk.

Lymes disease- Administer initial dose at 9 to12 weeks depending on manufacturer recommendations, with a second dose in 2 to 4 weeks.

Corona virus- Vaccination is not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self-limiting.

Giardia lambia- Vaccination is not recommended as vaccine may prevent shedding of the cyst, without preventing infection.

Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Administer two doses one month apart beginning at 4 months of age, or depending also on manufacturer's recommendation.

Rabies (1 or 3 year) - One dose as early as 3 months of age. Note: state, provincial and/or local laws apply. If dogs are required to be vaccinated annually, use only a one-year vaccine.

Initial Adult Vaccinations (greater than 16 weeks old and no previous vaccinations):

Distemper-Measles- Never administer in dogs older than 12 weeks.

Distemper, Parvo MLV, Adenovirus-2- Administer two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Parainfluenza- One dose is considered adequate, but this vaccine is often a combination vaccine given with Distemper, Parvo and Adenovirus.

Bordetella bronchoseptica- The intranasal vaccine should be given at a single dose; while the injectable vaccine at 2 doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Leptospirosis- Administered in 2 doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so it should be done only if dog is considered at high exposure risk.

Lymes disease- Given in 2 doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Corona virus- Vaccination is not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.

Giardia lambia- Not recommended as vaccine because it may prevent shedding of the cyst, without preventing infection.

Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Refer to manufacturer's label. Current administration is 2 doses, 1 month apart. Protects from venom of the bite of Western Diamondback rattlesnake and some cross protection may exist against the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake.

Rabies (1 or 3 year) - Administer a single dose. Note: state, provincial and/or local laws apply. If dogs are required to be vaccinated annually, use only a one-year vaccine.

Revaccination (Booster) Recommendations:

Distemper, Parvo MLV, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza- After a booster during the first year, revaccination once every 3 years or more is considered protective.

Bordetella bronchoseptica- Should be administered annually or if the animal has not been vaccinated within the previous 6 months, give a booster one week before known exposure (boarding, showing, kennels).

Leptospirosis- Annually. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so it should be done only if a dog is considered at a high exposure risk.

Lymes disease- Annually. Revaccinate prior to tick season as determined regionally.

Corona virus- Vaccination is not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.

Giardia lambia- Not recommended as vaccine as it may prevent shedding of the cyst, but not the infection.

Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Refer to manufacturer's label. Annual booster is recommended before rattlesnake season, or when a dog is traveling into snake habitats.

Rabies (1 or 3 year) - After booster during the first year, revaccination every 3 years is considered protective. If illegal in the area, then use a one-year vaccine and vaccinate annually.

Wellness pet exams are recommended every six months, as your pet ages rapidly, and problems need to be detected early.

Sharon E. Anderson, DVM

Sharon E. Anderson, DVM, answers medically-related questions, but will not attempt to diagnose or recommend specific treatments. Her advice is not meant to replace professional care. If your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian immediately.

{mosimage}

Many veterinarians are changing their protocols for vaccinating pets these days. Research has shown some vaccines are more effective than we believed in the past.

The more educated my clients become, the more they begin to question that 'annual' or 'semi-annual' vaccination that has become routine at many clinics. On the other hand, I have also seen problems with some of the newer veterinary school graduates not wanting to vaccinate at all! The diseases are still out there--I still see active cases of canine distemper and leptospirosis, feline rhinotracheitis and leukemia--these are all preventable diseases.

{mosimage}In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association has current recommendations that we now follow at my clinic. I am going to give you a broad overview of these recommendations, but keep in mind there are dogs at higher risk for certain diseases, thus risk assessments must be done. Then, you and your veterinarian can come up with the best preventative health care plan for your pet.

Initial Puppy Vaccinations (Less than 16 weeks old):

Distemper, Parvo virus, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza- Administer at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 12 to14 weeks old.

Bordetella bronchoseptica- Administer a single dose as early as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer, either 3 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks. For best results, a second dose should be given 2 to 4 weeks after the first dose.

Leptospirosis- Administer one dose at 12 weeks and another dose at 14 to16 weeks. Do not administer this vaccine to dogs younger than 12 weeks. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so it should be done only if dog is considered in a high exposure risk.

Lymes disease- Administer initial dose at 9 to12 weeks depending on manufacturer recommendations, with a second dose in 2 to 4 weeks.

Corona virus- Vaccination is not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self-limiting.

Giardia lambia- Vaccination is not recommended as vaccine may prevent shedding of the cyst, without preventing infection.

Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Administer two doses one month apart beginning at 4 months of age, or depending also on manufacturer's recommendation.

Rabies (1 or 3 year) - One dose as early as 3 months of age. Note: state, provincial and/or local laws apply. If dogs are required to be vaccinated annually, use only a one-year vaccine.

Initial Adult Vaccinations (greater than 16 weeks old and no previous vaccinations):

Distemper-Measles- Never administer in dogs older than 12 weeks.

Distemper, Parvo MLV, Adenovirus-2- Administer two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Parainfluenza- One dose is considered adequate, but this vaccine is often a combination vaccine given with Distemper, Parvo and Adenovirus.

Bordetella bronchoseptica- The intranasal vaccine should be given at a single dose; while the injectable vaccine at 2 doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Leptospirosis- Administered in 2 doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so it should be done only if dog is considered at high exposure risk.

Lymes disease- Given in 2 doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Corona virus- Vaccination is not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.

Giardia lambia- Not recommended as vaccine because it may prevent shedding of the cyst, without preventing infection.

Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Refer to manufacturer's label. Current administration is 2 doses, 1 month apart. Protects from venom of the bite of Western Diamondback rattlesnake and some cross protection may exist against the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake.

Rabies (1 or 3 year) - Administer a single dose. Note: state, provincial and/or local laws apply. If dogs are required to be vaccinated annually, use only a one-year vaccine.

Revaccination (Booster) Recommendations:

Distemper, Parvo MLV, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza- After a booster during the first year, revaccination once every 3 years or more is considered protective.

Bordetella bronchoseptica- Should be administered annually or if the animal has not been vaccinated within the previous 6 months, give a booster one week before known exposure (boarding, showing, kennels).

Leptospirosis- Annually. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so it should be done only if a dog is considered at a high exposure risk.

Lymes disease- Annually. Revaccinate prior to tick season as determined regionally.

Corona virus- Vaccination is not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.

Giardia lambia- Not recommended as vaccine as it may prevent shedding of the cyst, but not the infection.

Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Refer to manufacturer's label. Annual booster is recommended before rattlesnake season, or when a dog is traveling into snake habitats.

Rabies (1 or 3 year) - After booster during the first year, revaccination every 3 years is considered protective. If illegal in the area, then use a one-year vaccine and vaccinate annually.

Wellness pet exams are recommended every six months, as your pet ages rapidly, and problems need to be detected early.

Sharon E. Anderson, DVM

Sharon E. Anderson, DVM, answers medically-related questions, but will not attempt to diagnose or recommend specific treatments. Her advice is not meant to replace professional care. If your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian immediately.