Many veterinarians are changing their protocols for vaccinating pets these days. Research has shown some vaccines are even more effective than we believed in the past.
The more educated that clients become, the more they begin to question the annual or semi-annual vaccination routine that has become routine at many clinics. On the other hand, some of the newer veterinary school graduates don’t want to vaccinate at all! The diseases are still out there -- active cases of canine distemper and leptospirosis, feline rhinotracheitis and leukemia. These are all preventable diseases.
In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association offers current recommendations, and here is a broad overview of these recommendations, but keep in mind there are dogs at higher risk for certain diseases so a risk assessment 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, Measles - Administer one dose only between 4 and 12 weeks of age. Some breeders routinely vaccinate at 4 weeks.
Distemper, Parvo virus, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza - Administer at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old.
Bordetella bronchoseptica - Administer a single dose as early as recommended by vaccine manufacturer, either 3 weeks or 6 -8 weeks. For best results, a second dose should be given 2-4 weeks after the first.
Leptospirosis - Administer one dose at 12 weeks, and one dose at 14-16 weeks. Do not administer to dogs younger than 12 weeks. Toy breed may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so should be done only if dog is considered high exposure risk.
Lymes disease - Administer the initial dose at 9-12 weeks depending on manufacturer recommendations, with a second dose at 2-4 weeks.
Corona virus - Vaccination not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.
Giardia lambia - Vaccination is not recommended as it may prevent shedding of the cyst, but does not prevent infection.
Crotalus atrox toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Administer two doses one month apart beginning at 4 months of age, depending also on manufacturer’s recommendation.
Rabies- Administer 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 the one- year vaccine.
Initial Adult Vaccinations (greater than 16 weeks old and no previous vaccinations):
Distemper, Measles - Never indicated in dogs older than 12 weeks.
Distemper, Parvo MLV, Adenovirus-2 - Administer two doses 2-4 weeks apart.
Parainfluenza - One dose is considered adequate, but this vaccine is often a combination vaccine given with Distemper, Parvo and Adenovirus.
Bordetella bronchoseptica - If intranasal vaccine, administer a single dose; if injectable vaccine, administer two doses, 2-4 weeks apart.
Leptospirosis - Administer two doses, 2-4 weeks apart. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so should be done only if dog is considered high exposure risk.
Lymes disease - Administer two doses, 2-4 weeks apart.
Corona virus - Vaccination not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.
Giardia lambia - Vaccination not recommended as it may prevent shedding of the cyst, but does not prevent infection.
Crotalus atrox toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Refer to manufacturer’s label. Current administration is two doses, 1 month apart. Protects from venom of the bite of Western Diamondback and some cross protection may exist against the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake.
Rabies (1 or 3 year) - administer a single dose. Note that state, provincial and/or local laws apply. If dogs are required to be vaccinated annually, use only 1 year vaccine.
Revaccination (Booster) Recommendations:
Distemper, Parvo MLV, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza - After a booster at 1 year, revaccination once every 3 years or more is considered protective.
Bordetella bronchoseptica - Annually or if animal has not been vaccinated within the previous 6 months, a booster one week before known exposure (boarding, showing, kennels).
Leptospirosis - Annually. Toy breeds may have severe reactions to this vaccine, so should be done only if dog is considered a high exposure risk.
Lymes disease - Annually. Revaccinate prior to tick season as determined regionally.
Corona virus - Vaccination not recommended. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self limiting.
Giardia lambia - Vaccination not recommended as it may prevent shedding of the cyst, but does not prevent infection.
Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake vaccine) - Refer to manufacturer’s label. Annual booster is currently recommended before rattlesnake season, or when dog is traveling into snake habitats.
Rabies - After booster at 1 year, revaccination every 3 years is considered protective. If illegal in the area, then use 1 year vaccine and vaccinate annually.
Pet exams are recommended every 6 months, as your pet ages rapidly and problems need to be detected early.
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