CORE VACCINES
DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
This is one of the most important core vaccinations a dog can receive. Distemper is a neurologic virus that is common in the southern United States and in wildlife throughout the country. Distemper does not “help your dog be calmer or less vicious”; quality training and handling techniques will help with that. Parvovirus is one of the saddest diseases known to dogs because, in a majority of cases, parvo can be lethal. Parvo causes severe dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting. Canine infectious hepatitis and parainfluenza are lesser components of this vaccine, and vaccinating against these pathogens has been very effective in making both of them almost obsolete.
At CHVA, we recommend that puppies be vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. We then booster this vaccine at 1 year of age. Adult dogs should be re-vaccinated on a 3-year schedule.
This is one of the most important core vaccinations a dog can receive. Distemper is a neurologic virus that is common in the southern United States and in wildlife throughout the country. Distemper does not “help your dog be calmer or less vicious”; quality training and handling techniques will help with that. Parvovirus is one of the saddest diseases known to dogs because, in a majority of cases, parvo can be lethal. Parvo causes severe dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting. Canine infectious hepatitis and parainfluenza are lesser components of this vaccine, and vaccinating against these pathogens has been very effective in making both of them almost obsolete.
At CHVA, we recommend that puppies be vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. We then booster this vaccine at 1 year of age. Adult dogs should be re-vaccinated on a 3-year schedule.
Rabies
Rabies vaccines are required by law in the state of Pennsylvania. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the nervous system of all mammals. Rabies can spread to humans as well through animal bites, saliva, blood, or fluid exchange. In Pennsylvania, raccoon, skunks, bats and feral cats are the most common sources of the virus. We do see the occasional dog, deer, cow and horse affected as well. There is no cure, and most animals require euthanasia if symptomatic. There are strict state-enforced quarantine rules for non-vaccinated dogs and potential bite exposures, so keeping rabies up-to-date is very important.
Pennsylvania law requires all dogs older than 12 weeks of age be rabies vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. A follow-up rabies vaccination at 1 year is required and then every 3 years after that.
Rabies vaccines are required by law in the state of Pennsylvania. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the nervous system of all mammals. Rabies can spread to humans as well through animal bites, saliva, blood, or fluid exchange. In Pennsylvania, raccoon, skunks, bats and feral cats are the most common sources of the virus. We do see the occasional dog, deer, cow and horse affected as well. There is no cure, and most animals require euthanasia if symptomatic. There are strict state-enforced quarantine rules for non-vaccinated dogs and potential bite exposures, so keeping rabies up-to-date is very important.
Pennsylvania law requires all dogs older than 12 weeks of age be rabies vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. A follow-up rabies vaccination at 1 year is required and then every 3 years after that.
ELECTIVE VACCINES
Not all vaccinations are required for every pet. At CHVA a vaccine protocol tailored to your pet’s individual needs will be discussed with you at your first wellness appointment. Should your pet’s lifestyle change and/or risk levels change, we will address the new vaccination protocol with you.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is commonly known as “kennel cough.” This bacterial upper-respiratory infection is similar to the common cold or influenza that we see in humans; however, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia in some patients, especially if not treated. Many breeding kennels and pet-store puppies have exposure to antibiotic-resistant bordetella strains and adequate research and care should be taken when purchasing a puppy from these locations.
Dogs that are social, are going to board in a kennel, are doggy-daycare attendees, and/or are frequenting dog parks or training facilities should have a bordetella vaccine administered every 6 months for best protection. Because this is a bacterial vaccine, protection fades more quickly than a viral vaccine. At CHVA we recommend that high-risk patients receive this oral vaccine every 6 months. While this vaccine is sometimes given annually, every 6 months provides better local immunity to the nasal and oral cavities, which is the first site of local defense against infection, and provides less chance of clinical disease and pneumonia. There are no quality bordetella titers on the market to check protection of this vaccine.
Bordetella bronchiseptica is commonly known as “kennel cough.” This bacterial upper-respiratory infection is similar to the common cold or influenza that we see in humans; however, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia in some patients, especially if not treated. Many breeding kennels and pet-store puppies have exposure to antibiotic-resistant bordetella strains and adequate research and care should be taken when purchasing a puppy from these locations.
Dogs that are social, are going to board in a kennel, are doggy-daycare attendees, and/or are frequenting dog parks or training facilities should have a bordetella vaccine administered every 6 months for best protection. Because this is a bacterial vaccine, protection fades more quickly than a viral vaccine. At CHVA we recommend that high-risk patients receive this oral vaccine every 6 months. While this vaccine is sometimes given annually, every 6 months provides better local immunity to the nasal and oral cavities, which is the first site of local defense against infection, and provides less chance of clinical disease and pneumonia. There are no quality bordetella titers on the market to check protection of this vaccine.
Lyme
Lyme disease (burreliosis) is endemic in the deer-tick population of Pennsylvania so it is very important for our local dogs to be protected with a good quality flea and tick preventative. Lyme disease is a severe illness that can cause a weakened immune system, joint pain and swelling, polyarthritis, spinal problems, seizures, and occasionally life-threatening kidney disease. Occasionally we can see bleeding disorders and autoimmune diseases due to Lyme infections.
Lyme vaccinations may begin as early as 9 weeks of age and then boostered one month later. Lyme should be boostered annually, and for very high-risk patients (active hunting dogs), we may recommend every 6 months as well.
Lyme disease (burreliosis) is endemic in the deer-tick population of Pennsylvania so it is very important for our local dogs to be protected with a good quality flea and tick preventative. Lyme disease is a severe illness that can cause a weakened immune system, joint pain and swelling, polyarthritis, spinal problems, seizures, and occasionally life-threatening kidney disease. Occasionally we can see bleeding disorders and autoimmune diseases due to Lyme infections.
Lyme vaccinations may begin as early as 9 weeks of age and then boostered one month later. Lyme should be boostered annually, and for very high-risk patients (active hunting dogs), we may recommend every 6 months as well.
Leptospirosis
Another bacterial organism, Leptospira is found in multiple areas of Pennsylvania. The vaccination covers 4 major (of the hundreds of) strains of Lepto organisms occurring in nature. Leptospira is communicable to humans from their pets through urine. We typically see cases in the summer and fall months as it thrives in warm, humid environments, commonly near a pond or water source. Dogs who are outdoors, frequenting water sources, living on or near dairy farms, or are exposed to wildlife in a woodland setting should be considered candidates for the Lepto vaccine.
Lepto can be given as early as 12 weeks and requires a booster one month later. It should then be re-administered annually for full protection.
Another bacterial organism, Leptospira is found in multiple areas of Pennsylvania. The vaccination covers 4 major (of the hundreds of) strains of Lepto organisms occurring in nature. Leptospira is communicable to humans from their pets through urine. We typically see cases in the summer and fall months as it thrives in warm, humid environments, commonly near a pond or water source. Dogs who are outdoors, frequenting water sources, living on or near dairy farms, or are exposed to wildlife in a woodland setting should be considered candidates for the Lepto vaccine.
Lepto can be given as early as 12 weeks and requires a booster one month later. It should then be re-administered annually for full protection.
Influenza
Canine Influenza is an emerging infectious viral disease among dogs. We have seen an increase in periodic outbreaks of canine influenza across the country. Generally, there is a history of close contact with other dogs in a restricted space, such as a boarding kennel, dog day-care, dog show, or competition. Casual contact is much less likely. Dogs of all ages and breed are susceptible. Because risk factors are taken into consideration, this is an elective vaccine at this time. The vaccine requires an initial and a booster in 3-4 weeks to be considered protective. It should be noted that the vaccine may not prevent the dog from infection, but as in humans, it can help to lessen the course of disease should the animal become infected.
Canine Influenza is an emerging infectious viral disease among dogs. We have seen an increase in periodic outbreaks of canine influenza across the country. Generally, there is a history of close contact with other dogs in a restricted space, such as a boarding kennel, dog day-care, dog show, or competition. Casual contact is much less likely. Dogs of all ages and breed are susceptible. Because risk factors are taken into consideration, this is an elective vaccine at this time. The vaccine requires an initial and a booster in 3-4 weeks to be considered protective. It should be noted that the vaccine may not prevent the dog from infection, but as in humans, it can help to lessen the course of disease should the animal become infected.