Vaccination Schedule

Information

Rabies

First vaccination at 3 months of age.

First Booster one year after first vaccination.

Booster every three years thereafter unless dog is at higher than normal risk

Rabies is a fatal virus that attacks the brain and nerves. It is transmitted by bite wounds and contact with the saliva or blood of a rabid animal. Any mammal can get rabies, even people. In Pennsylvania it is required by law that all dogs be vaccinated for rabies. Not getting this vaccination could mean destruction of your pet and/or a $300 fine.

Bordatella

(Kennel Cough)

First vaccination at 8 weeks of age

Booster once per year for pets that are rarely kenneled. Booster every 6 months for pets that are kenneled regularly.

Bordatella is a very contagious disease of the nose and throat. It causes a raspy or honking cough sometimes with mucous. It can be self limiting. It is common in pets kenneled and in areas with many other dogs, like parks, dog shows, and other locations where many dogs are together. Your pet may seem otherwise healthy. It can be treated by your veterinarian if severe.

Lyme Disease

First vaccination at 8 weeks of age

First Booster 3-4 weeks later

Booster once a year thereafter

Lyme disease is a treatable tick borne bacterial disease. Signs of Lyme disease are vague and include fever, lameness, joint swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. The heart and brain can be affected in severe cases. Any pet can be vaccinated, but pets commonly in the woods are at greater risk of contact. Control of ticks is also recommended.

Distemper

First vaccination at 8 weeks of age

First Booster 4 weeks later, second booster 4 weeks after first, but at or after 16 weeks of age

Booster once a year thereafter

Distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal disease. It spreads easily through the air and on objects, so direct contact with a sick animal is not needed for infection. Distemper affects the respiratory system and the nervous system. Signs can range from runny eyes, nose and vomiting to seizures and death.

Parvovirus/Coronavirus

Distemper, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Leptospirois, and Parainfluenza are all included in the DHLPPC vaccine given as described for destemper.

Parvo and corona viruses are similar, very contagious diseases that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe depression. Parvovirus is more severe and if not treated is often fatal. Coronavirus is less severe and sometimes accompanies parvovirus. Parvovirus in hard to remove from the environment and is easily passed from animal to animal.

Leptospirosis

As Above

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Signs are fever, depression, and lack of appetite, followed by lameness and unwillingness to use rear legs. Also pain and yellowing of the gums and the schlera of the eyes. If untreated can be fatal.

Parainfluenza

As Above

Parainfluenza is a viral disease like the influenza viruses that affect people. It can be spread by direct contact or in the air. It causes discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, depression, and lakc of appetite.

Hepatitis

As Above

Canine Hepatitis is a viral disease that affects the liver. The virus is mainly spread by direct contact only. Signs are fever, depression, thirst, discharge from the eyes and nose, and sometimes abdominal pain and vomiting. In some cases the blood cannot clot and fluid swellings can develop. This disease can seem similar to distemper.