Core vaccines: Vaccines every dog should receive, regardless of lifestyle and exposure to other dogs
Canine Distemper-Parvo Vaccine ( DAP)
This vaccine protects dogs from 3 viruses. The initial series includes vaccine administration every 3-4 weeks with the last vaccine administered after 16 weeks of age. The vaccine is administered again at 1 year of age and then every 3 years.
1.Canine Distemper-This is an often fatal, serious disease causing high fevers, lack of appetite, suppression of the immune system and neurological signs. For more information click here Canine Distemper
2. Canine Adenovirus-Adenovirus causes hepatitis or liver disease and can also lead to kidney failure and death.
3. Canine Parvovirus-This virus causes severe fever, vomiting and diarrhea and suppression of the immune system, which can results in death especially in puppies. For more information click here Canine Parvo Virus
Rabies Vaccine
This vaccine is required by state law for all dogs 6 months of age or older.
The first Rabies vaccine is given as a single dose, then an "adult booster' a year after the initial vaccine. The rabies vaccine is then given every 3 years.
Rabies virus is a fatal infection typically transmitted through bite wounds , open cuts in the skin or into mucous membranes. There is no treatment available once your dog is infected with rabies. This virus has very real and serious human and pet implications.
For more information on Rabies in Massachusetts click here Rabies Information.
Non-Core Vaccines: These vaccines are available and can be given based on your dog's risk.
Lyme Vaccine (Borrelia Borgdorferi)
The initial puppy series includes two vaccines given 2-4 weeks apart. The vaccine is then administered annually.
Hampshire and Franklin Counties are considered endemic areas for ticks carrying Borrelia Borgdorferii, the bacteria that cause Lyne disease. Any dog who may be exposed to ticks is at risk as the ticks transmit the bacteria during feeding. While effective tick control remains the cornerstone for reducing the risk of all tick borne diseases, you may elect to reduce the risk further by having you dog vaccinated against Lyme disease. Before starting the vaccine series, we may recommend screening your dog for infection using a simple blood test.
For more information on Lyme disease and how to prevent it click here Lyme Disease.
Leptospirosis Vaccine
The initial puppy series includes two vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart. The vaccine is then administered annually.
Leptospirosis is endemic to Western Massachusetts. It is caused by various strains of bacteria. infected dogs often have a vever, do not eat well, may vomit and may suffer liver and kidney damage. this disease, even when treated can be fatal, infected dogs shed the bacterin in their urine and humans can become infected by contact with contaminated ground water, soil, or animal urine.
For more information on Leptospirosis click here Leptospirosis
Bordatella Vaccine (Kennel Cough)
This vaccine helps protect dogs against some forms of contagious bronchitis, and is recommended and often required for dogs that stay in boarding facilities, go regularly to groomers, visit dog parks , attend dog shows or obedience classes, or frequently contact large numbers of dogs.
Canine Influenza Vaccine (K-9 Flu)
For information about Canine Influenza click here Canine Influenza
Vaccine Reactions
We use the safest vaccines currently available to the veterinary profession. We have chosen the above vaccines and follow current vaccine guidelines to (1) minimize the number of vaccines we are administering to our patients and (2) to minimize the number of side effects to our patients Even with our best intentions , a very few number of dogs may still have a vaccine reaction, Below is a summary of these reactions and what you should monitor If your dog has had a vaccine reaction, we will need to tailor specific vaccine protocol for your individual dog to help avoid such reacions in the future. Please call us if you notice any of these reactions
Mild vaccine reactions, if they occur , may last for a couple of days after the vaccine is administered and may include:
-mild decrease in activity
-mild pain or soreness at the injection site
-mild decrease in appetite
-a small lump at the injection site
Sever reactions may occur within a few minutes to a few hours after vaccine administration If you notice any of these severe vaccine reactons, veterinary attention is required IMMEDIATELY.
-vomiting/diarrhea
-fever
-difficulty breathing
-swelling of the face
-profound lethargy