Lake pine animal hospital is here to help your new Pet get started on the right paw!
One of the easiest and more important things you can do to keep your new puppy healthy is to have them vaccinated! Ideally, puppy vaccinations are given at about 6 to 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, but the recommended vaccines and injections may vary depending on your pet’s individual needs. The rabies vaccination is an exception since one injection given at the proper time is enough to produce long-term immunity.
The good news: vaccines can prevent your Furry friend from illness!
Core Vaccinations | It’s imperative that you protect your pet from the following diseases:
RABIES is a viral infection spread mainly from the bite of an infected animal and can affect pets and people. It is 100 percent fatal once the disease starts to have symptoms. The vaccine can be administered in one dose as early as three months of age for dogs and up to 4 months. The booster is required for dogs and cats annually or every three years, depending on timing of the vaccination. This vaccine is required by law.
CANINE DISTEMPER is a fatal disease usually involving the respiratory tract, central nervous system, and intestinal tract. Distemper usually affects younger puppies and very old dogs with weakened immune systems. It causes respiratory signs, like sneezing and coughing, which can cause severe pneumonia. It can also invade the central nervous system causing seizures and brain damage. Distemper is transmitted through contact with nasal discharge or feces of an infected dog.
ADENOVIRUS TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 can cause infectious Hepatitis and respiratory infections. Hepatitis caused by Adenovirus has the potential to cause severe liver damage and can be fatal. Adenovirus is spread through contact with an infected dog’s blood, urine, feces, saliva, or nasal discharge.
PARVOVIRUS is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus typically that attacks the intestinal tract and bone marrow. It causes severe, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and suppression of white blood cells. Parvovirus is transmitted through contact with an infected dog’s feces and can stay in the environment for a very long time.
PARAINFLUENZA is another common virus that causes dogs’ cold-like upper respiratory syndrome. Parainfluenza is different from Canine Influenza but is also spread through nasal secretions or close contact with an infected dog.
DHPP OR DA2PP is usually given as a series every 3-4 weeks until starting at 6-8 weeks old and continuing until 16 weeks of age.
Lifestyle vaccines
Vaccinations are essential for keeping pets healthy, and letting vaccinations lapse sets the stage for an outbreak of parvovirus, distemper, and even rabies. It’s vital your pet stay up to date!
Letting vaccinations lapse sets the stage for an outbreak of parvo, distemper, and even rabies.
BORDETELLA/KENNEL COUGH is a common cause of Infectious Tracheobronchitis and is highly contagious. Bordetella causes inflammation of your pup’s upper respiratory system which leads to coughing and illness, ultimately exposing your pet to secondary infections. Bordetella is transmitted through contact with aerosolized molecules in the air produced when an infected dog barks or coughs. Puppies can also contract this bacteria from areas where an infected dog has recently been. This vaccine is best for pets who come in close contact with other animals, and the vaccination schedule will depend on your pet’s age and risk factors. It can be given Intranasal, by mouth, or subcutaneously. We recommend the Intranasal vaccine, and it can be given as often as every six months to 12 months.
LYME is a disease transmitted through tick bites and can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, kidney disease, joint inflammation, and lameness. It’s transmitted to dogs through a tick bite, and once it is in the bloodstream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to several parts of the pet’s body and is likely to localize in joints. The disease can be managed with medication and eventually goes into remission but can intermittently cause illness in the dog for the rest of its life.
LEPTOSPIROSIS (also known as Lepto) is a bacterial infection that can cause damage to the kidneys and liver. Pets don’t even need to interact with wildlife to be infected—simply coming into contact with the urine of an infected animal can carry the disease. Leptospirosis survives best in water, so your pet is at a higher risk for infection if you live near or if you and your pet visit natural areas with lakes or standing water, including dog parks. This infection is considered Zoonotic as it can be spread to people. Leptospirosis is entirely preventable, and all your pet needs is a two-shot series, two-four weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster.
CANINE INFLUENZA is a highly contagious and aggressive strain of the canine Flu that causes fever, loss of appetite, coughing, and nasal discharge. It can quickly develop into pneumonia and even lead to death. Canine influenza is transmitted by close contact with an infected dog, usually in restricted spaces, including animal shelters, daycare centers, grooming, or boarding kennels. Based on your dog’s lifestyle, we may recommend the CIV vaccination. The H3N2 strain of the virus is carried in the air and can contaminate the surfaces of shared objects like food bowls, an owner’s clothing, or simply be inhaled.
Not sure if your pet’s shots are current?
Give us a call at (919) 380-1157, and we can make an appointment if needed.
Prevention is your best bet for a healthy pet and peace of mind.
Talk to a member of our staff or your Lake Pine veterinarian about vaccinating your best friend today!
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