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We would like to educate you a little about vaccinations, to better help you understand them.

Please understand we are not experts in vaccinations, but will be sharing our years of experience and knowledge.

1st) What each vaccination are called and what that vaccine protects your puppy/dog for.

2nd) Which vaccines are considered core vaccines, recommended by most veterinarians. 

3rd) Which vaccines are considered elective and which of these we recommend you to vaccinate your puppy/dog for,  based on the puppies life style, the places you will be taking your puppy/dog and your own neighborhood environment. 

4th) What is Titer testing and it's important role in not over vaccinating adult dogs.

Puppies receive a series of vaccinations starting as early as

6 wks and continue every 3-4 weeks through the age of 16 wks

of age. Adult dogs receive vaccines or have a titer test done

once a year. The use of titer testing is to tell if  or what your dog needs to be vaccinated again at that time and most importantly saves them from being over vaccinated.

We always highly recommend that you supervise your puppy or adult dogs closely for at least 4 hours after receiving any vaccines or new medications. Most adverse reactions to a vaccine will be seen in this time frame, however still keep an eye on them over the next 24-48 hours. If you become concerned call your vet or take them to the closest 24 hour Animal Hospital.

  In my 13 years as a veterinary tech. and have seen thousands of vaccines given, thankfully I can say I've only seen two pets suffer from an anaphylaxis reaction, both pets were unconscious with in 10 minutes of receiving their vaccination one was a ferret and the other a Shih Tzu puppy. Thankfully both were still in the office, fast action was taken to reverse the reaction and both responded to treatment immediately and fully recovered. 

Rabies Vaccine - Rabies vaccination of dogs is the only companion animal vaccine required by law in most (but not all) states.  Veterinarians are obligated to adhere to state/local/provincial statutes when administering rabies vaccines to dogs.  This is a core vaccine - 1st dose given at around 16 wks of age. The first dose in most states is good for 1 yr. and there after good for 3 yrs.

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Distemper Vaccine also known as (D or d) in a combination vaccine.

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs.

The virus can also be found in wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink and ferrets and has been reported in lions, tigers, leopards and other wild cats as well as seals.

Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.

Vaccination is crucial in preventing canine distemper.

  • A series of vaccinations is administered to puppies to increase the likelihood of building immunity when the immune system has not yet fully matured.

  • Avoid gaps in the immunization schedule and make sure distemper vaccinations are up to date.

  • Avoid contact with infected animals and wildlife

  • Use caution when socializing puppies or unvaccinated dogs at parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy day care and other places where dogs can congregate. 

  • This is a core vaccine - This vaccine is normally started at 7-8 wks of age and boostered every 3-4 wks through the age of 16 wks. Once the puppy series is complete this vaccine is then given once a year through out adulthood, unless your doing Titers to show the vaccine does not need to be repeated at that time.

Canine Adenivirs type 2 and or Hepatitis also known as (A2 or H) in a combination vaccine

Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is related to the hepatitis virus, canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). CAV-2 is used in vaccines to provide protection against canine infectious hepatitis. CAV-2 is also one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. 1

Transmission

Adenoviruses are spread directly from dog to dog through infected respiratory secretions or by contact with contaminated feces or urine.

Clinical Signs 1

Respiratory disease (CAV-2)

  • Dry, hacking cough

  • Retching

  • Coughing up white foamy discharge

  • Conjunctivitis

Hepatitis (CAV-1)

  • Fever

  • Abdominal pain

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Risk Factors

  • Dogs that come from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores

  • Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare

  • Visiting groomers, dog parks, or engaging with other dogs on a daily basis

  • Dogs that live in multi-pet homes

  • This is a core vaccineThis vaccine is normally started at 7-8 wks of age and boostered every 3-4 wks through the age of 16 wks. Once the puppy series is complete this vaccine is then give once a year through out adulthood, unless your doing Titers to show the vaccine does not need to be repeated at that time.

Canine parainfluenza also known as (P) in a combination vaccine

 

Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough.1 
Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.

Transmission

CPIV is excreted from the respiratory tract of infected animals for up to 2 weeks after infection and is usually transmitted through the air.1
The virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together.2

Clinical Signs 1,2

  • Coughing (dry or moist)

  • Low-grade fever

  • Nasal discharge

  • Lack of energy

  • Loss of appetite

Risk Factors

  • Dogs that come from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores

  • Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare

  • Visiting groomers, dog parks, or engaging with other dogs on a daily basis

  • Dogs that participate in events/competitions

  • This is a core vaccine This vaccine is normally started at 7-8 wks of age and boostered every 3-4 wks through the age of 16 wks. Once the puppy series is complete this vaccine is then give once a year through out adulthood, unless your doing Titers to show the vaccine does not need to be repeated at that time.

Canine Parvo Virus also known as (P or Pv) in a combination vaccine 

 

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.eading 1

This is a core vaccineThis vaccine is normally started at 6-8 wks of age and boostered every 3-4 wks through the age of 16 wks. Once the puppy series is complete this vaccine is then give once a year through out adulthood, unless your doing Titers to show the vaccine does not need to be repeated at that time.

Bordetella Vaccine - Kennel cough is highly contagious. If your dog goes to dog parks, boarding facilities, dog daycare, visit to your veterinarians, groomer or attends training classes, then he is at risk for contracting kennel cough. Many of these facilities require dogs to come with proof of the Bordetella vaccination before they are allowed on the premises, so it is in your dog’s best interest for his health and extracurricular activities to get the vaccine. If your dog stays in the house and is rarely around other dogs, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not she believes your dog is at risk of contracting kennel cough.

This is not a core vaccine - though highly recommened, this vaccine is very important to have your veterinarian give your puppy and booster through out adulthood. Goldendoodle's require regular professional grooming and should be attending training classes. Which will make them at risk of getting Kennel cough.

Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease. In the United States, most cases of human leptospirosis result from recreational activities involving water. Infection resulting from contact with an infected pet is much less common, but it is possible.

There is much controversy due to possible side affects. I can personally share that we have vaccinated our own dogs and puppy's starting at 12 weeks of age (given that the puppy is 5 pounds or over) for Lepto for many year. We have had three dogs in 30 years have an adverse reaction, the most common reaction seen is facial swelling, lethargy and or hives. 

Lymes Vaccine - We do not recommend this vaccine as there are many known long term side effects. If your puppy or dog is in a higher risk tick area, we would rather see you take extra preventative measures and a higher awareness of inspecting your dog regularly for ticks. 

 We use Frontline Plus if needed as it prevents multiple tick species.

Please talk this over with your veterinarian and do your research.

 

A humane version of Lymes vaccine was taken off the market following a class action suite due to it's harmful side effects.

This is not a core vaccine

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