Preventable Medicine in Dogs
Viral Diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Corona, Rabies
Bacterial Diseases: Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Bordetella​

How vaccines work:
    Vaccines stimulate the immune system which provides protection for the animal. Antigens are proteins within the pathogenic organism. When exposed to a patient naturally or by vaccination, the patient’s immune system makes antibodies to fight that specific pathogen. 
Passive Immunity: 
    Puppies receive immunity (antibodies) from their mother via colostrum (babies’ first milk). This is passive because the puppy did not make the antibodies himself. Maternal antibodies wane over time, and protection generally lasts up to 14-16 weeks but varies between individuals. Maternal antibodies can block the effectiveness of vaccines administered to puppies. Since we do not know exactly when the maternal antibodies have left the patient’s body, it is best to start immunization at the earliest effective period and continue until the antibodies are known to fade: (6 weeks to 14-16 weeks).

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​ Canine Vaccine Protocol:

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, and Parainfluenza) should be given every 2-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks old through 14-16 weeks old, then a 1 year booster, then 3 year boosters there after.
  • If starting late or as an adult, a minimum of 2 vaccines is recommended before annual booster.

• Rabies is typically given at 12-16 weeks. Rabies has a 1 year booster, then 3 year boosters.
• Lyme and Lepto are initially given at 12-16 weeks, a booster 2-4 weeks later, then given annually.
• Bordetella (the kennel cough vaccine) has one initial vaccine, then given every 6-12 months depending on the rules of your chosen boarding facility.​

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What Are We Vaccinating Against?

Distemper Virus

This virus is found all over the country and is easily spread. Distemper can cause respiratory signs and neurological problems like seizures. Death may occur one to three weeks after infection. 

Early Clinical Signs:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Listleness
• Dry cough

• Discharge from eyes and nose
• Diarrhea

Later Clinical Signs:

• Head shaking
• Chewing movements
• Seizures
• Confusion

Hepatitis

The virus that causes this disease is spread by contact with urine, feces, and other secretions from infected animals. The liver is the primary organ affected and death is possible in severe cases.

Clinical Signs may include:

• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Fever

• Bloody nose
• Painful abdomen

Parvovirus

This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material. It is a very hardy virus and can survive in the environment for months or years. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and death. 

Clinical signs may include:

• Severe depression
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

• High fever
• Bloody diarrhea

Coronavirus

This virus attacks a dog's gastrointestinal tract but with less severity than parvovirus. It is spread by contact with contaminated feces, environments, or people.

Clinical signs may include:

• Depression
• Anorexia

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Rabies

This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of the virus. Because rabies is a significant health hazard, it is extremely important to vaccinate your pet. In many states and cities, rabies vaccine is required by law.

Kennel Cough

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the major bacterium behind "kennel cough". Socializing with infected dogs or even visiting places infected dogs have been can increase your dogs risk of catching this highly contagious cough.  Signs typically appear 3-10 days after exposure and can last up to 20 days.

Clinical signs may include:

• Dry, hacking cough
• Discharge from nose or eyes
• ​Sneezing

• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Loss of appetite

Lyme Disease

Lyme is a bacterium spread by the Deer tick or Black-legged tick. Infected ticks, as small as the head of a pin, may inhabit lawns and gardens, as well as fields and forests. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because of the vague signs of arthritis, lethargy, and fever. As the disease progresses, many different organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and nervous system can be affected.

Clinical signs may include:

• Shifting lameness
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Various signs  associated with organ failure

• Fever
• Joint stiffness
• Joint pain and/or swelling

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacteria shed in the urine of wildlife. It is seen most frequently after periods of high rainfall. Reservoir hosts, such as raccoons, rodents, skunks, farm animals, and deer, may harbor persistent Leptospira infections and shed these bacterial organisms into the environment. Any standing water or damp soil can be a breeding ground for this bacteria.

Clinical signs may include:

• Fever
  
• Lethargy
  
• Increased drinking and urination
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Dehydration
  

• Yellowing of mucous membranes
• Muscle tenderness
  
• Reluctance to move
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Coughing
• Conjunctivitis
• Bleeding tendencies- ie. nose bleeds, blood in the urine