960 Lawrence Road • Kemah, Texas 77565 Phone: 281.334.2273 • Fax:281.334.2280

Canine Vaccinations

Vaccinating your dog against major diseases is one of the most important steps you can take to see that he/she enjoys a healthy life. As your pet's health care provider, we will recommend when your dog or puppy should be vaccinated and which diseases to vaccinate against. To help you learn more, we have compiled a list of vaccinations and when we recommend your pet receive them.

Rabies:

Of all animal diseases, rabies is probably the most feared. The rabies virus attacks the brain and is almost always fatal. Most pets are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals, such as skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Bats and skunks are the natural carriers of the disease, meaning they are not harmed by the disease but can infect other animals. The disease can be transmitted to humans through saliva of an infected animal by a bite or scratch. Vaccinations of all dogs and cats are the most effective means of control of this deadly disease. Click here to view the National Animal Control Association’s policy on rabies.

Canine Distemper:
This highly contagious viral disease is found wherever dogs are found. It affects the respiratory and nervous system and is often fatal. Primary vaccination should begin at 6 weeks of age since dogs often contract the disease at an early age.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV):

This highly contagious viral disease usually causes severe fever, depression, diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages, but is particularly life threatening to puppies. The resulting factor of constant vomiting and diarrhea often causes sever dehydration, and without proper care by a physician, will most likely result in the death of the puppy. Additionally, this is a disease that can be carried on your clothes from an infected pet to a non-infected pet.

CANINE CORONAVIRUS (CCV):
Coronavirus is highly contagious and can weaken dogs by causing severe diarrhea and vomiting. The disease is sometimes confused with parvovirus. The two diseases may occur simultaneously in which case symptoms are more severe.

CANINE PARAINFLUENZA:

This viral respiratory disease is often partly responsible for "kennel cough" in dogs. Infection can be severe in young puppies. Parainfluenza protection is often included in combination vaccines. Pets are usually vaccinated intra-nasally for parainfluenza.

CANINE ADENOVIRUS TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2:
Canine Adenovirus Type 1 infection causes infectious hepatitis, which may lead to severe kidney and/or liver damage. Type 2 can be a complicating factor in “kennel cough”. Vaccines are available that protect against both types of adenovirus.

CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS:

Leptospirosis is a disease carried by many wild animals. A dog can contract the disease from infected animals or more commonly by drinking contaminated water. Yearly vaccinations limit your dog's chances of acquiring this disease.

CANINE BORDETELLA:
Frequently involved in kennel cough complex, this bacterial infection may occur simultaneously with distemper, adenovirus Type 2 infection, parainfluenza and other respiratory infections.

LYME DISEASE:

Lyme Disease is a complex illness that affects wild and domestic animals, as well as humans. The bacterium responsible for the disease is spread by ticks. Yearly vaccinations have proven to be effective and safe.

Recommended Vaccination Time-Line:

3 Days – Deworming Medication
6 Weeks – DHLPPC, Deworming and Heartworm Preventative
9 Weeks – DHLPPC, Bordetella and Heartworm Preventative
12 Weeks – DHLPPC, Rabies and Heartworm Preventative