Services | Canine Vaccines
Many canine diseases can now be prevented through vaccination. The following are the most common diseases for which vaccines are available.
Canine Distemper: Distemper is a widespread, highly contagious, usually fatal viral disease. Distemper is spread by direct contact with a symptomatic dog, but coughing or sneezing can spread the virus over short distances. In Arizona, canine distemper is quite common, and in Flagstaff, a substantial number of cases are seen annually, especially during the summer.
Canine Adenovirus: The adenovirus causes hepatitis, a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the kidney and liver. The virus is transmitted by direct contact and, as is the case with any viral infection, there is no specific treatment.
Canine Parvovirus: Unlike most viruses, the parvovirus is very stable and resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol and many other disinfectants. The virus has been recovered from surfaces contaminated with dog feces after 3 months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes and other surfaces contaminated by infected feces. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Symptoms can vary, but generally include severe vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy and anorexia. This disease is very common in Arizona and the strain of virus found here is typically fatal if dogs do not receive aggressive and costly medical therapy.
Canine Parainfluenza: Although parainfluenza is often a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, it can be severe in puppies or older dogs with a suppressed immune system. It is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses and is highly contagious.
Canine Coronavirus: The coronavirus is a highly contagious intestinal disease that causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages. In puppies, dehydration from coronavirus infection can be life threatening. At this time, there is no specific treatment.
Canine Bordetella: The term "kennel cough" is a broad term describing infectious tracheobronchitis, which causes symptoms of coughing and hacking that sometimes lasts for several weeks. Many viruses and bacteria that are present in the windpipe and bronchial tubes can be involved. Kennel cough is an airborne virus, so no direct contact is needed to contract this highly contagious infection. It is often seen soon after dogs have been in a kennel situation. There is no specific treatment for the viral infection, but the bacterial component can be treated with antibiotics.
Rabies: Rabies is one of the world's most feared diseases. It is almost always fatal and there is no treatment. The virus attacks the brain and central nervous system. Rabies is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal.
Giardia: Giardia is a protozoal parasite that your pet obtains through fecal/oral contact. They invade the gastrointestinal tract and can cause diarrhea. Most dogs that are infected with Giardia do not have diarrhea or any other signs of illness. However, in puppies and debilitated adult dogs, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal. It is zoonotic through fecal/oral contact, so proper hand washing will help to prevent the transmission from pet to people.
Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that cannot be transmitted from dog to dog or dog to human; it must be transmitted through a tick. The most common type of tick to carry Lyme disease is the Deer Tick. Dogs affected with Lyme disease are usually taken to a veterinarian because they seem to be experiencing generalized pain and have stopped eating. Affected dogs have been described as if they were "walking on eggshells." The key to prevention is keeping your dog from being exposed to ticks. Dogs should be kept on trails when walked near wooded or grassy areas.
Why we recommend vaccinating your dog
A vaccination schedule can greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your dog.
Vaccinations for Canine Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus and Cornoavirus are called the DHPPC vaccine and are very effective if given properly. It is recommended for puppies to build immunity by beginning a series of vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age; vaccines are then given every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age. For more susceptible breeds such as Rottweilers, Dobermans and Pit Bull Terriers, it is recommended that one more vaccine be given 2 to 4 weeks past 16 weeks of age. After the puppy series, it is recommended that the DHPPC vaccine be given 12 months after the last vaccine and then annually until the dog is over three years of age; then the vaccine is often given every 2 or 3 years. We can also perform a Distemper/Parvo Titer test to check the level of antibodies in your dog's system to see if a DHPPC vaccine is needed.
Vaccinations for Canine Bordetella can be administered either as an intranasal vaccine, which means in the nose, or as an injectable vaccine. The intranasal vaccine can be given at 3 weeks of age. To be most effective, it should be given every 6 months. The injectable vaccine is given at 8 weeks of age and requires a booster 2 to 4 weeks after the initial dose. Unlike the intranasal bordetella, the injectable bordetella is boostered annually. Because bordetella is an airborne virus, the vaccine is recommended for any "social" dog, which means a dog that spends time at a kennel, bark park, day care, pet store, dog show or anywhere they are exposed to unknown dogs.
Vaccinations for Rabies is the only vaccine that is required for dogs and is given for the first time at 12-16 weeks of age. It is then given one year later and then boostered every 3 years.
Vaccinations for Giardia is given only to dogs with chronic issues of giardia, as the vaccine does not prevent infection, but may prevent shedding of the parasite and decrease the number and severity of episodes of diarrhea in frequently-infected dogs. It can be given for the first time at 8 weeks of age; then a second dose is given 2 to 4 weeks after and then boostered annually.
Vaccinations for Lyme Disease is given at 9 weeks of age or older, and a second dose is given 2 to 3 weeks after the first vaccine. It is boostered annually, preferably just prior to the start of tick season. This vaccine is recommended for dogs with a known high risk of exposure, such as hunting dogs and dogs living in or visiting regions where the risk of tick exposure is considered to be high or where disease is known to be endemic.
The Rattlesnake Vaccine is given initially at 16 weeks of age and then must be boostered exactly 4 weeks after the initial vaccine. If it has been more than 4 weeks, the series must start over. The vaccine is then boostered annually; ideally, the annual booster is given in the spring, or approximately one month prior to taking the dog into rattlesnake habitat. Here in Arizona, it is recommended to give the initial dose in February so the annual booster is given in March, allowing for the height of immunity during rattlesnake season. This particular vaccine is intended to protect against the venom of the Western Diamondback and some cross-protections may exist against the Eastern Diamondback; however, there currently is no evidence of cross-protection against Mojave Rattlesnake venom.