For dogs, core vaccines are the basic Distemper-Parvo shot (DHPP) and the rabies vaccine. Since dogs do go outside for walks, for grooming, to the vet’s office etc. most veterinarians recommend Bordetella vaccine against kennel cough for canine patients.
What is DHPP (DA2PPV)?
D: Distemper
Vaccination against this often fatal, hard-to-treat disease is absolutely essential. Highly contagious, it is spread by discharges from the nose and eyes of infected dogs. Symptoms can include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea and vomiting; convulsions and paralysis may occur in the disease’s final stages. The distemper virus attacks many organs, including the nervous system, which may be permanently damaged even if the dog recovers.
H(A2): Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1, this disease is transmitted among dogs by contact with secretions, such as saliva, infected urine or feces. Its symptoms are similar to those of the early stages of distemper. Causing liver failure and eye damage, the course of this disease can range from mild to fatal. Vaccination remains the best protection.
P: Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza virus is one of the causes of kennel cough, a contagious, non-life-threatening cold-like condition that causes coughing and other symptoms in dogs. Kennel cough, which can also be caused by bacteria called Bordetella, can have effects on animals for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
P (PV): Parvovirus
Very contagious, debilitating and widespread, the disease caused by this virus emerged in many parts of the world in 1978. Spread through infected feces, the highly resistant virus can remain in the environment for many years. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccination is the best means of preventing this potentially fatal disease, which is the most severe in young pups.
DHPP should be given to your puppy between 8-9 weeks of age and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. A booster vaccine is given at 1 year of age and then every year thereafter.
What is Bordetella?
This is a bacterial disease that causes kennel cough. The vaccine is recommended for dogs that are going to attend doggie daycare, be boarded in a kennel, groomed, or will be around other dogs in a confined space.
The vaccine is given yearly.
What is Rabies?
This incurable viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will provide your pet with a much greater resistance to rabies if they are exposed to the disease. You must be aware that there is no cure once it occurs. For this reason, many municipalities absolutely require that all dogs receive rabies vaccinations on a regular basis. Plus, you will definitely have to provide vaccination records if you ever want to travel with your dog across the country or around the world.
The Rabies vaccine is given when your puppy is 3-4 months old and then at 1 year and every 3 years after that.