Canine Vaccinations

Rabies: The state of Indiana, and many other states, require that all dogs over the age of 12 weeks be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies is a fatal virus that is transmitted through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Rabies can be carried by bats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, cats, and other dogs. Vaccination not only protects your dog, but also protects you and your family.

DA2PP: This vaccine provides protection against several different viruses that can affect your dog includings:
- Canine Distemper - This is a contagious and potentially serious disease that can attack the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The virus that causes this disease can be carried by foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and ferrets as well as other dogs. It can be transmitted through sneezing and coughing as well as via shared food or water bowls. Canine distemper is often fatal, but if a dog survives, it often has permanent neurological damage.
- Canine Adenovirus Type II - This virus can cause infectious tracheobronchitis or canine cough. It is transmitted between dogs though coughing and sneezing. It can cause a dry, hacking cough, retching, and conjunctivitis. This vaccine can also provide some protection against canine adenovirus type I, which can cause fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Canine Parvovirus - “Parvo” is a virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea primarily in puppies or unvaccinated dogs; although, it can affect all dogs. Parvo is transmitted through feces, the environment, and people. Simply petting an infected dog can transmit enough virus to infect other dogs with which you come in contact. Dogs that become infected with parvovirus may show signs such as abdominal discomfort, fever, decreased or no appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and death can occur in 48-72 hours.
- Canine Parainfluenza Virus - A highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause coughing, fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Leptospirosis: This disease is caused by bacteria that is found worldwide in soil and water. The bacteria can be carried by wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums, and rats, as well as other dogs. It is also considered a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted to people. In people, the disease can cause flu-like symptoms but can also lead to liver and kidney disease. Dogs that contract the disease may have signs such as fever, shivering, muscle pain, increased thirst, changes in urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney or liver failure.

Bordetella (or Kennel Cough): This vaccine protects against the Bordetella bronchiseptica virus, which causes a highly contagious respiratory disease. Dogs that contract bordetella display signs such as a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, watery nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. This vaccine is highly recommended for any dogs that go to a groomer, boarding facility, dog parks, and/or obedience classes.

Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a relatively new disease in our area, but we continue to see more and more cases every year. It is caused by bacteria called Borellia burgdorferi that is spread by deer ticks. This vaccine is recommended for any dogs that spend time in areas where they could pick up ticks, such as long grass, forests, streams, lakes, ditches, and marshy areas. Please see more about Lyme disease here.