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Vaccination Information
It seems VERY silly to us to have to include this information on our site. A GOOD veterinarian SHOULD speak to you in depth about vaccinations and SHOULD follow the Vaccination Guidelines. As a responsible dog owner you SHOULD research this information for yourself and you should go to your veterinarian armed with the knowledge to make sound decisions. However, we CONTINUE to receive emails and phone calls from “worried” puppy parents because of the scare tactics being used by some veterinarians today. So, we are including it for you.
The information provided is taken DIRECTLY from the 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccination guidelines, The Center for Disease Control and The Merck Veterinary Manual. You can access any of this information online.
DA2PPv (MLV) (the standard 5 way vaccination as given by us) - we begin the vaccination series 1 week after the dam has weaned the pups. Usually at 7 weeks, though occasionally (depending upon the dam) as early as 6 weeks and as late as 8 weeks. This combined vaccination covers the “core” vaccinations.
Core Vaccinations
Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza Virus, Parvovirus, (Modified Live Virus)
Canine Distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide. There is NO way to “cure” distemper. If the dog acquires distemper, supportive therapy can keep the dog alive WHILE the dogs antibodies fight off the disease. Vaccination protocol: Puppies should receive the Distemper vaccination at least 3 times between 6-16 weeks of age administered at intervals of 3-4 weeks apart with the last vaccination between 14 to 16 weeks. All puppies should receive a 1 year booster 1 year AFTER the initial series. Revaccination is recommended after that at intervals of every 3 years or longer. Vaccination should NEVER be administered to a stressed, diseased or immunosupressed dog.
Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a worldwide, contagious disease of dogs with signs that vary from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to severe depression, marked leukopenia, and prolonged bleeding time. Vaccination Protocol: Puppies should receive Canine Adenovirus-2 vaccination at least 3 times betweeen 6-16 weeks of age administered at intervals of 3-4 weeks apart with the last vaccination between 14 to 16 weeks. All puppies should receive a 1 year booster 1 year AFTER the initial series. Revaccination is recommended after that at intervals of every 3 years or longer. Vaccination should NOT be administered within 4 days of contact with a group of days that may not be vaccinated as the vaccinated dog WILL shed the virus for 4 days from the time of the vaccination.
Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (CIT) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the trachea and bronchial airways; it may be primary or secondary depending on the etiologic agent. Bronchitis may extend from the bronchioles to the lung parenchyma. Vaccination Protocol: Puppies should receive the Parainfluenza vaccination first dose at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks of age. After a booster at 1 year, revaccination once every 3 years is considered proactive. Notice... THIS VACCINATION “COVERS” kennel cough... DO NOT take your puppy to the vet and have a bordetella vaccination on top of a combination vaccination that covers parainfluenza.
Canine Parvovirus: The origin of the canine parvovirus has not been established. The virus is very stable in the environment, able to withstand wide pH ranges and high temperatures. It is resistant to a number of common disinfectants and may survive for several months in contaminated areas. Rottweilers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds are at increased risk of disease. Toy Poodles and Cocker Spaniels appear at decreased risk for developing the enteric disease. Mortality associated with canine parvovirus infection is variably reported to be 16-48%. The disease is transmitted through direct and indirect contact - meaning that not only can your dog acquire the virus through contact with a dog that is carrying it, but also through the feces of an infected dog. Additionally, an infected dog will continue to shed the disease for three weeks after the infection. It should be noted that this virus is HIGHLY contagious and can withstand extreme temperatures. There is NO cure for the disease and if it is acquired supportive therapy is the only course of treatment. Puppies should receive the Parvovirus vaccination at least 3 times between 6-16 weeks of age administered at intervals of 3-4 weeks apart with the last vaccination between 14 to 16 weeks. All puppies should receive a 1 year booster 1 year AFTER the initial series. Revaccination is recommended after that at intervals of every 3 years or longer. Vaccination should NEVER be administered to a stressed, diseased or immunosupressed dog.
Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis that principally affects carnivores and bats, although it can affect any mammal. It is invariably fatal once clinical signs appear. Rabies is found throughout the world, but a few countries claim to be free of the disease due either to successful elimination programs and/or to their island status and enforcement of rigorous quarantine regulations. Vaccination Protocol: Administer one dose as early as 3 months of age. The second rabies vaccination is a 3 year booster and should follow one year AFTER the initial dose. Most state and local laws require a rabies vaccination.
NOTE: We ONLY vaccinate our dogs following the MINIMUM CORE vaccination requirements and after their second adult vaccination (given at 4 1/2) we DO NOT vaccinate again with the exception of the required rabies vaccination (given at 1 1/2, 4 1/2, 7 1/2) dogs older than that, we request a waiver. We do not approve of any of the non-core vaccinations unless there is a STRONG PROVEN reason for the vaccination. Over-vaccination is not only a waste of your money, it is also NOT in your dog’s best interest. It is important to know that ALL vaccinations specifically state, “administer ONLY to healthy animals.” If your veterinarian indicates there is a health concern with your dog and vaccinates your dog, then your veterinarian is effect stating that your dog IS healthy and if you disagree with your veterinarian you should speak up BEFORE your dog is vaccinated.
Vaccinosis is REAL and you SHOULD be concerned with over-vaccination.
We DO NOT treat for heartworm, we treat for mosquito’s which are the vectors for heartworm.
We DO treat for all other worms through a monthly de-worming protocol.
NON-CORE Vaccinations
Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccination: Available as a killed bacterin that is administered SQ, as a live avirulent bacteria which is combined with the Parainfluenza virus (MLV) that is administered intranasal, or as a cell wall antigen extract that is administered SQ. Based upon the vaccination chosen the administration instructions vary greatly from beginning as early as 3 weeks (though others are as early as 8 weeks) and ending as late as 5 weeks (while others are 12 weeks). It should be noted that if this is vaccinated against, it should be done annually OR more often in high-risk areas that are not protected by an annual booster. There is NO known advantage to administering the vaccination intranasal and SQ. Vaccination should be administered at least 1 week prior to anticipated exposure.
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme borreliosis) vaccination: Generally recommended ONLY for use in dogs with a known high risk of exposure, living in or visiting regions where the risk of vector tick exposure is considered to be high, or where the disease is known to be endemic. Initial does may be given at 9 or 12 weeks with a second dose 2-4 weeks later. Revaccinate annually just prior to the start of the tick season. To find out IF you are in an area, please visit the CDC website, there is an 84 page brochure there that will help you assess your need to have your dog vaccinated.
Leptospira interrogans (killed bacterin) vaccination: Disease prevalence varies and post vaccination reaction can be severe. The Leptospirosis vaccination should NEVER be administered along with the canine coronavirus vaccination. The vaccination does NOT cover all strains of the disease. Due to the severe reactions (over 70% of the post-vaccination anaphylactic shock incidences are attributed to this particular vaccination) to the vaccination combined with the ineffectiveness of the vaccination, it is ONLY recommended that this vaccination is given to dogs at HIGH RISK of acquiring the bacteria. Note: Immunity to the bacteria is only 4-6 months from the time of vaccination, so those in HIGH RISK areas that vaccinate MUST re-vaccinate every 6 months for immunity.
Canine Coronavirus vaccination: Prevalence and clinical cases of confirmed CCV disease DOES NOT justify vaccination. Clinical disease rarely occurs and when seen is typically mild and self-limiting. Neither the MLV or the Killed CCV vaccination have been able to show ANY serious reduction in the disease.
Giardia lamblia vaccination: The vaccination has been shown to possibly prevent oocyst shedding but does NOT prevent infection. There is insufficient data to warrant routine use of this vaccine.
Please note: Unless your veterinarian has provided you with a “Doctors sworn statement” providing proof of necessity of the non-core vaccination; any vaccination which exceeds the “core vaccinations” (following the three year protocol) lies solely upon your shoulders. We will NOT warrant ANY dog that has been over-vaccinated. Your choice of veterinarian is NOT our responsibility.
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