Cary vet, veterinarian in Cary, NC

1. Vaccinations for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza (DHPP) are begun at 6-8 weeks of age and continue 3-4 weeks apart through sixteen weeks of age. These vaccines are combined together in 1 shot and are required for surgery, puppy class, boarding and grooming facilities. These vaccines will need to be boostered annually until 5 years of age and then are given every 3 years.
2. Rabies vaccination is done intially at the 16 week puppy visit and is then boostered at the 1st year visit. After that, the vaccine is boostered once every 3 years.
3. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine is given to dogs that are boarded, attend puppy class, go to dog parks, walk around the neighborhood and encounter other dogs, participate in dog shows, are regularly groomed or hunt with other dogs. The vaccine protects for six months and can be given as early as 8 weeks of age.

Vaccinations - Dogs
Canine Distemper

This disease is caused by a virus closely related to the human measle virus. It is considered the most serious viral disease of dogs in the world. Approximately 50% of nonvaccinated, nonimmunized dogs infected with CD virus develop clinical signs of the disease and approximately 90% of those dogs infected with CD die. All the bodily secretions of an infected animal contain the virus, it is highly contagious, and it is primarily spread by an airborne route. Early clinical signs include anorexia, diarrhea, and dehydration. As the disease progresses, fever, depression, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea may be observed accompanied by signs of respiratory distress. Coughing, labored breathing, inflammation of tissues around the eyes and nose and a severe nasal discharge may occur. If dogs recover from Distemper they often have lifelong complications. All dogs should be vaccinated against Canine Distemper Virus.

Adenovirus Type 2
This virus causes hepatitis (liver disease) in dogs that can be quite serious. Vaccination is recommended for every dog.

Leptospirosis
This is actually a bacterial disease, so the protective "vaccination" is actually a "bacterin". In North Carolina this disease is not common. Also, it is thought to be the most common cause of vaccine reactions. For this reason, we do not typically vaccinate for this disease. However, if North Carolina starts to become more endemic with this disease, vaccination will be recommended beginning at 7 weeks of age and continuing every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Thereafter annual boosters will be recommended.

Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Infected dogs typically develop upper respiratory signs and can develop pneumonia. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs.

Parvovirus
Parvovirus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the present time. It is much more common in puppies than it is in adult dogs. After infection the virus attacks the lining of the stomach and intestines causing severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Vaccination is recommended for every dog.

Coronavirus
Coronavirus causes diarrhea and may make fatality from Parvovirus more likely if the infections occur concurrently. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs.

Bordetella

Bordetella is also one of the three most common causes of Canine Upper Respiratory Disease Complex, known as "Kennel Cough." Symptoms include a harsh, dry cough, aggravated by activity or excitement. The cough is followed by retching or gagging in an attempt to clear small amounts of mucous from the throat. Body temperatures may be elevated as secondary bacterial infection takes place. Pnuemonia can result from this infection and it is highly contagious. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs that encounter at least one other dog routinely. This would include dogs that go on walks around the neighborhood, go to dog parks or get boarded sometimes.

Rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic (can be spread to humans) virus that is almost 100% fatal. It is easily transmitted from any warm blooded animal that is infected. Vaccination is required by the state of NC.