Dhlpp vaccine

This one vaccine protects from some of the most dangerous diseases facing our dogs.

Canine Distemper Virus is carried by dogs and wild carnivores such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes.  When infected, the illness is severe. This virus causes respiratory issues, such as coughing, runny eyes and nose; gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, and neurologic disease such as seizures.  Puppies get infected very easily, and about half of unvaccinated dogs infected with this virus will die.

Viral Hepatitis is caused by Canine Adenovirus-1.  It is carried by dogs that have been infected previous months.  Those dogs will spread the virus through their urine. This can be a devastating disease with the liver being severely injured and bleeding problems incited throughout the dog’s body, fortunately regular vaccination of dogs have made this disease very rare today. Vaccination also protects against Canine Adenovirus-2 which is a pathogen involved with “kennel cough” (also see Kennel Cough Vaccine).

Leptospirosis is caused by a type of bacteria often spread by mammals through their urine.  It comes in many different “strains”. Some strains are more common in livestock, some in wild animals and rodents.  However, even though they are usually found in other animals, many of these strains can still infect and cause disease in dogs. Vaccination is done with the strains that are most commonly causing disease in dogs.  Leptospirosis can be very dangerous as it can cause life threatening kidney and liver disease.

​Canine Parvovirus is very common.  Dogs that have been infected with the virus in previous weeks spread it  in their stool and the virus can live in cool wet environments for over a year!  Any puppy/young dog unvaccinated is at high risk for this infection. This disease is known for its vomiting and severe bloody diarrhea.  Vaccination is very effective at protecting puppies and dog form Parvovirus.

Parainfluenza virus is one of the several pathogens that alone or in combination cause a contagious respiratory disease called “kennel cough” (also see kennel cough vaccine).

rABIES vACCINE

Rabies, the disease that causes dysfunction of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) is one of the biggest health concerns of the veterinary world.  Fortunately the rabies vaccines for our domestic animals are some of the most safe and effective vaccines made. Because this is a disease that is so deadly and can be transmitted to people, New York State makes it legally necessary to vaccinate all your dogs and cats.  This includes those little dogs and indoor only cats.

LYME VACCINE

Lyme disease is a complicated one for the dog.  This is caused by a bacterium called Boriella burgdorferi.  While the bacteria is not terribly destructive when infecting its host, sometimes the immune system’s response can cause issues trying to attack the bacteria after it has successfully invaded.   This means that most dogs will be infected and not show any illness, while some will show signs of sudden arthritis and fever (the bacteria likes to invade tissue like those in ligaments and joints).  Very rarely you can see kidney failure related to being Lyme positive. How the kidney disease is caused is poorly understood at this point, but it is thought that the immune system’s own antibodies are doing the damage.  Vaccination helps the immune system make a response that is more effective, attacking the bacteria even while it is still in a tick feeding off a dog, as well as when it's in the skin around the bite, so the bacteria cannot invade in the first place.  Since the vaccine, though very helpful, is not 100% protective we recommend tick preventative to our dogs that have high exposure outdoors.

kENNEL COUGH

"Kennel cough" is a common term used to describe respiratory disease caused by one or combination of several pathogens.  It is quite contagious and is transmitted dog to dog often in places where they gather, such as dog parks, training classes, doggy day cares, and boarding facilities.  Three of the kennel cough pathogens we regularly vaccinate for are the Parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus-2, and a bacteria called Bordatella bronchiseptica.  Usually the disease is best described as fever, nasal discharge, and dry cough.  However, sometimes there can be complications such as pneumonia later on in the illness.  The Kennel Cough vaccine protects against Bordatella bronchiseptica.  Protecting against this bacteria is helpful since when it's involved, the illness can be prolonged from weeks to months!