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VACCINES

vaccine

Rabies is the only canine vaccine required by law. This is because rabies can be contracted by wildlife, pets and humans! Proof of vaccination is required to license your dog (which should be done at 6 months of age)and to groom, board or ship your dog. The first rabies vaccine lasts for one year, but thereafter the rabies vaccines given last for three years.

Distemper is a combination vaccine that covers several diseases. Most include Distemper, Hepatitis, Para Influenza and Parvo viruses (DHPP). There are four strains of Leptospirosis that can also be included (DHLPP). Some versions of the Distemper vaccine also include Coronavirus. These diseases are transmitted various ways including through direct contact, the air, feces, bodily fluids, and stagnant water. Any pet that is ever out of the home or around other animals is at risk, so the Distemper vaccine is highly recommended.

There are a lot more vaccine reactions to Leptospirosis than other vaccines, and since 2 vaccines are all that are needed to develop a year long immunity, it is only included in the last 2 shots of the series and given no sooner than 13 weeks of age.

Bordatella is better known as Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease that is spread through the air and direct contact with infected dogs. Kennel Cough is similar to the human cold, and the vaccine is demanded by good quality boarding, grooming, puppy classes, doggy day care places. The decision to vaccinate against Bordatella is the owner's decision, based on the lifestyle of the pet.

Lymes disease is carried by the deer tick, different areas have different levels of disease, however Michigan is seeing more and more dogs testing positive. Vaccinating against Lymes disease is the owner's decision, based on the lifestyle of the pet. For instance, owners with dogs who go hiking, camping, traveling Up North, or live in wooded areas benefit from the Lymes vaccine.

Puppy Schedule

Age To Start Vaccines: Between 6 and 8 weeks.

Time Frame For Boosters: Boosters given every 3 weeks through 16 weeks of age.

What All Is Needed: Rabies (single dose at 16wks), Distemper (series of 4), Bordatella (series of 2), Lymes (series of 2), Fecal test (checks for intestinal, zoonotic parasites. testing is suggested until 2 negative results achieved), Heartworm preventative (given every 30 days, year-round. heartworm test given at 12 months of age if on preventative), and Spay/Neutering (can be done at 4 months of age).

To Note: If a puppy's vaccines are stopped before 16 weeks of age, it is possible that they will not develop a long lasting immunity. What we are trying to do with the shot series is protect the puppy at its most vulnerable age from disease, but if they still have the maternal immunity it will neutralize the vaccine instead of the puppy developing its own protection.

Most breeders give puppies the first Distemper vaccine and a dewormer. The dewormer does not mean a fecal test is unnecessary! Dewormers do not cover most of the intestinal parasites.

Dog Schedule

MONTHLY: Every 30 days, Heartworm/Flea/Parasite preventative should be administered. Exception- Proheart Injections last 6 months.

YEARLY: Heartworm test, Fecal test, Distemper vaccine, Bordatella vaccine, Lymes vaccine.

EVERY 3YRS: Rabies vaccine.