What vaccines should my dog be current on?

Routine vaccinations that are given to dogs and puppies include: 

Rabies - The rabies vaccination is required by the County of Cuyahoga and the State of Ohio.  It also protects your dog from contracting the rabies virus after an unexpected encounter with wildlife.  Rabies is one of the world’s most publicized and feared diseases.  The Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system and is transmitted to humans chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.  After the first Rabies vaccine, they are boosted every 3 years. They must be 16 weeks old to receive this vaccine.  This disease is fatal in pets and requires several painful vaccines in humans to prevent.

DH2PP - The DH2PP vaccine is an abbreviation for: Distemper Hepatitis (type 2) Parainfluenza and Parvo viruses. This vaccine is given in a series to a puppy to help build its immune system and includes common intestinal and upper respiratory viruses that can be deadly to your pet.

• Adenovirus Type 2 causes Infectious Hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively.  Hepatitis may cause severe liver/kidney damage or death.  Adenovirus Type 2 is an important factor in Canine pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Parainfluenza is another cause of pneumonia and bronchitis.  Although often a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, it can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs.
• Parvovirus is a disease of widespread distribution, which may cause severe dehydrating bloody vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs of varying ages.  Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous in puppies and is often fatal. Half of young dogs with parvovirus die in spite of the best medical care.

The number of vaccines in the series depends on the dog's age. The puppy vaccinations are given every 3-4 weeks. It is then boosted annually until the dog is three years old or has had 2 annual boosters. The DHPP vaccine is then good for 3 years.

Leptospirosis - Lepto is a bacterial infection of the kidneys which is transmitted in the urine, and is becoming more and more common in the Cleveland area.  This disease is found not only in dogs, but also wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, skunks, and mice. Your dog can pass it on to other dogs and even humans! In both your pet and you, it may cause serious liver and kidney damage. The first time the vaccine is given, it must be boosted again 2-4 weeks later. The vaccine is then boosted once per year.

Bordetella - Bordetella one of the major causes of bronchitis and pneumonia in dogs of all ages.  This infection can occur alone or in combination with Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 and Parainfluenza.  This vaccines is boosted every 6 months.

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