Canine Vaccinations

DHLP-P-C (Canine Distemper-Parvo)

The "distemper" vaccine is actually a combination vaccine that usually contains five to seven different vaccines in one injection. It is referred to as the "distemper" or "distemper-parvo" vaccine because they are common elements in nearly all vaccinations of this type.

Canine distemper is a viral infection that affects the respiratory and central nervous system. It usually presents with clinical signs very similar to kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection. Illness gets progressively worse, advancing to seizures, and eventually coma and death. While distemper is fairly rare, we still see enough of it to warrant annual vaccinations.

Parvovirus is another viral disease. It affects the gastrointestinal system, and typically presents with clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, extreme lethargy and lack of appetite. Parvovirus can be fatal if not treated quickly and aggressively. Typical treatment includes hospitalization on fluids and antibiotics to help keep the pet hydrated and to fend off any secondary bacterial infections. With support, the puppy has a fairly good chance of surviving the disease. If unsupported, the puppy runs the risk of becoming severely dehydrated and malnourished and eventually dying. Parvovirus is most common in young dogs.

Parvovirus is very hardy and can survive in the environment without a host for over a year. If you (or your dog) walk over an area where an infected dog vomited or defecated, you can pick up the virus and carry it home to your pet. For this reason, we recommend not taking your puppy out of your home environment until they are 16 to 20 weeks old and have had their full compliment of vaccinations.

The other vaccinations in this combination vaccine are hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza.

Borrelia (Lyme Disease)

Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and has received a lot of publicity in the press in recent years. Lyme disease is caused by an organism that is in the hind-body of the tick and enters the host about 48 hours after the tick has attached itself. Lyme disease is not very common in Shasta County, but it is endemic (always present) in the Trinity Alps and along the coast. If you are planning on spending time with your dog in these areas, then you should consider having your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease.

There are also tick collars that can help prevent the spread of the Lyme organism by paralyzing the mouth of the tick, causing it to detach and fall off the dog less than 48 hours after the initial attachment. A topical product called Frontline TopSpot may also aide in the prevention of the disease by killing the tick.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory disease that is highly contagious and will spread from dog to dog through the air. Fortunately, this disease has a very low mortality and will usually clear up in a few weeks with treatment. A vaccine is available for dogs at risk and is advised for dogs that board, go to dog shows, are in a training class, or come into frequent contact with large groups of dogs.

Rabies

Rabies is an incurable viral infection of the central nervous system. It can affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is a public health hazard and a risk to all pet owners. Vaccination is a must where this disease is known to occur.

Due to the large wildlife populations in the Northstate, we feel that the risk of contact and exposure is high and we strongly advise having all of your pets Rabies vaccinated, even if they do not go outside.

Rabies vaccinations are necessary for the licensing of dogs.