*Canine Immunization Recommendations
| Rabies |
| Distemper |
| Canine Adenovirus Type 1 and Type 2 |
| Leptospirosis |
| Canine Viral Enteritis |
| Canine Parainfluenza |
| Canine Bordetella |
| Lyme Disease |
Rabies is one of the worlds most feared diseases. Once the signs of the disease are seen, it is almost always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain, and is transmitted primarily through a bite of an infected animal. Begin vaccination at 3 months of age, repeat in 1 year and then according to local ordinances. In Nebraska vaccination is required as per label recommendations of the particular brand of vaccine. Most vaccines require re-vaccination in 3 years. It is important to realize that rabies vaccination is as much for people protection as it is for protection of the dog.
The distemper virus spreads from dog to dog through respiratory secretions. The signs include fever, nasal and eye discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures and other neuralgic signs. The disease is generally fatal, particularly in the younger dog. Vaccination is generally started when the puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old with a combined distemper-measles vaccine, and then followed in a month with two boosters a month apart. Older puppies are generally given the last 2 vaccinations only. Vaccination boosters are recommended every 1 to 3 years depending on the level of exposure risk.
CANINE ADENOVIRUS TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2
Adenovirus type 1 causes infectious hepatitis that may result in severe liver and kidney damage, and type 2 causes a respiratory infection that can be a contributory factor in the disease kennel cough. Vaccination is generally included in the distemper combinations. Annual boosters are recommended, but immunity will often persist from 1 to 3 years.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease can spread to other pets and humans. Vaccination is generally included in the distemper combinations, and annual boosters are recommended.
Viral enteritis generally is caused by Canine Parvo virus or Canine Corona virus. Parvo virus enteritis is characterized by fever, dehydration, inactivity, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea that is often bloody. Similar signs and symptoms are seen with corona virus, but generally not quite as severe. Both viruses can cause rapid death in puppies. Vaccinations are started at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and boosters are given monthly until the pups are 4 months old. Annual boosters are recommended. Even though, in our clinic, the protection afforded the pups by vaccination has been disappointing, we feel it is still better than not vaccinating.
The Parainfluenza virus often causes a mild respiratory infection and can play a part in kennel cough. The virus antigen is generally included in the combinations vaccines and is given right along with them.
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the major bacteria involved with kennel cough. This vaccination may want to be considered if your dog is going to be commingling with other dogs, and some kennels require this vaccination before allowing the dog to board there.
Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi that is carried by the deer tick. Symptoms are flu like with stiff and sore joints. Vaccination should be reserved for high risk dogs such as outdoor type in tick infested area with a high prevalence of Lyme disease.