Canine Vaccines

Puppies usually need a series of either 2 or 3 sets of vaccines in their first four months of life and annual vaccination after that.  For further information on what vaccine schedule is appropriate for your dog please don't hesitate to contact us!

Diseases that are commonly vaccinated for include:

• Distemper
• Parvo Virus
• Adenovirus Type 2
• Parainfluenza
• Corona Virus                                                                                               
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough vaccine)                                                   
• Rabies
  
  
  

A short description of each of the diseases and their clinical signs are listed below.

Distemper is an airborne, contagious viral disease that is can be fatal.  It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and/or central nervous systems.  Puppies between 3-6 month of age are most susceptible.  Symptoms of distemper are fever, loss of appetite, depression, nasal and/or ocular discharge.  Once the virus affects the intestinal tract vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness and lethargy may occur.  As the virus progresses coughing, sneezing, seizures and muscle in-coordination may develop.

Parvo Virus is a HIGHLY contagious disease that we see frequently in this area. Parvo is transmitted from one dog to another by contact with the virus in the feces of infected animals. Young puppies with a weak immune system are the most susceptible. This virus can survive a very long time in the environment if the temperament and conditions are right. Clinical symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, refusal to eat and diarrhea. Often the diarrhea will have a red colour from blood and have a foul odor. The virus attacks the intestinal system so the infected dog will not be able to absorb water or nutrients as efficiently. 

Corona Virus is very similar to the Parvo Virus. It is a virus that causes watery diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Kennel Cough is not as serious as the above, but can be highly irritating to your dog. Symptoms include a honking cough, lack of exercise and sometimes coughing up a foamy liquid. Kennel Cough is transferred through the air where infected dogs are held in a closed in, highly populated area. Usually seen at boarding kennels. Prevention for this condition is to vaccinate and can be done as young as 8 weeks old.

Rabies is a virus that is transmitted through the saliva of affected animals. This virus affects the nervous system and salivary glands. Symptoms include sudden change in attitude, erratic behaviour, disorientation, seizures and excessive salivation or frothing. Prevention for this disease is vaccination and staying away from stray dogs and/or any dogs with an unknown vaccination history.

Rabies from WDDC on Vimeo.

Prevention for all these diseases are vaccinations. Puppies as young as 6 weeks are old enough to be vaccinated against these diseases, with the exception of Kennel Cough where puppies should be at least 8 weeks of age and at 16 weeks the puppies are safe to be vaccinated against the rabies virus.