Three core vaccines,
one healthy pup.
Let’s break down the basics!
What every pet parents should know about these key vaccines
Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. In this months newsletter, we'll review the three core vaccines the AVMA recognizes as essential for keeping them healthy and safe. Here’s what you should know:
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis (or “lepto”) is a contagious bacterial disease that can harm the kidneys and liver. It affects many mammals, including humans, and symptoms can range from mild illness to serious organ damage or even death. Wildlife like raccoons and mice can carry it without showing signs, spreading the bacteria through urine into soil and water that your pet might contact.
The first time a dog receives a leptospirosis vaccine, it is given as a series of two doses, spaced 3–4 weeks apart. After the initial series, the vaccine is administered annually.
Be sure to check out this video of Dr. Fox discussing more information on leptospirosis and what you can do to keep your pup safe.
Important Note: If more than 6 months pass since the last dose, the series must be restarted.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system and is nearly always fatal. It affects all mammals and is most commonly found in wildlife such as skunks, bats, and raccoons. There is currently no effective treatment for rabies in humans or other animals. Diagnosis can only be confirmed after death through examination of the brain, making prevention through vaccination critically important. The rabies vaccine is administered again one year after the initial dose and every three years thereafter.
Important Note: Rabies vaccination is legally required for all dogs across the United States, with requirements enforced at the state and local level. Dogs must also have a valid rabies license issued by the county where you live.
Distemper Combination
Distemper (DHPP) is a vaccine that covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza. These are all highly contagious viruses that attack multiple body systems, resulting in widespread infection difficult to treat and often fatal. While these viruses do not last long in the environment, infected animals can spread them for months. Symptoms typically progress in three stages that gradually worsen. There is currently no cure.
Important Note: When starting the DHPP vaccine series, your dog will need three booster shots following the initial dose. After completing the series, the vaccine is given one year later and then every three years thereafter.
While these diseases can be dangerous, vaccination offers reliable protection. That’s why these are core vaccines and essential for every dog, no matter their lifestyle.
If your pet is past due, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to get them back on track. Every vaccination visit includes a comprehensive wellness exam to ensure your dog is healthy from nose to tail.
You can learn more about what to expect during a wellness exam in this video featuring Dr. Goodman.
Important Note: When starting a vaccine series that requires boosters, it’s essential to stay on schedule. If any doses are missed or delayed, the series may need to be restarted.
Keeping track of vaccines and appointments can be a lot to remember, but our Pet Portal/ mobile app makes it easy! You can view your pet’s upcoming appointments, vaccination records, and even request prescription refills, all right at your fingertips. Access the Pet Portal through our website or by downloading the PetPage app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Be sure to sign in using the email we have on file.
Tip: How to access your pet’s vaccination records:
- Open the app and tap the paw print icon in the lower right corner (“My Pets”).
- Select the pet whose vaccination records you want to view.
- Tap “Pet ID” to see their vaccination records. This page also includes other ID information and can be printed if needed.
Keeping your dog up to date on their core vaccines is the first step to a long, healthy life! Be sure to watch for future newsletters where we’ll highlight core vaccines for cats and share tips to keep your feline friends happy and protected.
If your pet is due for vaccines or an exam, you can call us or schedule an appointment online anytime!
We feel so honored to care for your pets! If your experience has been a positive one, we’d really appreciate you sharing it in a review. It helps other pet parents discover us and feel at ease choosing care for their own pets.