Dog Vaccines
Rabies- REQUIRED BY LAW
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is 100% fatal. It is often transmitted via route of wild or feral animals. The rabies vaccination in the only vaccine required by law in all states. The Rabies vaccine should be given to kittens at 16 weeks of age and boosted at one year of age. Adult boosters are required every 1-3 years depending on the the vaccination.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is another one of our bacterial diseases. It is highly contagious and leads to what we call kennel cough also known as canine infectious respiratory disease. Like the flu shot in humans, this vaccine protects and helps lessen the severity of the infection. Bordetella leads to a non-productive dry cough, difficulty breathing, lethargy, nasal discharge, fever and loss of appetite. Most boarding facilities require this vaccination and it is recommened if your pet is around other dogs. The Bordetella vaccine can be given to puppies as young as 8 weeks and it requires annual boosters, there are both oral and injectable versions.
DA2P
Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Parvo virus are all contained in a single vaccine known as DA2P. These viruses causes respiratory and immune issues and often lead to fever, vomitting, weight loss and lethargy. This is considered a core vaccine and its recommended that puppies should receive this combination vaccine starting at 8 weeks of age, boosted at 12 weeks and again at 16 weeks of age. They should receive another booster at 1 year old. Adult boosters are required every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine. Leptospirosis can be included in this combination vaccine, or given separately. However, the Leptospirosis vaccine requires annual boosters.
Leptospirosis
Unlike many of our other disease, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms of fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression. Leptospirosis can be found all across the United States, though some regions may be more susceptible than others. The most common way for dogs to get leptospirosis is through water contaminated with urine from rodents, small mammals or even livestock. This is considered one of our core vaccines and is especially neccesary when your pet is going to be out and about in our Colorado mountains. The vaccine schedule for Leptospirosis is starting at 8 weeks in puppies, then a booster at 12 and 16 weeks and then annually after that.