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Canine Core Vaccines

DHPP Vaccine:  Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus 2), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus

Distemper

A virus of dogs, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, and other mammals. Distemper is highly contagious and easily spread through contaminated objects and the air, much like the common cold in humans. If your dog comes in contact with an infected dog or where an infected dog has been, he is at risk. Humans cannot contract distemper, however, this virus can be fatal in dogs.

Distemper can cause:

  • Mild upper respiratory problems (coughing, runny nose, and eyes)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Seizures
  • Death

Depending on the severity of the disease, hospitalization may occur to treat the symptoms of Distemper.

Hepatitis (Adenovirus 2)

Also potentially fatal, this virus attacks major organs. The liver, kidneys, eyes, and other internal organs can be permanently damaged. Your dog can become infected if exposed to a dog with hepatitis. This form of hepatitis is not transmissible to humans.

Hepatitis can cause:

  • "Kennel cough" or infectious tracheobronchitis
  • High fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increase thirst
  • Bloody diarrhea

Depending on the severity of the disease, hospitalization may occur to treat the symptoms of Hepatitis.

Parainfluenza

Also a virus, however, parainfluenza causes severe upper respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia. It is considered one of many viruses that cause “kennel cough”. This disease is not transmissible to humans.

Parainfluenza can cause:

  • Fever
  • Nasal discharge
  • Harsh, nonproductive cough

Depending on the severity of the disease, hospitalization may occur to treat the symptoms of Parainfluenza.

Parvovirus

Another highly contagious virus. Parvovirus attacks the intestinal lining of dogs as well as lymph tissue and bone marrow. Puppies are especially susceptible to this often-fatal disease. After being shed in feces this virus lives in the environment for weeks, even years, possibly infecting other animals. This disease is not transmissible to humans.

Parvovirus can cause:

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Severe vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Shock
  • Death

Depending on the severity of the disease, hospitalization may occur to treat the symptoms of Parvovirus.

Which Dogs Should be Vaccinated with DHPP?

  • Adult dogs should receive a booster yearly
  • Puppies 6 weeks or older should receive a series of 3 boosters 2-4 weeks apart
  • Any adult dog without a history of vaccination should receive a series of 2 boosters and then receive yearly boosters

Ask Your Veterinarian Before Vaccinating If:

  • Your dog has had a previous allergic reaction to DHPP 
  • Your dog is pregnant or lactating (nursing)
  • Your dog is ill
  • Your dog has been previously diagnosed with a disease or disorder

“Kennel Cough” Vaccine

  • Infectious Tracheobronchitis
  • Bordetella Bronchiseptica

What is "Kennel Cough"?

“Kennel Cough”, or Infectious Tracheobronchitis, is an upper respiratory infection, similar to whooping cough in humans. Various viruses and bacteria combine together causing “kennel cough”. It is very contagious to dogs but is not transmissible to humans. “Kennel cough” can be self-limiting (the disease runs its course without any aid), or may require treatment with antibiotics or antitussives (anti-coughing medication). 

“Kennel Cough” can cause:

  • Coughing
  • Gagging
  • Pneumonia

Who Should be Vaccinated for "Kennel Cough"?

  • Dogs who frequent dog parks
  • Dogs who are kenneled for boarding
  • Dogs who frequent groomers
  • Dogs in multi-dog households
  • Dogs with unsupervised access to the outdoors (free-roaming dogs)

Ask Your Veterinarian Before Vaccinating If:

  • Your dog has had a previous allergic reaction to the bordetella vaccine or other vaccines
  • Your dog is pregnant or lactating (nursing)
  • Your dog is ill
  • Your dog has been previously diagnosed with a disease or disorder

Rabies Vaccine

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals. This virus is spread through saliva, typically when an animal bites another animal or a human. Bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons are the most common carriers of the Rabies virus.

Rabies can cause:

  • Behavior changes
  • Restlessness
  • Excitability
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Excessive salivation (drool)
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Convulsions
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Who Should be Vaccinated for Rabies?

State law requires the following for dogs:

  • All puppies should be vaccinated for rabies between 4 and 5 months of age
  • Adult dogs should have a booster one year after the initial vaccine and then boostered every 3 years after that

Cedarburg City Ordinances require both dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies

  • Both cats and dogs should receive their first rabies vaccination before 5 months of age
  • Adult dogs and cats should receive a booster within one year after the initial rabies vaccine (followed by boosters every three years)

Rabies vaccination is required to license an animal with the city (Licensing is required in the city of Cedarburg.)

Ask Your Veterinarian Before Vaccinating If:

  • Your dog has had a previous allergic reaction to the rabies vaccine, or other vaccines
  • Your dog is pregnant or lactating (nursing)
  • Your dog is ill
  • Your dog has been previously diagnosed with a disease or disorder

Non-Core Vaccinations

Canine Influenza (CIV) Vaccine

What is Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza is a contagious virus that affects only dogs. First identified in late 2005, this emerging disease had been reported in 30 states by May 2009, Wisconsin included. It can be transmitted from dog to dog by direct contact (grooming, licking, etc), it can also be aerosolized by sneezing or coughing, and can be spread on objects like clothing, food dishes, or other surfaces.

Canine Influenza can cause:

  • Persistent cough
  • Productive cough
  • Low-grade fever
  • Nasal discharge
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pneumonia

Who Should be Vaccinated for Canine Influenza?

  • Dogs who board frequently, or go to "doggy daycare"
  • Dogs who visit dog parks
  • Dogs who visit groomers
  • Dogs in multi-dog households
  • Dogs who travel
  • Dogs with unsupervised access to the outdoors (free-roaming dogs)
  • If your dog is at risk for Kennel Cough (bordetella) or receives the vaccination, he is likely at risk for Canine Influenza

Ask Your Veterinarians Before Vaccinating If:

  • Your dog had a previous reaction to a vaccine
  • Your dog is pregnant or lactating/nursing
  • Your dog is ill
  • Your dog is currently on medications or being treated for a disease or disorder

How Can I Learn More?
http://www.doginfluenza.com/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/

Leptospirosis Vaccine

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacteria commonly found in stagnant water, moist soils, and recreational waters. This bacterium is shed in urine from infected animals. The disease can be transmitted to humans and animals through drinking or swimming in urine-contaminated waters. Open sores or mucus membranes (nose, mouth, eyes) allow this bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Leptospirosis can cause:

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness or depression
  • Yellowing (jaundice) of the ears, gums, and whites of eyes

Depending on the severity of the disease, hospitalization may occur to treat the symptoms of Leptospirosis.

Who Should be Vaccinated for Leptospirosis?

  • Hunting Dogs
  • Dogs that drink from or are exposed to stagnant water (puddles, ponds, etc.)
  • Dogs that live in areas where wildlife is present

Ask Your Veterinarian Before Vaccinating If:

  • Your dog has had a previous allergic reaction to the Leptospirosis vaccine
  • Your dog is pregnant or lactating (nursing)
  • Your dog is ill
  • Your dog has been previously diagnosed with a disease or disorder

Lyme Vaccine

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease, or Borreliosis, can affect most wild and domestic animals including cats and dogs. Lyme can also affect humans. Carriers of this disease include white-tailed deer and mice. Lyme disease is a bacteria that is transmitted by ticks, usually Ixodes Scapularis more commonly known as the deer tick. A tick must be attached in order to transmit Lyme disease.

Lyme disease can cause:

  • Vague symptoms, sometimes hard to observe
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Joint swelling and pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Alternating limb lameness

Who Should be Vaccinated for Lyme Disease?

  • Puppies who will be exposed to ticks at some point in their lives
  • Hunting dogs
  • If your dog frequents the upper Northeast, or upper Midwest (Northern Wisconsin)
  • Dogs in areas where ticks are prevalent (woods, fields, parks, or areas with tall grass)
  • Adult dogs that have ever had a tick attached in previous years

Ask Your Veterinarian Before Vaccinating If:

  • Your dog has had a previous allergic reaction to the Lyme vaccine or other vaccines
  • Your dog is pregnant or lactating (nursing)
  • Your dog is ill
  • Your dog has been previously diagnosed with a disease or disorder