Vaccinations

Puppies and adult dogs need to be protected against common viruses and diseases in much the same way human babies and adults need to be protected.  These vaccines are an important part of keeping your dog healthy throughout his or her long life.

What Vaccines?

DHP - This is commonly called the "canine distemper" vaccine and it protects against...
Distemper - Very contagious virus that attacks the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.  In puppies, this disease is often fatal.
Hepatitis/Adenovirus - Virus that attacks the liver and other organs. 
Parainfluenza - Can cause upper respiratory infection.

Parvovirus - Protects against a virus that attacks the digestive system and bone marrow and is often fatal in puppies.

Bordetella - Also called the "Kennel Cough" vaccine.  Protects against bacterial upper respiratory infection.

Rabies - Though the number of rabies infected animals has greatly declined in recent years, this vaccine is still required by Illinois law.  Any unvaccinated animal that bites a person must be confined to an animal hospital for rabies observation for ten days.  Vaccinated pets that bite a person may be confined at home but must be examined by a veterinarian at the start and completion of the observation.

Leptospirosis (Required for all Cook County dog parks/beaches, recommended for most dogs in our area) - This vaccine is recommended for dogs who drink from standing water in puddles and who live in an environment with many possums and raccoons.  The virus can cause chronic kidney and liver disease. 

Lyme (Optional) - Recommended in conjunction with using topical K-9 Advantix, this vaccine protects against Lyme disease carried by ticks.  Dogs who live in or regularly visit heavily wooded area should receive this vaccine.


How Often Should I Vaccinate?

Puppies generally start their vaccine series at 6-7 weeks old, with boosters given every 3-4 weeks until four months of age.  Adult dogs should receive vaccine boosters yearly.

In addition to vaccines, dogs should have their stools checked for parasites and a blood test to check for heartworms once a year.

 
Puppies  
6 weeks DHP, Parvo, stool check
9 weeks DHP, Parvo
12 weeks DHP, Parvo, Bordetella
16 weeks DHP, Parvo, Rabies
   
Adult Dogs  
Yearly DHP, Parvo, Bordetella, Rabies, stool check, Heartworm test