VACCINATIONS
Dogs are continually exposed to a variety of diseases.  Many of these diseases are hardy viruses, which can withstand extreme environmental conditions.  As you may know, there is no effective treatment for viruses in animals or people!  Because of this, viruses are the number one infectious killers of our pets.

Fortunately, the vaccines we use are highly effective at preventing most viral and many bacterial diseases.  Due to the nature of your dog's immune system, the age at which your pet receives its vaccines and the timing of the vaccines are very important.  In general, puppies require a series of at least two or three vaccines depending on their age and breed.  When the initial "puppy shots" are complete, yearly boosters are required to maintain your dog's immunity against these deadly diseases. 

All dogs should be vaccinated against the following diseases:

DHPP:

Distemper          A viral disease that initially causes a respiratory infection then progresses to infect the nervous system

Hepatitis             A viral disease that infects the liver

Parvovirus          A severe viral infection that affects the intestines and sometimes the heart.  It causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea and is often fatal.

Parainfluenza     A virus that causes a respiratory infection

Leptospirosis:  A bacteria that can cause kidney and liver failure.  It is found in the environment and is transmitted through the urine and feces of rodents and other small mammals and livestock.  Humans can also contract this disease.

Bordetella:      A bacteria that causes "kennel cough", a highly contagious infection of the windpipe and airways of the lungs.   This vaccine is administered via a squirt in the nostril of your dog.

Rabies:            A deadly virus that infects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans.

All dogs involved in outdoor sports, camping, hunting, and hiking in woods or fields, should be additionally vaccinated against

Lyme:               A disease that infects the joints.  It is caused by a bacteria and is transmitted via the bite of a tick.  All dogs involved in outdoor sports, camping, hunting, and hiking in woods or fields, should be vaccinated.

The typical vaccination schedule for a puppy is as follows:

         At about 8 weeks old       DHPP(1^st of 3)          
         At about 12 weeks old     DHPP(2^nd of 3), Lepto (1^st of 2), +/- Lyme (1^st of 2)
         At about 16 weeks old     DHPP(3^rd of 3), Rabies, Bordetella, Lepto (2^nd of 2), +/- Lyme (2^nd of 2)

After this initial booster series, your dog should be examined annually.   After the first year, DHPP and Rabies vaccines are recommended to be given every 3 years.  All others are recommended to be given annually.