Canine Vaccinations Vaccines can help protect your pet from a number of serious infectious diseases. Our veterinarians believe that following an annual vaccination protocol will help your pet live a healthier life. No vaccine is guaranteed 100% but vaccinating your pet builds up their immune system and gives them the best chance of fighting diseases. When you come in with your pet for their annual physical bring your concerns and questions with you and let our veterinary team assist you in keeping your pets healthy. Distemper (DHLPP): Distemper is a highly contagious disease of dogs. It is a caused by a virus that is easily spread through the air and by contaminated objects, much like a cold virus spreads in people. The combination vaccine protects against canine distemper virus, canine hepatitis, canine leptospirosis, and canine parvovirus. A series of vaccinations is given every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 8 weeks of age and continues up to 16 weeks of age. After one year of age, the vaccination is given every two years at the time of the annual physical exam done by your veterinarian.
Rabies: Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus usually spread when an infected animal bites another animal or person. The State of Maine requires your dog to be vaccinated against rabies. The first rabies vaccination that your puppy receives (at 12 weeks of age) is a one-year vaccination. On the return to your veterinarian for your pets' annual physical a two-year rabies vaccination is given and is repeated every two years for the remainder of your dogs life. Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease is a contagious infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease interferes with the normal flow of blood from the heart to the vessels serving the lungs. The disease can lead to congestive failure of the heart and other organs, and ultimately can lead to death. There is a simple and inexpensive blood test that is done on an annual basis. We recommend having this test done in the spring, before the mosquito season begins. Once tested, monthly or daily chewable preventative treats are given. The suggested time for preventive is "Tax Day" through "Turkey Day". Kennel Cough Infectious tracheobronchitis or "kennel cough" as it is commonly called, is an infection of the upper respiratory system in canines, primarily caused by the bacteria, Bordetella. While it is not considered dangerous, it is highly infectious and causes a hacking cough for 14 days. Since kennel cough is extremely contagious, if your dog regularly comes in contact with other dogs, such as in a boarding kennel, show ring or even a city park, he/she should have the Bordetella vaccine. The vaccine is given nasally to stimulate immunity against the disease. Like the influenza vaccine given to humans, it can cause mild symptoms for a day or two after it is given. It is recommended to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough every six months. Lyme Disease Lyme disease has recently been on the increase in Maine and is transmitted by infected ticks. Dogs can now be safely vaccinated against Lyme disease and can be protected from tick bites using tick prevention during the spring and summer seasons. An initial 2-part vaccination is done 3-4 weeks apart and then is repeated once every two years at the time of your pets' annual physical.
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