Vaccinations

Vaccines play a vital role in maintaining your pet’s health by protecting them from easily transmissible diseases. They work by stimulating your dog’s immune system, so it is primed to fight off that disease the next time your pet encounters it. There are many types of vaccines based on many factors. It is a good idea to have a conversation with your veterinarian to find out how your pet’s lifestyle may expose them to preventable diseases.

What types of vaccinations do you offer for adult dogs?

We offer core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are vaccines that protect against widespread serious illness and/or are highly contagious (Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Canine Infectious Hepatitis (DA2PP) and Rabies). Non-core vaccines are vaccines that are recommended based on the individual risk the disease poses to the dog and the lifestyle of the dog (kennel cough, Lyme, leptospirosis).

Is there a schedule for how often to vaccinate a dog?

Yes and the schedule is based on how your dog’s immune system responds to the vaccine, so it is very important that you are following the vaccine schedule to ensure your pet is fully protected. For puppies, the first DA2PP vaccine is given at 6-8 weeks of age and is boosted (given again) in another 4-6 week, at about 10-12 weeks of age. At this time, the pup can also get any non-core vaccines that their lifestyle dictates. The final vaccine boosters are given at 16 weeks of age (other 4-6 weeks after the second needles) and will include the rabies vaccines. All vaccines given to puppies need to be boosted again after a year. Once that series is completed, the core of the vaccines (DA2PP & Rabies) we use at Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital last 3 years. The non-core vaccines require a booster every year (leptospirosis, Lyme, kennel cough).

Why is it important to vaccinate your dog?

It is important to vaccinate your dog to protect them from serious illnesses that are easily preventable and help them live a long, happy and healthy life. Vaccines also help prevent the spread of diseases to other animals and also to humans (such as Rabies).