Puppy Shots... Keep Healthy!

My dog is about a year old now and I am planning a trip this summer and need to board my dog for ten days.  Other than a rabies shot, what inoculations does my dog need?

Obviously rabies shots are a given.  There are several others that are not required but for the safety of your pet, you should seriously consider.  The first is the Parvovirus vaccine.  Parvovirus is transmitted mainly through the feces of an infected dog.  Most people believe that in a kennel situation it is not about if a dog is going to get the Parvovirus it is just a matter of when.  Even if a boarding facility does not require this vaccine it is in the best interest of your dog to have it.

Bordetella is the vaccine to prevent kennel cough.  Dogs that are exposed to a group environment are more likely to contract kennel cough which left untreated if contracted can lead to serious respiratory infection and pneumonia.  This is a definite must have vaccine for leaving your dog in boarding care.  In the case of a dog that is boarded, boosters are recommended every six to twelve months.

Coronavirus exhibits the same symptoms as Parvovirus however the treatment is different and requires its own vaccination.  It is transmitted through the feces of an infected animal and a stay in a boarding facility increases the risk of exposure.

Leptospirosis is another condition that your pet can be vaccinated for but you should probably discuss this with your veterinarian before getting the inoculation.

Canine distemper is a multi-systemic disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.  It is contagious, incurable and often fatal. Though older dogs can be infected, puppies between the ages of 3 and 6 months are the most susceptible to infection and are more likely to die.

Lyme disease is passed into dogs through the deer tick.  The tick must stay embedded in the dog’s skin for 48 hours for the bacteria to pass into the dog.  Lyme disease is most likely to occur in the states from Virginia up to Maine but cases have been reported in most states.  There is controversy as to the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing Lyme disease and should be discussed with your vet.

Recommendations depend on the health, breed, age, location and possible exposure of the dog.  Your veterinarian should be consulted before actually scheduling your dog for these vaccines.

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Remember that you can contact us with your thoughts and your ideas to add more to this site. Dog boarding Charleston will help you get your dog healthier, happier, and enjoying life with you.