Vaccines
Vaccinating your pets is an important part of keeping them healthy. This handout explains the diseases we protect dogs from, along with information about vaccine titer testing, licensing your dog with the town office, and possible vaccine reactions. When an animal is born, their immune system is not fully developed, making them more susceptible to disease. Maternal antibodies provide protection when they are very young, but that protection fades over time. Vaccines become important during this period and are continued until the pet’s own immune system can take over.
There is an important distinction between "core" vaccines and "non-core" vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all animals regardless of lifestyle and location. Non-core vaccines are given based on the veterinarian’s and owner’s assessment of the pet’s lifestyle and risk. Below is a list of the diseases we vaccinate dogs against, with information about each one.
1) Distemper Virus: Spread through fluids such as nasal secretions and urine. Dogs may initially appear to have a cold but can develop vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Distemper is often fatal and difficult to treat. It is a core vaccine recommended for all dogs. The series begins at 6–8 weeks and continues every 3–4 weeks until the dog is 16+ weeks old, followed by a booster at one year and then every three years.
2) Parvovirus: Spread through contaminated indoor or outdoor surfaces and very difficult to eradicate. Causes severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting and is often fatal. Prevention is far easier than treatment. Parvovirus is a core vaccine, following the same schedule as distemper.
3) Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2) and Parainfluenza: Spread through respiratory secretions and present in the environment. They cause respiratory problems and can lead to pneumonia. CAV-2 also protects against adenovirus type 1, which causes infectious hepatitis. Both are core vaccines following the same schedule as distemper.
4) Leptospirosis: Spread through the urine of infected animals or contaminated water. It is zoonotic and can affect both pets and people. Causes flu-like symptoms that may progress to kidney, liver, brain, lung, or heart involvement. Leptospirosis is now considered a core vaccine. The series begins at 8 weeks with a booster 2–4 weeks later, then annually.
5) Lyme Disease: Transmitted by ticks. Causes arthritis, lameness, fever, decreased energy, or may show no symptoms. Due to the increasing prevalence in Vermont, Lyme vaccination is considered core. The series begins at 8 weeks with a booster 2–4 weeks later, then annually.
6) Rabies: Spread through saliva, usually via a bite. Symptoms range from behavioral changes to aggression. Rabies is a core vaccine mandated by Vermont law. The initial vaccine is given at approximately 16 weeks, boosted one year later, then every three years.
7) Bordetella: Causes infectious tracheobronchitis ("kennel cough"). Spread through respiratory secretions. It is a non-core vaccine recommended based on lifestyle and may be required by boarding facilities or training classes. Administered yearly or as needed.
8) Canine Influenza: Spread through respiratory secretions or dog-to-dog contact. Can cause respiratory illness, secondary pneumonia, and body pain. It is a non-core vaccine, typically given once with a booster 2–4 weeks later, then annually or as needed.
Vaccine Reactions
Although rare, reactions can occur. Anaphylactic reactions happen within 1–2 hours and may include facial swelling, itchiness, or hives. Be available to monitor your pet after the appointment. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions occur 1–2 days later and may include decreased energy, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact the hospital if this occurs. Massaging the injection site can reduce soreness; if uncomfortable, apply a cool compress for 10–15 minutes.
Vaccine Titers
Vaccine titers are blood tests that measure your pet’s level of protection against certain diseases. They can help determine whether additional vaccines are necessary. Discuss this option with the veterinarian at your appointment.
Dog Licenses
Dog licenses are required yearly by each town in Vermont. Proof of a rabies vaccine is required along with a small fee. Contact your town office for details.