Canine Vaccines

Congratulations on your decision to have your dog vaccinated. Vaccines are the cornerstones of preventative health care throughout your pet's life. when injected, a vaccine trigger's the immune system to produce antibodies, which like soldiers, stand ready to defend against that invader in the future. This antibody army needs periodic retraining [to remain effective], and thus the need for regular revaccination. There are many vaccines on the market today against numerous diseases. We use the purest, non-adjuvented vaccines available to insure minimal, if any, post vaccine reactions. Following is a list of vaccines offered by Pet Street Station Animal Hospital along with our recommendations on when they are appropriate.

• Rabies:
  This is the one disease listed here that can be transmitted from your pet to you and your family. New York State law says that all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies for public health protection. The initial vaccination is one injection, no earlier than 12 weeks of age. A booster one year later provides protection for 3 years, and must be boosted every three years thereafter.
• Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvo virus (DHPP)
  This is the basic 4-in-one vaccine, and along with Rabies, is the most essential. Puppies should start this vaccine around 8 weeks of age with boosters given at 12 and 16 weeks for full protection.
  The Rottweiller breed is very susceptible to parvo virus and probably should be vaccinated more often. (Ask your doctor for more details) Annual boosters for the life of your pet are highly recommended.
• Corona
  This virus causes symptoms similar to parvovirus, with severe vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies are most susceptible and most severely affected by this disease. We recommend that puppies be fully vaccinated at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, with one annual booster.
• Lyme
  The bacteria Borellia bergdorferii is the cause of Lyme disease, and is transmitted by the bite of certain ticks. We have seen an increase in the local tick population and cases of Lyme disease have been reported. While Lyme does not pose a huge threat currently, it is a disease on the rise. In order to be ready for the future, young pups should be vaccinated near 9 weeks of age with a booster 3-4 weeks later, and an annual booster thereafter. This vaccine may be particularly important for dogs that hunt, field trial, or spend time in the woods or tall grass where ticks reside, or who travel to Lyme endemic areas of the country.
• Kennel Cough
  The bacterial component of Kennel Cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica. This bacterial infection is spread when dogs congregate. Droplets from the cough transmit the bacteria as well as parainfluenza virus, the viral component of kennel cough, quickly and easily. The resultant cough can last up to 3-4 weeks and be quite severe. Many boarding kennels require the vaccine for your pet to stay. It is also important for any dog who contacts others at shows, hunts, field trials, obedience classes, agility training or who just roam free and meet other dogs. Initially 2 vaccines are administered 3-4 weeks apart with annual revaccination required.
• Leptospirosis
  Leptospirosis is a corkscrew-shaped bacteria. It is a zoonotic disease i.e., it can spread from animals to humans. The bacteria are transmitted by direct contact of mucous membranes or abraded skin with infected urine or reproductive secretions, and by eating infected tissue. This bacterial infection is most commonly spread by direct contact with infected urine or water infected by the urine of hosts such as raccoons, possums, skunks, cattle, etc. The bacteria attack the kidneys and liver and can lead to death from liver or kidney failure. There has been a significant rise in cases reported in New York State. Initial protection is by 2 vaccine injections 3-4 weeks apart starting no earlier than 12 weeks of age followed by annual booster vaccinations.