Vaccinations for Puppies and Dogs
An important step to keeping your canine friends healthy is to have them vaccinated. Without vaccines your cherished pets are exposed to diseases which can lead to fatality and even spread to others in your home. Langdon Veterinary Clinic offers a full range of vaccinations for our canine patients. Please do not hesitate to teach out if you have any concerns about your pet’s vaccines.
What are core and non-core vaccines?
Core vaccines are mandated by law because of how easily they spread and the severity of the disease that pets can develop without the shot. The core vaccines for puppies/dogs are:
1. Rabies
2. Bordetella
3. Canine Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis (DHPP)
Non-core vaccines are still essential but only for some pets. These pets are exposed to disease based on their lifestyle or environment. Non-core vaccines include:
1. Lyme
2. Canine influenza
3. Leptospirosis
When should my puppy/dog be vaccinated?
The puppy series should start between 6 to 8-weeks-old and continue every three weeks until they are 4-months-old.
Adult dogs are only vaccinated if they have completed their round of puppy vaccines. Booster shots are administered based on how long the initial vaccine is effective for.
How long are vaccines effective for my pet?
The vaccines your pet receives aren’t all effective for the same periods of time. A rabies shot lasts for three years and Bordetella lasts 6 to 12 months. Other shots are effective up to one year. Our clinic keeps a record of every dose your pet takes, so we will inform you when it’s time for a booster shot.
Will my puppy/dog have side effects from the vaccine?
It is possible that some pets will have a reaction to the vaccines they get. Not to worry though the effects are minor and last for less than 48 hours. You can expect swelling at the injection site and loss of appetite. Some pets also become lethargic. If these symptoms persist for more than two days call us at 403.936.4571 for instructions.