A Simple Guide to Canine Vaccines

Puppies & Dogs

At The Animal Hospital of Lynnfield, we make specific recommendations as to what vaccines your dog will need based upon the risks of exposure to the diseases. We give vaccines to help prevent your dog from getting any one of these life threatening diseases. Because over-vaccinating can be harmful, our doctors are careful to limit the number of vaccines to assure your pet's safety.

Allergic or Hypersensitivity Reactions
After vaccination, some dogs will run a mild fever for a day or two following vaccination and experience some soreness at the site. Risks of serious vaccine reactions in dogs are rare, but can occur. More serious reactions that require immediate attention by your veterinarian are severe lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, hives or facial swelling and difficulty breathing. Your dog can also have an immune-mediated disease within a short time after vaccination. These are all serious reactions that can result in death if not properly treated. If you suspect your dog to be having a vaccine reaction, return to the clinic immediately. If it is after hours, you should call or go to Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital (781) 932-5802 or Essex County Veterinary Emergency Hospital (978) 725-5544. Keep in mind, all these reactions are extremely rare, but can occur.

Distemper, Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHCPP) Vaccine:
Canine Distemper is a disease that effects the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. Similar to distemper, parainfluenza is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Parvovirus is a viral infection that causes deadly cases of vomiting and diarrhea. Coronavirus us a viral disease that will cause severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. The Adenovirus causes infectious hepatitis which can result in severe liver and kidney damage. All of these are highly contagious and are prevalent in shelters or kennels.

Rabies Vaccine:
Rabies is a viral disease that is transferred by being bitten, transferring through the saliva. Rabies can infect all mammals, but mostly wildlife are the source of the infection. If your pet is bitten by an unfamiliar or wild animal, it should be reported to your veterinarian.

If the vaccine has not expired when given the second time, the vaccine is valid for 3 years. State law does require dogs to be vaccinated against Rabies to assure piblic health.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine:
Kennel cough is a bronchitis usually associated with a harsh hacking cough. It is similar to a chest cold in humans, but can be serious in puppies. The vaccine is usually given to dogs that will be in obedience classes, boarded, groomed or in contact with multiple dogs.

Lyme Vaccine:
Lyme disease is a disease transmitted by ticks and is a debilitating joint disease. It can also cause a high fever or kidney failure. This vaccine is recommended for any dogs that travel to the North Shore, the Cape or frequent woodsy tick-infested areas. New England has the highest concentration of ticks in the United States.

Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease which can cause serious illness in dogs, people and several other species of animals. It is caused by a bacteria which lives in water or wet soil and is commonly carried by wildlife in residential areas.  This vaccine is strongly recommended to any dogs which have wildlife in their area or commonly go to parks or wooded areas or have any standing pools of water and commonly wet soil. Dogs that live in urban areas still run the risk of exposure to Leptospirosis through contact with rodents such as rats, mice, and opposums.

If you have any questions or would like more information about vaccines, don't hesistate to give us a call or come in for more information.