These vaccinations protect against infectious diseases that often cause a serious health risk (if not death) to you pet. As a puppy, your pet will need a series of vaccinations. This is much like an infant. It is recommended that these vaccinations be started at 6-8 weeks of age, and boosters given at 12 and 16 weeks. The diseases routinely vaccinated for are:

Canine Distemper- a viral disease of the brain and respiratory system;

Hepatitis- a viral disease of the liver;

Parainfluenza- a viral disease of the upper respiratory tract;

Parvovirus- a viral disease of the small intestine that is often fatal;

Leptospirosis –a bacterial infection of the urinary tract.

Vaccinations for the above diseases should begin at 6-8 weeks of age and be repeated every 3-4 weeks until the puppies are 14-16 weeks of age. Other diseases that may be vaccinated for under some circumstances are:

Corona Virus- a virus of the small intestine;

Lyme Disease- a tick spread rickettsia causing fever and arthritis;

Bordetella- a bacteria causing one form of kennel cough.

Dogs should be started on a rabies vaccination program at about 4 months of age. The initial vaccination is protective for one year. Following the booster vaccination, dogs are protected for 3 years. In some situations, in the face of a rabies outbreak in the area, vaccinations may be started earlier and boostered more often.