| Distemper | Hepatitis | Parainfluenza |
| Parvo | Rabies | Worming |
| Heartworm | Leptospirosia | Fleas |
8 weeks: DHLP+P (Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Letospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)12 weeks: DHLP+P Booster
12 weeks: Rabies
16 weeks: DHLP+P Booster
14 months: DHLP+P yearly from this date
18 months: Rabies every three years from this date
Bordettela: Kennel Cough yearly if dog is boarded or goes to training classes
Lyme Disease: administered prior to tick season if needed.
Suckling puppies acquire a temporary immunity to distemper through mother's milk, only if the mother herself is immune, and only if the puppies get some of the first milk immediately after birth. The duration of this immunity is variable, from several weeks to a couple of months, and possibly longer. Vaccination usually is started at about 5 to 6 weeks of age, as this represents a reasonably safe average age of susceptibility to immunization. Vaccination should start soon after birth if it is believed the puppy has not received immunity through the mother's milk.
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Although the term "permanent inoculation" has been used, no vaccination procedure, even in humans is 100% successful or permanent. To insure a high degree of immunity, a booster inoculation should be given annually or semi-annually.
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Caused by a virus. A very prevalent and serious disease producing multiple symptoms with likelihood of destructive complications involving nerve damage. Back to top.
Another highly fatal disease caused by an entirely different virus not related to human hepatitis. Although it affects the liver, it frequently resembles distemper. Back to top.
A transmissible upper respiratory infection of dogs which is characterized by coughing and gagging. Also know as tracheobronchitis. Back to top.
An infectious and serious disease, caused by either of two related leptospira organisms, and spread by infected rats and dogs. The vaccine protects against both types. Back to top.
A viral disease that causes an intestinal illness characterized by vomiting, diarrhea and frequent death. It is extremely contagious and it affects dogs of all ages. NOTE: These diseases are not transmissible to humans, with the exception of the less common type of leptospirosis. Vaccination protects against this type also. Back to top.
The first rabies vaccination is effective for one year regardless of the age given. The second and subsequent rabies vaccination is effective for three years. Pennsyvania State laws require ALL dogs three months (12 weeks) of age or older be immunized against rabies.
For more information go to our Rabies page.
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Almost always necessary with puppies. Bring a stool sample to determine infection.
Have adult dog's stool sample checked yearly or more often as needed.
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Heartworms are parasites which are found primarily in the heart and major blood vessels of infected dogs. These parasites can cause symptoms of excessive fatigue, coughing, and in some advanced cases, fluid collection in the limbs and abdomen. Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of infective mosquitoes. As heartworm infestations are becoming more prevalent, it is recommended that a blood sample from your pet be checked for evidence of heartworm larvae (microfilaria).
HEARTWORM PREVENTION
Heartworm disease can be prevented with medication given daily or monthly by mouth. Medication can be started on a puppy as early as 6 to 9 weeks of age. In dogs 6 months of age or older, medication is started after a "negative" blood test is obtained and is continued year round in this area. The preventative medication is available as a liquid, tablet or chewable wafer. Blood tests for heartworms are recommended semi-annually while on preventative medication.
Fortunately, there is now a heartworm preventative available for dogs. HEARTGARD is a chewable tablet made specifically for dogs and can be given by hand or mixed with food. It is approved for use in dogs six weeks and older.
INTERCEPTOR is another highly effective medication that prevents heartworm disease by eliminating infective larvae for 60 days past infection. This single compound when administered monthly, prevents heartworm and treats and controls several intestinal parasites
