Dog Vaccinations
After our veterinarians assess the risk factors for each dog, we develop a vaccination protocol for the individual dog. Our “core” or basic vaccines consist of distemper and rabies vaccines. Every dog should be vaccinated for these. When risk factors are higher for other diseases, we would also encourage owners to vaccinate accordingly. For example, if a dog is outdoors, often in the woods and around water, they are at higher risk for certain pathogens such as Lyme and leptospirosis. Also, if a dog is going to a boarding kennel, that is a risk as well.
What types of vaccinations do you offer for adult dogs?
For adult dogs we offer distemper and rabies as our core vaccines. We also offer Lyme, Leptospirosis as well as Bordetella (for kennel cough).
Is there a schedule for how often to vaccinate a dog?
Yes there is. This would depend on the vaccines needed. The core vaccines can be once every three years after an initial booster series, but all other vaccines are done yearly.
Why is it important to vaccinate your dog?
There are so many diseases in our area that can cause major health issues for your dog. We vaccinate for a few reasons. The first reason is to prevent your dog from contracting these potentially life-threatening diseases. We also vaccinate to keep the overall pet population healthy. Vaccinating keeps these diseases from getting out of control and becoming endemic in our area. If your dog is going to be greeting and mingling with other dogs, you want to be sure he/she is protected, you never know where or what that other dog could have potentially picked up or if it’s vaccinated. Ultimately, we vaccinate to ensure your dog has a healthy happy and long life.
How much do dog vaccinations cost?
The cost of vaccines varies from dog to dog. It depends on the risk factors and lifestyle of your dog. Each dog has individual needs. To better assess your dog’s needs, it’s best to have an exam and consultation with one of our vets to ensure your dog is fully protected.
