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Vaccinations

Annual vaccinations for dogs have been standard for a long time, but the recommendations were never based on scientific studies. Veterinarians and pet guardians are beginning to question the need for yearly boosters.

The American Medical Veterinary Association has a set of guidelines which they consider "Core" Vaccines, but you and your veterinarian should analyze your cat’s risk of exposure and develop your cat’s own vaccination protocol.

Distemper

(CDV)
Severe contagious virus, often fatal. Young puppies are at highest risk. Initial round of shots to be given every three weeks from 6-15 weeks old, booster in one year, then every three years.

Hepatitis

(ICH)
Contagious infection of the liver. Puppies and Young dogs and geriatric dogs at highest risk. Initial round of shots to be given every three weeks from 6-15 weeks old, booster in one year, then every three years.

Parvo

(CPV)
Highly contagious, often fatal intestinal virus. All dogs at risk, especially in multiple dog environments. Initial round of shots to be given every three weeks from 6-15 weeks old, booster in one year, then every three years.

Rabies
Fatal infection of the nervous system. All unvaccinated mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Initial shot at 12 weeks, then every three years (some states require annual vaccinations).

Bordetella

(Kennel Cough)
Common upper respiratory infection, highly contagious. Most boarding kennels require this vaccine. Initial dose can be given at 6 weeks of age and every 6 months thereafter is risk is high.

Lyme Disease
Bacterial infection causing swollen joints, neurological problems and lethargy. Once infected, symptoms can be eased with antibiotics but there is no cure.
Dogs who spend time outdoors should be vaccinated at 9 weeks, and annually ( prior to tick season) thereafter. Certain products ( Advantage and Revolution) can ward off the ticks and vaccination may not be necessary.

Dermatophytosis

(ringworm)
This fungus (skin infection) is highly contagious to other dogs,cats and humans. Initial dosage and boosters have not yet been established. Vaccines can not eliminate an external fungus and topical preparations will be needed as well.

The above table is based upon the ASPCA / Bergh Memorial Hospital’s vaccination recommendation for dogs living in the New York area. Check with your Vet,Veterinary Hospital or local SPCA to find out what pathogens are a threat to your area.

BACK TO Dogs

Distemper (CDV)	Severe contagious virus, often fatal. Young puppies are at highest risk. Initial round of shots to be given every three weeks from 6-15 weeks old, booster in one year, then every three years.
Hepatitis (ICH)	Contagious infection of the liver. Puppies and Young dogs and geriatric dogs at highest risk. Initial round of shots to be given every three weeks from 6-15 weeks old, booster in one year, then every three years.
Parvo (CPV)	Highly contagious, often fatal intestinal virus. All dogs at risk, especially in multiple dog environments. Initial round of shots to be given every three weeks from 6-15 weeks old, booster in one year, then every three years.
Rabies	Fatal infection of the nervous system. All unvaccinated mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Initial shot at 12 weeks, then every three years (some states require annual vaccinations).
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)	Common upper respiratory infection, highly contagious. Most boarding kennels require this vaccine. Initial dose can be given at 6 weeks of age and every 6 months thereafter is risk is high.
Lyme Disease	Bacterial infection causing swollen joints, neurological problems and lethargy. Once infected, symptoms can be eased with antibiotics but there is no cure. Dogs who spend time outdoors should be vaccinated at 9 weeks, and annually ( prior to tick season) thereafter. Certain products ( Advantage and Revolution) can ward off the ticks and vaccination may not be necessary.
Dermatophytosis (ringworm)	This fungus (skin infection) is highly contagious to other dogs,cats and humans. Initial dosage and boosters have not yet been established. Vaccines can not eliminate an external fungus and topical preparations will be needed as well.