At Babcock Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand your dog is a valued member of the family. For this reason we highly advocate preventative care or wellness care measures for pet owners. One crucial way to protect your dog is to vaccinate him or her against threatening deadly viruses and diseases to his or her health. It is important that you provide your canine friend with routine vaccinations at multiple points during his or her life. Here at Babcock Hills, a veterinarian on our trusted team can ensure that your dog receives the necessary protection.
You may not be aware of exactly how vaccinations work or how often your dog needs vaccinations. Our staff is here to answer any questions you have and establish a vaccination schedule for your dog. By administering vaccines, our veterinarians are able to ensure your dog builds up immunity to the threatening canine diseases and viruses.
This is especially important for puppies, as they need to complete a series of vaccinations. Your puppy receives some temporary immunity through its mother at birth, but that protection fades quickly, which can leave your puppy vulnerable to dangerous disease organisms. At our veterinary hospital, certain vaccinations are included in your puppy’s first few exams. These vaccinations are known as “core” vaccinations because they are so critical for protecting canine health. Puppies should have their first vaccine by 9 weeks (in some circumstances we may recommend starting as early as 6 weeks and a booster at both 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
These vaccinations can protect against the following:
Rabies – An invariably fatal neurological disease, mammals (including humans) can get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. The rabies vaccination is required by Texas law for dogs starting at 12 weeks. Another vaccine is administered one year later and every three years following.
Parvovirus – Canine parvovirus or “parvo” is both extremely contagious and extremely dangerous. It causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal damage, immune system failure and septic shock. The Distemper – Parvo (DHPP) combination vaccine is administered to puppies starting at 6-9 weeks of age through 16 weeks, then again one year thereafter and every one to three years thereafter, depending on whether a 1 year or 3 year vaccine was used. For adult canine vaccinations, the DHPP vaccine is administered followed by a booster in 1 year and then every three years thereafter.
Distemper – Canine distemper is a virus that can be transmitted through shared food/water or even through a sneeze or cough from an infected animal. Distemper causes fever, respiratory issues, nervous system damage, vomiting and seizures. The combination DHPP vaccine protects against distemper as well.
Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that is spread through urine and can be passed along to humans. It affects kidney and liver function and can result in kidney inflammation, vomiting, and fever. When provided in conjunction with the DHPP vaccine it becomes the combination DHLPP.
Some dogs should receive other, non-core vaccinations as well. For instance, if you plan on boarding your dog, our veterinarians may recommend vaccination against Bordetella and two strains of the Influenza. We offer non-core vaccinations to protect against the following:
CIV (canine influenza)(H3N2 and H3N8) – CIV is spread through nasal and oral secretions. The vaccine can be administered at six weeks and requires an additional booster 2-4 weeks later. This is recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in a social environment, live in an apartment complex, grooming, training classes, or boarding.
Bordetella (sometimes called Kennel Cough): It is the result of a bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract which is easily transmitted and results in a hacking cough. Your puppy can be vaccinated at six weeks and can be administered intra-nasally once a year.
At Babcock Hills Veterinary Hospital we can advise you on the recommended schedule for booster shots — a critical step to ensure that your dog is always protected. Call us today to ensure your adult dog or puppy is vaccinated.
Babcock Hills Veterinary Hospital, your San Antonio veterinary hospital at 6600 Prue Road.