Canine Vaccine Protocol

Why should I vaccinate?

Vaccinations are an important and somewhat controversial topic. While vaccines are a very important of a healthy pet's wellness program, which vaccines your dog should receive will be based on your dog's individual needs. Vaccines are divided into core vaccines that all dogs should have, and additional vaccines that some dogs should have based on their risk of exposure to that particular disease.

Core vaccinations include:

  • distemper
  • parvo
  • hepatitis
  • rabies
  • Bordetella - is also a core vaccine for large percentage of dogs in the population

Additional vaccines include:

  • leptospirosis
  • Lymes

These individual disease vaccines are discussed in a later section

Core vaccinations are started in puppies at 6 to 8 weeks of age. At this age the puppy should receive distemper, parvo, and hepatitis. The puppy should be re-vaccinated with distemper, parvo, and hepatitis vaccine at twelve and sixteen weeks of age. Rabies and bordetella are also given at sixteen weeks of age. At one year of age, the young adult will be given distemper, parvo, and hepatitis, rabies and bordetella vaccines. This ensures a solid immunity.

After one year of age, distemper, parvo, and hepatitis can be given every three years. Rabies and bordetella are given annually as recommended on a pet by pet by your veterinarian. We will keep track of when your dog is due for vaccinations and notify you when dog needs to come in for his wellness exam.

Additional vaccinations include leptospirosis and Lymes and are administered based on need. See below for the descriptions of the vaccinations. The frequency will be annually unless otherwise noted.

Canine Vaccination Chart

  less than
12 weeks
12 weeks 16 weeks 1 year Over
1 year
Distemper check mark check mark check mark check mark Every 3 years
Parvo check mark check mark check mark check mark Every 3 years
Hepatitis check mark check mark check mark check mark Every 3 years
Rabies     check mark check mark Annually
Bordetella     check mark check mark Annually

The above are core vaccinations.

  less than
12 weeks
12 weeks 16 weeks 1 year Over
1 year
Leptospirosis   check mark check mark check mark check mark
Lyme disease     check mark* check mark Annually

*Requires re-booster in 3 weeks on the first series.
The above are additional vaccinations. These are given based on exposure risk.

If you have any questions regarding vaccines for your pet dog, Please do not hesitate to contact us at 309-685-4707 We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and want to ensure that your pet has the best of health.

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