Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

It can be overwhelming to know all your pet’s health requirements to ensure their wellbeing. Our veterinary team can guide you through everything your pup needs to live a long and happy life with you, including developing a vaccination plan. As your pet ages, this plan will grow with them, including any new vaccines or boosters.

Which vaccines should my puppy start with?

Vaccines are sorted into two categories – core and non-core. Core vaccines are necessary to protect your pet against a range of preventable diseases which could negatively impact their health and, in some cases, cause death. Some core vaccines, like rabies, are required by law. Non-core vaccines are optional and dependent on the likelihood of your pet contracting a specific disease, based on their lifestyle and overall health. We recommend the following core vaccines for our canine friends:

• Distemper
• Adenovirus-2
• Parvovirus
• Rabies

We often recommend the following non-core vaccines based on your pet’s specific needs:

• Bordetella
• Influenza
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme disease

Does my pet need vaccines every year?

Depending on your pet’s antibody level, we’ll determine if they need to be vaccinated against a specific disease. Our veterinary team does in-house titer testing, where we take a blood sample to assess your pet’s antibody levels for core vaccines like rabies, distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis. These results typically are available in a few weeks. Then, we’ll review them and recommend which vaccinations your pet needs to build their immunity. If you have questions about vaccinations, please contact us at 519-661-0496.