The use of vaccines to prevent and control infectious disease is an accepted and necessary method of preventative health care in veterinary medicine.  However, vaccinating every patient against every possible disease on an annual basis carries risks, probably is not needed, and at worse, may be harmful to your pet.  

Although no age group can be considered entirely free from risk, puppies (less than 6 months of age) are generally more susceptible to infection than adult dogs following exposure and therefore, represent the principal target population for canine vaccination protocols.  The following recommendations are simply guidelines, and we will customize a vaccination program specifically for your dog.  We constantly review scientific studies, expert opinions, and vaccine technology to determine what is best for your pet.  We are committed to giving as few vaccines as possible at any given visit.  By splitting the vaccine antigens and by using the only three year USDA approved vaccines on the market, we provide a safer, more personalized protocol for your pet.

Even with this new conservative protocol, some dogs may have vaccine reactions.  Some dogs may be slightly lethargic or sore after vaccination, which can be a normal response.  However, if you notice that your dog develops facial swelling, vomits, stops eating, develops a lump at the site of the vaccine injection, or develops other signs of illness, please call the hospital immediately.

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Bi-Annual Exams

Regardless of the vaccines that your dog may require, we recommend a physical exam every 6 months to evaluate your pet’s health. Remember dog’s age faster than humans. Every 1 year of your pet’s life is equivalent to 5-6 human years.  During these regular checkups your veterinarian can identify developing problems including dental disease, heart disease, as well as other conditions which might not be apparent to you at home.  With early detection, many of these diseases may be easily treated or even prevented.

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Vaccine Titers

We use vaccine titers to determine vaccine effectiveness in puppies or for pets with a history of allergies, we may recommend checking antibody/titer levels to make sure your dog is still protected against the most dangerous viruses.  With a small blood sample that can be collected on the day of your pet’s exam, we can verify that your dog still has protective immunity to the vaccine viruses.

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Vaccine Recommendations

DAP (Distemper virus, Adenovirus or hepatitis, Parvovirus)

Recommendation for vaccination series:

• <16 weeks of age: series of 2 vaccines, 4 weeks apart

• At 20 weeks: titer/antibody verification

Booster interval: Distemper/hepatitis (DA) and Parvo (P) will be boostered separately every 3 years.

Rabies

Recommendation for vaccination series:

• < 16 weeks: do not vaccinate

• > 16 weeks: 1 dose

• Booster Interval: 1 year later, then every 3 years

Bordetella/Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough)

Recommendations for vaccination series:

• 1 intranasal dose at 12 weeks

• 1 injectable dose at 16 weeks

• Booster Interval: 1 year

NOTE: This vaccine is recommended for dogs with high exposure to other dogs especially those in obedience school or boarding/kennel situations, dog park attendees and for grooming patients.

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Potential Adverse Reactions

Most dogs do not experience adverse reactions to their vaccines. If your dog does show any of the following symptoms, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms may begin minutes to days after vaccination, and may include: facial swelling, hives, itching, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, irritation or hair loss/discoloration at the site of vaccination, stiffness, lethargy, collapse, seizures, and behavior changes. Dogs will often be temporarily sore at the site of vaccination, but any pain or swelling which lasts beyond a couple of days should be examined.

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Over-Vaccination

The doctors at Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital are concerned about the potential problems of over vaccination of pets and are constantly reviewing studies, expert opinions, and vaccine technology to determine the best protocols for your pet. To that end, we will always customize a vaccine program for your pet and his or her lifestyle. Likewise, we are committed to giving as few vaccines as possible at any given visit by splitting the vaccine antigens and by using the only three year USDA approved vaccines on the market.

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