Dog Vaccinations

Vaccines are essential to your pet’s health. Please read about the different types we may recommend for your puppy or dog.

There can be much confusion about which vaccines are needed by your pet. No longer is there a “one size fits all” mentality about dog vaccinations. The exposure your pet has to other dogs, cats, and wildlife will be one of the several factors that determine which vaccines our veterinarians will recommend. Once we understand your pet’s social lifestyle (this excludes online dating) we will recommend certain vaccines that are important to your pet’s health.

Saving Money with Dog Vaccinations

Our policy at Mixed Pet is to provide vaccines with the longest duration of immunity. Several of the dog vaccines and cat vaccines last for 2 or 3 years. If comparing costs, ensure that you are comparing apples to apples. Using these longer duration vaccines are a cost savings for our clients. Just one of the many ways that we help you save money!

Common Dog Vaccines

Rabies and DAPPv

The vaccines that are considered most important to dogs are Rabies and DAPPv also know as Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. These viruses cause different diseases that we can describe to you during your visit.

Bordetella

We also strongly recommend the Bordetella vaccine that will protect your pet from several different upper respiratory infections. Bordetella was once called “Kennel Cough”, so unfortunately many people think it is a vaccine only for dogs that are boarded in a kennel. Not so – any dog exposed to other dogs (mostly all dogs) or places where other dogs have been, such as walking around the neighborhood, can be exposed to the disease.

Leptospirosis

Vaccination is the only way to prevent infection. For dogs that are exposed to wildlife either in the neighborhoods, on greenways, or dog parks, vaccination against Leptospirosis is a must. This is a liver/kidney infection that is contagious to people, so protecting your pet will protect you.

Canine Influenza

This is a disease that has spread from horses to dogs. It has been recognized for about 7 years. Dogs that are not vaccinated can get very sick from this virus and some may even die. Pets are exposed to the virus from contact with other dogs at kennels, groomers, pet stores, or neighborhood walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you don't vaccinate your dog?

State law requires all dogs to be vaccinated for rabies. Dogs not receiving vaccines have the potential of becoming infected by diseases that can cause short-term or long-term ailments or death.

Do dogs need to be vaccinated every year?

Once dogs are adults, they need some vaccines yearly and others every three years. Consult your veterinarian.

Can a vaccinated dog be around an unvaccinated dog?

Fully vaccinated puppies and adult dogs can be around unvaccinated dogs.

Do indoor dogs need vaccinations?

Rabies vaccines are required by law in all states. Any dog that goes outside, even in a small yard or area requires vaccinations. Consult your veterinarian.

How long can a dog go without shots?

State law requires that dogs be vaccinated yearly or every three years. Adult dogs that go outside should be vaccinated with distemper and parvo every three years. Dogs who have contact with other dogs should be vaccinated for bordetella every year. All dogs who go outside in Lyme endemic states should be vaccinated yearly. Other vaccines are dependent on the dog’s lifestyle.