Canine Vaccines

Core Vaccinations include: Required or recommended nationwide.

  • Rabies – This is a fatal virus that is carried by wild animals, specifically, raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. This virus is preventable with proper vaccination. We start with a single injection under 1 years of age and then boosted every 1-3 years.
  • Distemper and parvovirus – These viruses are both very important diseases to prevent. They may cause respiratory issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and even neurologic dysfunction. These are both very contagious diseases and do not currently have a cure. The mainstay of treatment is supportive care. Unfortunately, Distemper is typically fatal and therefore prevention is key. Parvovirus can be fatal if not aggressively treated, and if survived it will most likely cause permanent damage to the intesnal tract rendering it much more sensitive. These vaccinations are given every 3-4 weeks, typically a series of 3 shots, as a young puppy and then boostered every 1-3 years depending on the risk.

Recommended Vaccinations: These vaccines are given depending dog’s life style.

  • Bordetella – This vaccine is given to dogs that come in contact with other dogs to prevent or lessen the clinical signs of a bacterial infection called “kennel cough”. Dogs that go to grooming, doggie daycare, dog parks, play dates, nose to nose contact through the fence or on regular walks. Infection with Bordetella may cause coughing that may be mild or severe, vomiting if coughing is severe, lethargy, and anorexia.
  • Leptospirosis – This vaccine is strongly recommended here in Minnesota. is a bacterial disease that can have severe effects on the kidneys and liver. This bacteria can be found in the environment where wild animals, such as deer raccoons and rodents, and livestock live. Leptospirosis is shed though the urine of these animals and contaminate the surrounding area and water sources. Any dog that swims, hunts, frequents that back yard or goes on walks around the pond and our local neighborhood should be vaccinated.
  • Lyme disease is a bacteria carried by some ticks that is causes fever, muscle and joint soreness, and anorexia. This infection can occur if an infected tick bites your dog and transfers the disease. Your dog may be at risk to Lyme disease if they enjoy spending time in wooded areas, long grassy regions, or presence of deer traffic.

Flea & Tick Prevention

Fleas and Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on our dogs and cats. These parasites can be prevented with either topical or oral medications, or even a combination of both. The most common time of year where these parasites are present is April through December. However, fleas may be a problem year round if they made their way inside your home.

Monthly Flea/Tick prevention options:

Vectra 3D – This is our preferred topical medication because it has the ability to repel as well as kill these parasites. These parasites may not even have to take a blood meal in order to die.
NexGard – This is an oral, beef flavored chewable tablet, for the prevention of these parasites.

Adequate prevention of these parasite are key in preventing diseases such as Lyme, Ehrlichia, Tularemia, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis, Hepatozoonosis, and more.

PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION!!

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm Disease is transmitted by mosquitos carrying infected blood. The parasites in the blood travel to the heart where they develop into adult worms. These worms eventually get large enough to where the heart is compromised. If left untreated, this disease may lead to serious irreversible heart disease and even death. The treatment is often very expensive and pose serious adverse side effects. The good news is that this disease is completely preventable. Prevention is truly the best option.

We recommend:

Annual Heartworm testing
Monthly Heartworm prevention (Year round)

Monthly Heartworm prevention options:

Iverhart Plus
Heartguard Plus

These products also prevent against the common intestinal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms that they may pick up from contaminated ground/soil. After all, our four legged friends don’t wear shoes and socks for added protection. Let’s face it, they tend to lick just about everything!!