Vaccines and routine care

The DAPP vaccine, often called "distemper vaccine" is considered a core vaccine and recommended for all dogs. The vaccine includes protection against these viruses:

• Distemper
• Adenovirus
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza

Leptospirosis (Lepto) is a bacterium that can be transmitted from wildlife to dogs. It is usually spread via urine or other body fluids and is considered zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from your dog to you. Once infected leptospirosis can cause mild signs like a fever, lethargy, or in severe cases kidney injury, respiratory illness or even death. The leptospirosis vaccine is considered a core vaccine and recommended for all dogs. 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, that is spread by the black legged tick. Lyme disease has become very widespread in United States over the past 10-15 years. Southwest Michigan is considered an endemic region for Lyme disease, and we recommend the vaccine for all dogs. If your dog becomes infected with Lyme disease, they often are systemically health and do not show any signs. However, in severe cases they can develop polyarthritis or Lyme nephritis that can lead to kidney failure. Using flea and tick prevention can help also reduce the chance of your dog contracting Lyme disease.

Rabies is a well-known virus that is spread across the United States and even the world. Unfortunately it is a fatal disease if contracted, so the best way to prevent it's spread is through vaccination. Depending on the state you live in and how prevalent Rabies is in the area will dictate how often the vaccine is administered. In the state of Michigan it is legally required for your dog to be vaccinated for Rabies. Many counties will enforce the vaccination by requiring you to purchase a dog license. Check with your local township and county rules to see how often this needs to be updated. 

The Bordetella vaccine often called the "kennel cough" vaccine covers against one type of bacteria called bordetella bronchiseptica. This bacterium is one of the worse pathogens that can cause kennel cough in your dog. Many boarding and grooming facilities will require this vaccine for your dog. Similar to the "flu" vaccine in humans, if your dog is vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccine they still can contract "kennel cough." This is because there are many different viruses and bacteria that can cause similar upper respiratory and coughing symptoms. We recommend this vaccine if your dog goes boarding, grooming, dog parks, etc.

Canine Influenza has been confirmed in 15 states across America and yet to be confirmed in Michigan. States like Illinois which is close to Michigan have had confirmed cases of Canine Influenza. The canine influenza vaccine is only recommended for dogs traveling outside of the state of Michigan as this may put them at risk of contracting the upper respiratory disease.