The following recommendations for vaccinations of dogs are based on our experience with these vaccines, their adverse reactions, the potential for these diseases in and around placePlaceNameLos Alamos PlaceTypeCounty, and recent recommendations from major academic institutions. While these recommendations are the basis for the vaccine protocols that we use at our veterinary clinic, there may be variations for individual cases. If you reside outside the placeLos Alamos area, please consult your local veterinary for the vaccination recommendations for your area.

DHPP is the combination of the core vaccines fro the viruses of distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus with the addition of parainfluenza. The initial puppy series for this DHPP vaccine begins from 6 to 9 weeks of age. The vaccinations are given every 3 weeks until the puppy has received two vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. All dogs are given an annual booster at 1 year of age and then every 3 years thereafter.

Distemper is a disease caused by a virus related to the human measles virus. Initial signs of the disease can include fever, loss of appetite, discharges from the eyes and nose, lethargy, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting. More advances signs may include difficulty in breathing, seizures and muscle twitching. Distemper is found throughout the placecountry-regionU.S. and is a potential problem whenever dogs of unknown origins are brought together. The vaccine contains a modified live distemper virus and is commonly in one injection given along with the hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccines.

Canine viral hepatitis and its complication of anterior uveitis (blue eye) is a disease that is not commonly seen today. It is caused be a virus of the adenovirus family, canine adenovirus type I. Because vaccinations using this virus type can cause the same eye problems that occur with the disease, most vaccines use the modified live adenovirus type II. The vaccine is commonly used in one injection given along with the distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccines.

Parvovirus disease is a relatively new disease, first being reported in the summer of 1978. The disease, caused by a virus able to withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions, quickly spread throughout the world. Canine parvovirus is characterized by severe vomiting, extreme lethargy, and bloody diarrhea. Affected dogs quickly become dehydrated and are very susceptible to systemic infections from intestinal bacteria gaining entry into the bloodstream and the body tissues by translocating the damaged intestinal lining. Aggressive treatment to prevent infections and dehydration is often needed to save the dog's life. The virus can also affect the heart muscle and destroy white blood cells. The vaccine uses a modified live parvovirus to stimulate immunity and is commonly used in one injection given along with the distemper, hepatitis and parainfluenza vaccines.

All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies, with the first vaccine given no earlier than 12 weeks. We use a killed rabies vaccine that has up to 3 years of duration. The state of StateplaceNew Mexico requires annual booster after the first rabies vaccination and boosters every three years thereafter. The County of Los Alamos requires a current rabies vaccination.

Parainfluenza is a viral respiratory disease of dogs that, by itself, causes a slight nasal discharge and a mild non-productive cough. It is part of the kennel cough complex and, when mixed with mycoplasma and/or Bordetella, can result in a severe tracheobronchitis that can develop into pneumonia. The parainfluenza virus used in the vaccine is a modified live virus and, while it is not commonly considered a core vaccine, we include it in the one injection we give along with the distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus vaccines. It is also used in an intranasal vaccine along with the Bordetella vaccine to provide extra protection for dogs that are boarded in kennels or are routinely exposed to other dogs during activities such as dog shows.

The kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella) is caused by a bacterium. We use it in an intranasal vaccine that has two components, Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza. The vaccine is given no more than 3 months before possible exposure to kennel cough carriers and can be given repeatedly throughout the year as needed. Possible exposures include boarding, shows, field trials, or any event in which many dogs are brought together.

The rattlesnake venom vaccine is a vaccine for dogs that helps protect dogs from the effects of many of the toxins in rattlesnake venom and can decrease the cost of treating rattlesnake bites. Some of the effects of rattlesnake bites include tissue swelling, tissue injury, shock, severe pain and death. This vaccine currently carries a provisional license. However, its use is something to consider for dogs that live, travel or hike in areas where rattlesnakes are common.

The vaccine for Lyme disease should be given only to those dogs that will be traveling to areas of high incidence of this diseasse and will be exposed to ticks. At this time, the extremely low incidence of Lyme disease in New Mexico does not warrant the use of this vaccine for dogs remaining in our area.

Giardia is a protozoan disease that affects the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea and, occasionally, vomiting. The disease is usually transferred via contaminated water such as ponds, streams, and lakes. It can also be transferred via the fecal/oral route. Some species are contagious to people and animals may become asymptomatic carriers. A new vaccine is available that not only helps prevent the disease, but also is very effective in preventing the shedding of the cysts in the feces, providing a means of protection from the spread of the disease from dog to people. If your dog is potentially exposed to giardia infections during hikes or swims or there is a need to help safeguard immunocompromised family members, the vaccine may be of benefit. Based on our experiences with the incidence of giardia in the placePlaceNameJemez PlaceTypeMountain area, we are not currently recommending the vaccine routinely for dogs living and staying in our area.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is spread most commonly through urine. There are many different serotypes (varieties). Because of the higher incidence of reactions with vaccines for this organism, the difficulty in matching serotype need and the low threat in our area, we currently do not recommend vaccinating against leptospirosis.