Dog Vaccination Services
Dog Vaccination Services
What vaccines are recommended for my puppy?
During your puppy’s wellness visit, we will discuss recommended vaccines. Core vaccines include DHLPP, Rabies, and Brodetella. DHLPP (distemper vaccine) is a vaccine that protects your pup from distemper, lepto, adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza. This is recommended in a series to all puppies and will be repeated after a year and then once a year or once every three years based on your dog’s risk factors.
The canine bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine helps to protect your dog against two of the most common cause of kennel cough, bordetella and parainfluenza. The bordetella vaccine is recommended for all puppies and for all adult dogs that spend time at boarding or grooming facilities, visit dog parks or travel with their owners outside their home.
Non-core vaccines include Lyme, Canine Influenza and Bordetella.
The Lyme vaccine protects your dog against Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete which is transmitted by ticks. If you and your dog spend a lot of time hiking, your veterinarian may recommend this vaccine.
Canine Influenza vaccine is recommended for all puppies and for all adult dogs that spend time at boarding or grooming facilities, visit dog parks or travel with their owners outside their home.
All dogs in the state of North Carolina who are 16 weeks of age or older must have a valid rabies vaccination. (see below for more information)
Why does my dog need a rabies vaccine?
Rabies vaccine is required by law for all dogs age 16 weeks and older in the state of North Carolina. Rabies is a disease that can be transmitted if your dog is bitten by an infected animal (such as a bat, racoon or skunk) and can potentially transmit the disease to people in the household. This disease is deadly to all who are infected. Because it is a public health risk, North Carolina law requires that all dogs are vaccinated and kept current on this vaccine.
If you are traveling to Hawaii or overseas with your pet, you may need to test your dog’s rabies titers via the FAVN test to demonstrate immunity before travelling. Please call your veterinarian as soon as you learn of your plans to travel so that they can help you schedule all recommended testing. Your destination may require a microchip placement prior to administration of a rabies vaccine, and then a waiting period of up to 60 days prior to drawing a blood sample to check your pet for rabies antibodies. There are no exemptions in rabies free destinations so please plan ahead. You can visit the APHIS website for specific information about interstate and international travel.
How old does my dog have to be to get a rabies vaccine?
All dogs over the age of 16 weeks should have a rabies vaccine. Some rabies vaccines are approved for puppies as young as 12 weeks of age.