Dog Vaccines Needed in Gulf Breeze

Dog vaccines needed include Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and potentially others depending on your pet’s lifestyle. We try to make these vaccine visits go as smoothly as possible for your pet. We have a treat bar at reception, pup cups in the back and dog treats in the room. If your dog has a food allergy and there is a specific treat that you would like them to have, please bring it. We use treats and try to be warm and friendly when your pet is visiting. We want them to enjoy being at the clinic as much as we like seeing them! Scroll down to read more about the science behind the infections and the vaccines.

Core Vaccines

• Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans. The virus is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a dog, raccoon, bat, or skunk. Symptoms of rabies in dogs can include changes in behavior, aggression, fever, paralysis, and seizures. These symptoms can progress quickly and can be fatal. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The rabies vaccine is a core vaccine that is required by law in Florida. Puppies should receive their first rabies vaccine between 12-16 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot one year later. After that, dogs receive a booster shot every three years.

• Distemper Parvovirus and Adenovirus: This vaccine is typically given in a combination vaccine.
  • Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and other animals such as foxes, raccoons, and ferrets. The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected animal, or through contact with contaminated objects such as food bowls or bedding. Symptoms of distemper in dogs can include fever, coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. In some cases, the disease can also affect the dog’s nervous system, leading to muscle twitches, weakness, and paralysis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper, and treatment is generally focused on supportive care such as fluids, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, and medications to control seizures. The best way to protect your dog from distemper is through vaccination. Puppies should receive their first vaccine between 6-8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every 2-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs typically receive a booster shot at 1 year, and then every 3 years.
  • Canine parvovirus (parvo) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, particularly puppies and unvaccinated dogs. The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces or vomit, or through contact with contaminated objects such as food bowls, bedding, or clothing. Symptoms of parvo in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. The virus attacks the lining of the intestines, leading to severe dehydration and can even cause death in severe cases. Treatment for parvo typically involves hospitalization and supportive care. Prevention through vaccination is the best way to protect your dog from parvo. Puppies should receive their first vaccine between 6-8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every 2-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs typically receive a booster shot at 1 year, and then every 3 years. It is important to note that parvo is a serious and often fatal disease, particularly in young puppies.

Vaccines chosen based on lifestyle

• Bordetella: Also known as kennel cough. This vaccine protects against a highly contagious respiratory disease that can spread easily in places where dogs are in close proximity. Examples are boarding kennels, grooming salons, and dog parks. The bordetella vaccine is an oral vaccine.

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can affect both dogs and humans and is commonly found in Florida. We recommend the leptospirosis vaccine for the majority of our clients. Dogs can become infected with leptospirosis through contact with the urine of infected animals, contaminated water or soil. Less commonly through the bite of an infected animal. The disease can cause a wide range of symptoms in dogs, including fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Leptospirosis can also cause severe kidney and liver damage, which can be life-threatening.

• Influenza in dogs is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. The two main types of influenza viruses that can infect dogs are the H3N8 virus and the H3N2 virus. Dogs can catch the virus from other infected dogs or from contact with contaminated surfaces such as food bowls, kennel surfaces, and toys. The symptoms of influenza in dogs can include coughing, sneezing, fever, lethargy, and a decreased appetite.

• Lyme disease: A tick-borne disease, that is much less prevalent in Florida than in the northeastern United States.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your dog. Vaccines can help to prevent illness in your dog by stimulating an immune response. There is always a chance of adverse reaction with any vaccine.

To set up an appointment to update your pet on vaccines please call us at 850-932-6116 or visit our website. For more information, please visit the AVMA website.