Other Peoples Pets and why your pet needs vaccines in Griffin, GA

Most pet owners in Griffin have their pets vaccinated, and although you are responsible, there are others that may not be.

There are diseases that can be prevented with vaccines and the best way to ensure that your pet is safe when bringing them in for boarding or doggy day care, is to check on those vaccines and make sure they are up to date.

What is the difference between Core Vaccines and Non Core Vaccines?

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Core vaccines are required for all dogs and puppies. Currently only Rabies and DAP are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are optional and based on the lifestyle of the pet.

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• Bordetella Bronchiseptica vaccine
• Parainfluenza vaccine (often combined with either the Bordetella or the DAP vaccines)
• Leptospirosis vaccine
• Lyme vaccine
• Canine influenza vaccine (H3N2 and/or H3N8)
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Rabies

The most commonly known of all the vaccine’s is the rabies shot. Puppies are generally vaccinated by the age of 14 - 16 weeks. The rabies virus is highly transmittable through biting and can be transmitted to humans as well as other animals. The vaccine is required by law and needs to be boosted at the end of the first year and then every three years going forward.

DAP

DAP, or Distemper/Adenovirus (Hepatitis)/Parvovirus vaccine is initially done in three stages for puppies, 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and after 16 weeks but as early as 14. The vaccine may also be called DAPP which includes the non core vaccine for parainfluenza. Each of the diseases, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus spread quickly among animals. Boosters are given every three years.

Bordetella and Canine Parainfluenza

Also known as Kennel Cough, this is also highly transmissible between dogs. Puppies are given the vaccine at 6-8 weeks and annual boosters from then on. Bordetella and canine parainfluenza are not core vaccines. This can be a problem if your dog comes into contact with a dog that has not been vaccinated.

Leptospirosis 

The vaccine for leptospirosis disease is given to puppies at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. From that point forward, boosters are recommended annually. Again, this is not a core vaccine, but the disease is highly transmittable to both other dogs as well as humans. 

Lyme vaccine

The vaccine for lyme disease is given to puppies at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. From that point forward, boosters are recommended annually. It is a tick borne illness and there are many preventative measures you may wish to take for your pet instead of an annual booster.

Canine influenza vaccine (H3N2 and/or H3N8)

The vaccine for canine influenza disease is given to puppies at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. From that point forward, boosters are recommended annually. The booster shot is often recommended for dogs that have regular contact with other dogs in kennels, groomers, or even dog parks.

Many of these diseases can be fatal to your animal and while we require proof of a current rabies vaccine, Distemper/Parvo vaccine, vet-strength flea prevention, and a negative fecal exam, some vaccines may be warranted before bring your pet in for boarding or to our Doggy Day Care. 

Give us a call at (470) 204-7073 to schedule your dog’s next visit with Other People’s Pets!