DHPP
Distemper-Hepatitis (adenovirus-2)-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus
These are viral diseases of dogs that can cause serious illness, including death, and are easily transmissible. Transmission can occur from dog to dog contact, or from exposure via an infected environment. This is considered a core vaccine, and all dogs should be kept current on this vaccine.
Start series at 6-8 weeks of age and booster every 3-5 weeks until 16-18 weeks of age. Booster one year later and every 3 years thereafter. If series begun after about 3 months of age, only 2 vaccinations necessary, 3-5 weeks apart, for initial series.

Lepto
Leptospirosis (most often included in the DHPP [DHLPP] vaccine)
This is a bacterial disease that can cause kidney failure and is transmissible to humans. Risk of exposure is higher in dogs that are active outdoors. Transmission can occur via water and urine. It is considered a core vaccine and most dogs should be kept current.
Start series at 8-10 weeks of age and booster every 3-5 weeks until 16-18 weeks of age. Booster annually thereafter.

Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that is transmissible to many other animals, including dogs, cats, livestock and also to humans. It is a core vaccine, and all dogs must be current, as mandated by California law. There is no cure for Rabies, and it is a fatal disease.
First vaccine at 3 months of age. Booster one year later, and every three years thereafter.

Rattlesnake
This vaccine enables the dog’s own body to create antibodies against Western Diamondback rattlesnake venom, and it is thought that this will mitigate the severity of a rattlesnake bite, should one occur. If a vaccinated dog is bitten by a snake, the dog should still be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vaccine is administered only to dogs at risk for snake bite.
Start series after 4 months of age. Booster every 4 weeks. Dogs under 25 pounds or over 100 pounds will need series of three. Dogs between 25-100 pounds will need series of two. Booster annually thereafter, preferably in the spring. If any annual booster is missed, series must be repeated.

Lyme
Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, or Lyme Disease, which is transmitted via tick bite. There is no transmission directly from dog to dog or dog to human. This is a non-core vaccine and should only be administered to dogs at risk for tick bites.
Start series at 9 weeks of age. Booster 3-4 weeks later, and annually thereafter.

Bordetella
Bordetella bronciseptica, or “Kennel Cough” is a highly transmissible disease via dog to dog contact, or via an infected environment. It is a non-core vaccine, and should only be administered to dogs at risk, including those dogs who regularly frequent dog parks, groomers, boarding facilities or shelters.
Oral: First vaccine at 8 weeks of age. Booster annually thereafter.
Injectable: Start series at 8 weeks of age. Booster in 3-5 weeks and annually thereafter. High risk dogs can be boostered every 6 months

Heartworm Testing:
Heartworm larvae are transmitted by mosquitoes and eventually develop into adults worms in the heart and pulmonary vessels of the dog. They cause an insidious disease process of heart failure and can ultimately be life-threatening. There is no direct transmission from one dog to another. Test dog prior to starting preventative if older than 8 months of age. Test annually thereafter. Start puppies at 6 weeks of age and administer preventative medication once monthly all year long, for life.

Canine Influenaza:
Canine influenza is a virus that causes fever and respiratory disease. It is spread from infected dogs via aerosol droplets but is not generally transmissible to humans. It is a non-core vaccine and should only be administered to dogs at risk, including those dogs who regularly frequent dog parks, groomers, boarding facilities, shelters, or shows. Two initial doses should be given, 3-5 weeks apart, starting 7 weeks of age. Booster annually thereafter.