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Core vs. Non-Core
Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience, but also carries quite a bit of responsibility. We would like to help you with your puppy’s health care.
There are many contagious diseases that can make your dog sick, even fatally. Fortunately, we have the ability to prevent many of these by the use of vaccines. Most vaccinations are given in a series over 1 to 3 months. Ideally, they start between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by a 12 week and 16-week injection and visit.
Core Vaccines
Rabies– Administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age. Maine State law requires dogs are vaccinated against Rabies.
The Rabies virus affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans
and is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal through bites or any break in the skin and is incurable once infection occurs.
Distemper Complex (DHPP)– This vaccine helps protect your puppy from Distemper, Hepatitis,
Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. Usually administered between 6 – 8 weeks and boostered 3-4 weeks for a total of 3 injections.
Highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that is spread by discharge from the nose and eyes of infected dogs and attacks organs, including the nervous system.
Non-Core Vaccines
Bordetella– Commonly referred to as the Kennel Cough Vaccine., it can be given as earlier as 6
weeks and is recommended if your puppy is going to be around other dogs frequently, and is
required by most daycare/boarding/training/grooming facilities.
Kennel Cough is a respiratory tract infection that is easily transmitted from one dog to another in situations where there is large numbers and close contact such as play groups. The vaccine does not provide 100% immunity from the disease (think our Flu shot), however it will lessen the clinical signs of the disease if your puppy is exposed.
Lyme– For puppies the vaccine is administered as a series of 2 boosters given 3-4 weeks apart.
Lyme disease is carried by ticks and is transmitted while they are sucking their host’s blood. If you live in an area where there are deer (most of Maine), and your dog will be spending a fair amount of time outdoors, you should consider vaccinating your puppy against Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause lethargy, fever and lameness and in rare cases life threatening form of kidney failure.
Leptospirosis– For puppies the vaccine is administered as a series of 2 boosters given 3-4 weeks apart.
The bacteria that causes this disease is transmitted to animals and humans through the urine of wild animals and tends to be more prevalent in stagnant water. Most clinical signs are mild, but in rare case s can lead to fatal liver and kidney disease.
