Annual Vaccinations

Vaccines are an important part of preventative health care for our pets. Dogs are commonly vaccinated against some or all of the following diseases. Core vaccines should be given to all dogs, whereas non-core vaccines are given where indicated by your dog's lifestyle or the geographic area in which you live.

Core Vaccines

A fatal viral disease that attacks the nervous system and that is contagious to humans.

A viral disease that is often fatal, affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and often the nervous system.

Vaccination against adenovirus type 2 protect against both adenovirus types 1 and 2. Adenovirus type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, a viral disease that affects liver and other organ systems, causing serious illness which is sometimes fatal. Adenovirus type 2 causes a respiratory illness and may be involved in the development of kennel cough.

A viral disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, and which can be fatal.

A viral disease affecting the respiratory system; may be involved in the development of kennel cough.

Non-Core Vaccines

A bacterial infection that can cause or contribute to kennel cough.

A bacterial disease that affects several systems including the kidneys and liver; can be fatal. Only a risk in certain geographic locations so not used routinely for every dog. Your vet can help you decide if your dog should have this vaccination.

A bacterial disease spread by ticks that can cause arthritis and other problems such as kidney disease. Only a risk in certain geographic locations so not used routinely for every dog. Your vet can help you decide if your dog should have this vaccination.

A viral disease that primarily causes diarrhea. The risks of coronavirus infection are not as great as other viral diseases, so the The American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines (PDF) advise against routinely vaccinating for coronavirus. Your vet can help you decide if your dog should have this vaccination.

The American Animal Hospital Association's also recommends against vaccinating for giardia, because the vaccine can prevent shedding of cysts but doesn't prevent infection.

The canine H3N8 virus, also called Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), is a relatively new influenza virus in dogs. It causes flu-like symptoms in dogs and is very contagious when dogs are in close contact (i.e. kennel). Due the contagiousness of this virus, some kennels, grooming salons and similar businesses are now requiring this vaccination to prevent an outbreak. Aside from those situations, the decision to vaccinate your dog (or not) should be discussed with your veterinarian.