Puget Sound Veterinary Group, PC
Vaccination Information
Why should I vaccinate my pet?
“Core Vaccines” can protect your pet against many common, highly contagious
diseases. We strongly recommend vaccinating your pet against these common
diseases to prevent severe infection or even death. To determine which vaccines
your pet should receive, your veterinarian will consider many factors including
your pet’s vaccination history, lifestyle, and likely disease risks.
What diseases are important to vaccinate for?
Rabies:
 What is it?
Rabies virus targets the nervous system and causes swelling of the brain.
Initially animals may have a fever and exhibit changes in behavior. As the
disease progresses animals may develop paralysis or aggression. Animals
rarely survive more than 10 days after onset of clinical signs.
 How is it spread?
Most commonly, the virus is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an
infected animal. In confined spaces the virus can also spread through
aerosolization.
Note: Rabies can be transmitted to humans through animal bites and is
almost 100% fatal after the onset of clinical signs.
 What dogs are at risk?
Dogs and all mammals are susceptible to rabies. Owners should restrict
animal roaming and limit dog contact with wildlife.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – after 12 weeks of age
Adults – annual vaccine for 1st one, every 3 years for follow up
vaccinations as long as vaccinations remain current
Note: In Washington State, rabies vaccination is mandatory in all dogs
greater than 3 months
Canine Distemper Virus:
 What is it?
Canine distemper virus targets the respiratory tract, GI tract, and the
central nervous system. Infected dogs may develop eye discharge, fever,
nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe cases may
progress to seizures, paralysis or death.
 How is it spread?
It is mainly spread through airborne exposure to respiratory secretions
from an infected dog or wild animal.
 What dogs are at risk?
While all dogs are at risk, unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than 4
months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination
Canine Parvovirus:
 What is it?
Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and puppies.
Infected dogs are often lethargic and experience a loss of appetite. They
may also exhibit fever, vomiting or severe bloody diarrhea.
 How is it spread?
The virus is mainly transmitted to dogs through direct contact with an
infected animal or exposure to contaminated feces. However, once shed,
the virus can survive in the environment for long periods of time.
Leashes, beds, clothing, and other items that have been in contact with a
sick animal can be contaminated with virus and can also spread infection.
 What dogs are at risk?
While all dogs are at risk, unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than 4
months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination
Canine Hepatitis Virus:
 What is it?
Canine hepatitis virus targets the liver, kidneys and eyes. Dogs may show
signs of fever, vomiting, jaundice, swollen lymph nodes, painful swollen
abdomen, tearing eyes and pale gums.
 How is it spread?
If a dog comes in contact with an infected animal’s urine, the virus can
enter the dog’s body through the nose or mouth. The virus will initially
replicate in the tonsils, invade the lymph nodes and then travel to the
liver, kidney and eyes.
 What dogs are at risk?
While all dogs are at risk, unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than 4
months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination
Canine Adenovirus:
 What is it?
Canine adenovirus type 1 targets the liver while Canine adenovirus type 2
attacks the respiratory system.
Type 1 Liver: Affected animals may exhibit fever, lethargy, disorientation,
and seizures. Some animals may die suddenly with few clinical signs.
Type 2 Respiratory: Animals may develop a dry hacking cough also
known as kennel cough. The vaccination does not prevent infection with
kennel cough but limits bacterial infection and secondary complications.
 How is it spread?
Dogs exposed to contaminated feces or urine may become infected
through the mouth and nose. Even after clinical signs have resolved dogs
can continue to shed the virus into the environment for 6 to 9 months.
 What dogs are at risk?
While all dogs are at risk, unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than 4
months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination
Canine Parainfluenza Virus:
 What is it?
Canine parainfluenza targets the respiratory system in dogs. Affected
dogs typically develop a moist cough and nasal discharge.
 How is it spread?
A dog can become infected with canine parainfluenza virus after airborne
exposure to nasal or respiratory secretions from a sick animal.
 What dogs are at risk?
While all dogs are at risk, unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than 4
months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination
Leptospirosis:
 What is it?
Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by leptospira bacteria. These
bacteria live in soil and water and are common in areas with warm
climates and high annual rainfall. Signs of disease are usually nonspecific and vary in severity. Some animals may develop fever, lethargy,
vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding disorders, lung disorders, and other signs
that can cause death.
 How is it spread?
If animals are exposed to urine-contaminated water, the bacteria can be
transmitted through mucous membranes or wounds. Leptospira can also
be transmitted from a pregnant dog to her puppies through the placenta.
Note - While uncommon, leptospira can cause infection in humans if
exposed to an infected dog or wild animal. In humans, leptospirosis
causes flu like symptoms, liver disease and kidney disease.
 What dogs are at risk?
Dogs and puppies can be at risk if the live or travel near stagnant water,
rivers, streams and lakes. Dogs may also be at risk if they live on rural
properties, have access to wildlife, live near farm animals or are exposed
to rodents.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies – vaccination at 12 weeks and 16 weeks
Adults – vaccination every 6 months
Bordetella: (For Dogs with High Risk)
 What is it?
Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria cause an upper respiratory infection in
dogs called kennel cough. Affected dogs develop a harsh dry cough
followed by retching. Bronchopneumonia may develop in young, old, or
stressed animals.
 How is it spread?
Animals exposed to respiratory secretions from a sick animal may
develop kennel cough. Recovered animals may continue to shed
bordetella for up to 3 months.
 What dogs are at risk?
Dogs that attend groomers, boarding facilities, or training classes may be
at risk for kennel cough. In fact, some facilities may require vaccination.
 When should you vaccinate your pets?
Puppies or Adults – Every 6 months