If you're in the Thomasville area and need quality vet care, look no further than Clanton-Malphus-Hodges Vet Hospital. We've been a part of the Thomasville GA community for over 100 years. Our state-of-the-art facility combines the latest technology and a fantastic, kind staff to make sure your pet gets the best care possible.
We offer an array of services including surgery, dental care, and preventative care. Part of prevention is making sure we work with you to keep your pet current on their vaccinations. This is especially important for dogs, who are outdoors on a regular basis and are more likely to come in contact with contagions. Read on for some useful information regarding dog and puppy vaccines.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines expose their subject to disease-causing organisms that have been inactivated or altered so that sickness doesn't occur. This allows the subject (in this case, a dog) to build up immunity so the body can defend itself against any future attacks.
What Vaccinations Should My Dog Get?
We all know that dogs love to sniff, dig, eat grass, and roll around in the dirt and mud. Unfortunately, all of those activities can expose your canine to a variety of nasty diseases. That's why vaccines are so important.
In fact, part of proper puppy care is ensuring that puppy vaccines start between 6 to 8 weeks of age. The vaccine schedule should continue every 3 to 4 weeks until about 20 weeks of age. After that, adult dogs should be boosted every 2 to 3 years depending on the vaccine, lifestyle, environment, and age of the dog. The following is a list of core and non-core dog vaccines.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are the shots that are not only recommended for all puppies and adult dogs, but they are often required by local municipalities and boarding facilities. They include:
- Rabies (given at 12 weeks and booster dose every 3 years, required by law)
- Canine distemper (a life-threatening viral disease)
- Parvovirus (highly contagious stomach virus)
- Adenovirus (hepatitis)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Leptospirosis (highly contagious, lives in water and urine)
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines will be given upon consultation with your veterinarian. These shots are not vital for all dogs; it depends on their environment, lifestyle, and age.
- Lyme disease (only given in certain geographic regions)
- Canine parainfluenza (depends on age and environment)
Contact Clanton-Malphus-Hodges Vet Hospital
If you have any questions about puppy vaccines, canine boosters, or any other questions about your pet's health, don't hesitate to contact us at (229) 226-1914 . We are proud to serve the Thomasville community and love helping to keep all pets happy and healthy.
