Canine Vaccination Protocols
Vaccinations are a key part of preventive medicine for all animals. All of our vaccination protocols are based on the latest recommendations from the American Animal Hospital Association. For puppies, we begin with a series of vaccinations, usually starting around 8 weeks of age. The vaccinations are chosen based on the lifestyles and particular risk factors for the individual pet. After the series of vaccinations, the pet generally returns for booster vaccines one year later, then every year to three years depending on vaccinations needed. If your pet is on a every 3 year schedule, we still recommend annual exams for all pets.
We offer the following vaccines for dogs:
1. DA2PP (often called the "distemper/parvo" vaccine) - This vaccination helps protect your dog from distemper, adenovirus type II (hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus, all of which can cause life-threatening disease in your dog. This is a CORE vaccine recommended for ALL dogs.
2. Rabies - This vaccine helps protect your dog from rabies virus, which can cause life-threatening disease in both animals and people. Each year we have several rabies positive animals found in Yellowstone County, and this CORE vaccine is recommended for ALL dogs. Click here for more information about rabies in Billings, MT.
3. Leptospirosis - This vaccine helps protect your dog from four types of Leptospira bacteria (pomona, grippotyphosa, icterohaemorrhagiae, and canicola). Leptospira can cause life-threatening disease in both animals and people. Dogs are at risk for infection if they come in contact with infected urine (rodents, cattle, or other wildlife), or indirect contact from contaminated water. This is a NON-CORE vaccine recommended only for dogs at risk. Click here for more information about leptospirosis in Billings, MT.
4. Kennel Cough (Bordetella) - This vaccine helps protect your dog from infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica. Vaccination is recommended for dogs that come in contact with other dogs frequently (dog parks, trips to the groomers, dog shows). Vaccination is required by most boarding kennels. This is a NON-CORE vaccine recommended for dogs at risk.
