In our last Staff Chats we discussed the two core vaccines, which are rabies and DA2PP. In this Staff Chat, we would like to discuss the non-core vaccines – those that we may recommend based on your dog’s medical history and lifestyle.

​​​​​​​Does your dog go to doggy day care, see a groomer, or stay in boarding when you are away? If so, they will most likely be required to have the Bordetella vaccine. The Bordetella bacteria is what causes a highly contagious respiratory disease that is commonly referred to as “kennel cough”. It’s also a good idea to protect your dog if they frequent dog parks, or frequently encounter other dogs when out on a walk with you. Good news – our Bordetella is now administered into your dog’s mouth, not their nose!

Puppies will most likely be administered the Bordetella preventative on their second and third booster visits. They will then need it every year after that dose.

The Canine Influenza vaccine is one that is also required by a large number of grooming, doggy day care, and boarding facilities. There are two strains of canine influenza, H3N8 and H3N2. Both are highly contagious viral infections, and are transmitted through respiratory secretions – coughing, barking, and sneezing can release them into the air and onto hard surfaces such as walls, food and water bowls, and even leashes. It can be carried on clothing, or on your hands. The virus remains viable, or able to infect other dogs, for 12 hours on hands, 24 hours on clothing, and up to 48 hours on surfaces if they are not cleaned properly!

Some more good news – the Canine Influenza vaccine we use protects against both strains of the virus. Initially, dogs of all ages will need a series of two vaccines for protection – the booster vaccine is administered two to four weeks after the first one. After the second vaccine, your dog will have protection for one year, and will need to be updated yearly to continue protection.

Dr. Bando discussed the other two non-core vaccines, the leptospirosis and lyme vaccines, in separate Staff Chats. Please refer to them for more information on protecting your dog against these two diseases.

We hope this Staff Chat, and the previous ones, helped you to gain a better understanding of what the different vaccines accomplish, and why we recommend them. Thank you for partnering with us to help you and your dog have a long, happy, and healthy life together!