CANINE WELLNESS & VACCINATIONS

We recommend yearly wellness exams for the same reason your physician and dentist recommend them.  If a problem can be detected in the early stages there is a better chance for it to be treated and resolved more effectively, successfully and less expensively.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are a very important part of any health care plan for our pets.  They provide your dog with protection against many serious diseases; some that can be fatal and some that can be transmitted to humans.

The following is the list of vaccinations that we will recommend for your dog based on his or her age, breed and lifestyle:

RABIES:  Rabies is a highly fatal virus that causes neurological disease in affected animals. Dogs, cats, bats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and many other animals can get this disease.  Humans can also become infected and die from it. Rabies is required by law in Ontario.  Follow this link for more information on RABIES.  

DHPP (Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza): Recommended for all dogs to prevent these potentially fatal communicable diseases. In particular, parvovirus can live for up to two years in the environment and can cause fatal gastroenteritis.  

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Any dog that goes to parks, kennels, day cares or groomers or interacts with other dogs on a regular basis should be vaccinated annually for kennel cough.   Symptoms include a harsh, hacking cough.  This is an air borne, highly contagious disease.  Some dogs get better without treatment.  Some cases may develop into pneumonia.

Leptospirosis: This vaccine is highly recommended for any dog that has access to stagnant water (puddles, slow moving water, ditches, etc).  This disease can cause liver and kidney failure and those affected often die.  This disease can also be transmitted to humans.

Lyme: This disease is becoming more and more prevalent in this area with more and more cases being discovered each year as the tick population continues to rise in the Ottawa area.  We recommend that any dogs that spend time outdoors should be vaccinated as the first defense against Lyme disease.