Vaccinations

Our clinic recommends vaccines as an easy way to prevent some illnesses. We vaccinate dogs against very serious and very contagious diseases. Some diseases, like canine parvovirus, are quite prevalent in the Sudbury region and dog to dog contact is not required to spread the disease. Other vaccines are required by law – such as the rabies vaccine because the rabies virus poses a threat to the human population as well as the pet population.

What types of vaccinations do you offer for adult dogs?

We vaccinate adult dogs with the core vaccines, which include distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. We also vaccinate for rabies. We offer Bordetella, also known as kennel cough as an additional vaccine for dogs who are routinely in an enclosed environment with other dogs or who are in close contact with other dogs. This vaccine would be recommended for dogs who are routinely boarded in a kennel, who regularly go to the groomer, who go to doggy daycare, who frequent the dog park or who go to obedience school.

Is there a schedule for how often to vaccinate a dog?

After the initial puppy vaccines, the core vaccines should be administered annually. The rabies vaccine should be given once as a puppy and then again one year later. After that point, the rabies vaccine can be administered every 3 years as long as it is done on time. Our veterinarian can also tailor the vaccine program for individual dogs based on vaccine titers and exposure risks. Vaccine titers consist of a blood sample to check the immunity response for the dog. The titer test is a blood test that can be done at the hospital, but it is available for only a few of the diseases that dogs are vaccinated against.

Why is it important to vaccinate your dog?

By law your dog should be vaccinated routinely against rabies because that poses a human health risk. The other vaccines are not regulated by law, but they are a sensible way to prevent disease in your dog. Vaccines protect your pet against serious and potentially fatal illnesses.

How much do dog vaccinations cost?

Vaccination cost depends on several factors such as the age of the dog, the dog’s previous vaccine history, and exposure risk. Please call us to discuss your dog’s specific needs and to receive an accurate quote on costs.