Vaccinations

At South Burnaby Vet Hospital, we know how important it is for your dog to live a healthy life. Annual exams together with vaccinations are an important part of your dog’s health care. During your annual visit, we can assess your furry family member’s physical health and assist you in deciding on different vaccines that he or she may need.

What types of vaccinations do you offer for adult dogs?

Core Vaccines for Dogs

• Canine Distemper: This virus disease causes respiratory, digestive, and nervous system signs in affected dogs and can be fatal in about half of unvaccinated dogs. Recovered dogs may have permanent damage to their nervous systems.
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis: This virus may cause liver failure, eye damage, and respiratory problems and can be fatal.
• Canine Parvovirus: This disease is both serious and widespread in dogs. Signs, which include severe vomiting and diarrhea that frequently contain blood, result from virus damage to the digestive tract lining. This virus is very resistant in the environment and is easily carried around on people’s shoes and other objects leading to virus transfer. For this reason, even indoor apartment dogs that never go outside require protection.
• Canine Parainfluenza Virus: Dogs infected with parainfluenza virus, one of the causes of kennel cough, show signs of a hacking cough, discharge from the nose, and occasional fever. While the parainfluenza virus on its own produces mild symptoms, it frequently presents as a co-infection with other kennel cough agents.
• Rabies: All mammals, including humans, are at risk of contracting rabies. This disease is almost invariably fatal. In some parts of Canada, where risk is high, vaccination of dogs and cats is mandatory. Even dogs that do not go outside should be vaccinated — rabid bats can gain entry into homes and rabid wildlife, such as skunks and raccoons, can enter a fenced yard or obtain access to a home through a non-collar, limited pet-access door or screened door.

Non-core Vaccines for Dogs

• Bordetellosis: A vaccine for Bordetella (a bacterial cause of kennel cough syndrome) is available. These bacteria cause respiratory signs such as coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. Serious infections can lead to pneumonia. Dogs in close contact with other dogs, such as in dog parks, shelters, boarding and grooming facilities, dog shows, training classes and other high-risk environments, will benefit from vaccination for this disease. While Bordetella is a major cause of kennel cough, it is important to note that a number of other infectious organisms can cause similar symptoms. Vaccination for Bordetella may not prevent infection but should reduce the severity and duration of clinical signs.
• Leptospirosis: Signs of leptospirosis may include lethargy, fever, kidney and/or liver failure, sore muscles and joints, vomiting, and bleeding problems. Active infection may pose a real risk to the owner, as Leptospira organisms can infect people.
• Borreliosis (Lyme disease): Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread via the bite of infected ticks. While not all ticks carry the organism, ticks feeding on deer and mice are common vectors.

Is there a schedule for how often a dog should be vaccinated?

Every patient’s needs are different based on their lifestyle, and each dog is as individual as you. Our veterinarians are up-to-date on the most current recommendations for vaccinating your dog and will help determine the most appropriate disease prevention plan for your pet.

Why is it important to vaccinate your dog?

It is important to vaccinate our dogs to keep their immune system strong against a variety of infectious diseases. Vaccines help with preventing the spread of contagious and often deadly diseases.

How much does it cost to vaccinate my dog?

As every dog’s needs are different, the costs will vary. Please contact our office directly at 604-526-0334 or via email at info@southburnabyvethospital.com and we would be happy to answer any questions that you have about vaccines.