Your dog’s vaccinations are an important part of its overall wellness care. Thank you for taking the time to review this information and discuss your dog’s lifestyle so that we may tailor a vaccination program to meet your dog’s individual needs.
Vaccinations given at the appropriate age and at the appropriate intervals will, in most cases, protect your dog against several serious or potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Failure to vaccinate could result in your dog contracting a preventable disease. The decision to vaccinate should only come after your dog's age and the risk of exposure to disease are considered by you and your veterinarian.
Although most dogs do not react adversely to vaccinations, some have had allergic or other systemic reactions after receiving a vaccine. Very rarely, the allergic reaction can be so profound that it may be life threatening. Certain immune mediated diseases such as hemolytic anemia (anemia caused by red blood cell destruction), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet numbers), and polyarthritis (joint inflammation and pain) may be triggered by the body’s immune response to a vaccine.
We ask that you review the following information and weigh the risks and benefit of each vaccine, along with your dog’s lifestyle, before deciding which vaccines to have administered to your dog.* While we can help provide you with appropriate information, it is ultimately your decision as to which vaccines you wish your dog to receive. Please feel free to ask one of our doctors if you have any questions. The following vaccines listed are considered “core” and “non-core” by the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association.
Core vaccines are those which every dog should receive (or have blood titers checked in lieu of vaccination), regardless of lifestyle, with boosters at appropriate intervals.
- Distemper/Parvo/Hepatitis/Parainfluenza (DHPP)
- Leptospirosis (Seattle is an area of risk)
- Rabies (required by Seattle & King County)
Non-core vaccines are those which may or may not be necessary, based on your dog’s lifestyle and the prevalence of disease in our area (or places your dog may travels to). Recommendations to vaccinate with non-core vaccines are determined by exposure risk related to your pet’s lifestyle.
- Bordetella (groomer, boarding, training, dog park, dog walker, day care)
- Canine Flu (groomer, boarding, training, dog park, dog walker, day care)
- Lyme Disease (travel to tick areas)
Puppy Vaccination Series
Puppies receive a series of vaccinations at 3-week intervals (usually until age 16 weeks or older) in order to insure that they are developing a protective immune response on their own. Maternal antibodies derived from the first few days of their mother’s milk will give the puppy a temporary immunity that may interfere with development of a protective immune response to the vaccine. This temporary immunity, when present, will persist in some puppies for as long as 16 weeks.
Your pet will receive a nurse or doctor exam prior to vaccination. If any illness is identified, your pet's vaccines may be delayed until the illness is addressed.
CONSENT TO VACCINATE
I have read and understand the Canine Vaccine Information. I consent to having my dog, listed above, vaccinated as directed by the veterinarian. I understand the inherent benefits and risk of vaccinations. I understand that any complications following vaccination should be reported immediately and any treatment required will incur additional expense.