Routine Vaccinations & Medications

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

All Dogs XL dogs will be up to date on these vaccinations & medications:

DHLPP shots:

• 1^st shot given ASAP.

• Optional booster shot 2-4 weeks after initial shot (usually done by adopter's vet).

• Dog is protected about 10 days after the first shot.

• Dog requires annual booster shot every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine used.

Rabies shot:

• Can only be given by a vet - any dog over 4 months of age should not be placed in an adoptive or foster home without a rabies shot.

• Dog requires annual booster shot every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine used.

Bordetella:

• "Kennel Cough" (aka doggy "common cold").

• Vaccination only protects against most virulent strains (vaccinated dogs may still contract kennel cough).

• Required for any dog going into boarding.

• Dog requires booster every 6 months.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

All Dogs XL puppies will be up to date on these vaccinations:

DHLPP shots:

• 1^st shot at 6-8 weeks.

• 2^nd shot 2-4 weeks after 1^st

• 3^rd shot 2-4 weeks after 2^nd

• A puppy is protected from Parvo/distemper about 10 days after the third shot.

Bordetella:

• 1^st intra-nasal vaccination at 3-6 weeks.

Rabies shot:

• 1^st and only shot given at 4 months of age.

What is DHLPP?

DHLPP is a 3 part vaccination (first shot and two booster shots given in 2 sequence) that protects dogs and puppies against five common, serious illnesses:

• Distemper: The letter "D" in DHLPP stands for distemper, which is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect multiple organs including the brain, skin, eyes, intestinal and respiratory tracts of dogs. It can be transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals including respiratory secretions. Due to its airborne nature, the virus can quickly infect dog populations in kennels or breeding facilities. The widespread use of the vaccine has contributed to a significant decline in the incidence of distemper infection throughout the United States.

• Hepatitis: Infectious Canine Hepatitis, or Canine Adenovirus Type 1, is primarily a disease of the liver transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals. The corneas of infected animals may appear cloudy or bluish, leading to the expression "hepatitis blue-eye" used to describe the unfortunate dog. Although there is no treatment for an infected dog, the disease can be prevented though routine DHLPP vaccinations.

• Leptospirosis: The "L" in DHLPP stands for leptospirosis, a disease with numerous strains affecting a variety of species including humans. The vaccine commonly administered as part of a dog's DHLPP shot inoculates against the canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae varieties, but other strains may still affect the dog. The bacteria enters the animal through the mucus membranes or open wounds, and can result in high fever, vomiting and dehydration. Unfortunately, some dogs can have a severe allergic reaction to this component of the DHLPP vaccine.

• Parvo: Parvovirus is a common and often deadly disease of the gastrointestinal tract seen most frequently in unvaccinated puppies. The highly contagious virus is spread through contaminated stool, or through contact with an environment in which the virus is present. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting and severe, malodorous diarrhea. The DHLPP vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the occurrence of parvovirus infection in dogs.

• Parainfluenza: Canine Parainfluenza represents the final "P" in DHLPP, and is the least serious of the diseases against which it protects. It is a highly contagious viral disease that irritates the respiratory tracts of infected dogs, causing dry, unproductive coughing. Its symptoms resemble those of bordetella, commonly known as kennel cough, and can be easily spread between animals. Although no vaccine is 100 percent effective, the regular administration of the DHLPP vaccine is an excellent method of protection against these five common canine diseases.