Lepto Protocol

Medicine is always changing and we are constantly learning new things. Our goal is to provide you with the most up to date information to best care for your pets. 2020 brings some changes to our canine vaccine protocols for Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Rabies and Distemper.

Annual Bordetella Vaccination

We will be moving your dogs to an annual Bordetella vaccination rather than every 6 months. We still want to see your pet every 6 months as we will be breaking up the vaccinations. At one visit your dog will get Bordetella and Influenza and then at the other 6 month visit we will give the Rabies and also the Distemper combo vaccination.

Leptospirosis

Another change is the addition of the Leptospirosis (Lepto) vaccination. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic (meaning people can get it) disease that can cause serious illness to dogs. Initial signs of leptospirosis include fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Left untreated, it can develop into a more severe, life-threatening illness that affects the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, and heart. Lepto is contracted through direct contact with an infected animal as well as through environmental exposure. Dogs at risk include dogs exposed to ponds, lakes, streams, standing water or exposure to the urine of infected animals (domestic or wildlife). To learn more about Lepto you can visit www.stoplepto.com.

Annual Leptospirosis Vaccination

Dogs can be protected from Lepto by an annual vaccination. We have a Distemper vaccine that includes Lepto in it now. The first time your dog gets this vaccination he/she will need a booster 3 weeks later. For those patients that are on a 3 year Distemper protocol, we have a standalone Lepto vaccine that will be given annually.

Don’t worry – We will go over the vaccination needs of each dog at their 6 month visit! We just want you to be prepared for the conversation. If you have any questions prior to your visit, please contact us.