Canine Vaccines

Vaccines are some of the most important health treatments that veterinarians give to our canine patients. The most important legally is the Rabies vaccine. The second most important is the Distemper-Parvo compination vaccine. Below is a summary of what we recommend for vaccinations at the Outer Banks Veterinary Hospital. If you have any questions about these, please give us a call at 252.715.1407 and ask to speak to our veterinarian.

Rabies Virus Vaccine – Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system (brain) that is fairly common in dogs throughout the world. It is still a leading cause of death in both dogs and people worldwide but has been severely diminished in the United States because of successful vaccination against the virus over the past 60 years. In North Carolina, ALL dogs are required to be vaccinated against Rabies Virus.

Distemper-Parvovirus-Adenovirus (Hepatitis) Vaccination For your pooch’s health, this is the most important vaccine that he/she can receive. Parvovirus is still a VERY common cause of death in dogs. Dogs that are infected with parvovirus (parvo) get diarrhea and usually die of dehydration. Distemper virus, although uncommon today, was at one point the the number one reason that dogs saw a veterinarian! Many dogs that contract distemper virus will die and it is fairly common in wildlife (wild canids and raccoons). Thankfully, distemper is much less common in our domestic pooches! Hepatitis Virus (adenovirus) was once a common cause of liver and eye disease in dogs that, like distemper virus, is much less common today thanks to vaccination.

There are other vaccinations that we will sometimes recommend in dogs based on their exposure level.

Bordetella vaccination against the most common bacterial cause of kennel cough is required at most boarding kennels.

Lyme Disease (borreliosis) vaccination is not routinely recommended here on the Outer Banks but may be recommended if your pooch has an increased exposure.  If you would like your dog to be vaccinated for Lyme disease or think your pooch may have an increased risk, please let us know a day or two ahead of your appointment time as we do not routinely carry this vaccine.

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that dogs get from drinking stagnant water or water that has been infected with this bacteria from other animals.  Leptospirosis can cause a host of problems but is typically associated with kidney disease.

NOTICE!!! – Dare County and the town of Kill Devil Hills requires all dogs to be registered! For any questions about vaccines, call (252) 715-1407 and ask to speak to our veterinarian, Dr. Taylor.

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