Dog Vaccines

Vaccines protect your dog from the common but serious viral and bacterial diseases they can encounter during everyday life in Toronto. Since their immunity wears off over time, periodic vaccine boosters are needed. At Bloorcourt Vet Clinic, we design a vaccine plan for your dog based on their individual history and lifestyle, to ensure they are fully protected, but not over-vaccinated. 

What vaccines do all dogs need? 

• DA2PP Vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): This important vaccine protects against four key contagious diseases. Parvovirus and distemper are the most well-known and cause severe illnesses that can be fatal even with aggressive treatment. 
• Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is a fatal disease with no cure and has been found in and near Toronto in bats, raccoons, and skunks. Rabies vaccines are required by law since rabies is also fatal to humans, and being vaccinated also protects your dog from stringent public health quarantine laws if they are exposed to a wild animal with rabies. 
• Leptospirosis Vaccine: This deadly bacterial infection is spread through wildlife urine and can be contracted in your dog's own backyard. It is zoonotic, which means people can catch it too. This is an optional vaccine, but we strongly recommend it due to the high risk in our area and include it at no extra charge at our annual exam and vaccine appointments.

What other vaccines should I consider for my dog? 

Depending on your dog’s lifestyle risk, they may benefit from additional vaccines: 

• Bordetella Vaccine (Kennel Cough): While treatable, kennel cough is an extremely contagious respiratory infection, and is unpleasant for your dog - like when you have a bad cold that keeps you up coughing all night long. The bordetella vaccine is often a prerequisite for your dog to attend doggy daycares, boarding, and training facilities. We also recommend it for dogs that visit with other dogs in communal areas like dog parks. 
• Lyme Disease Vaccine: This vaccine protects against the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, which is spread through tick bites. We recommend that dogs take parasite prevention medication year-round, but the Lyme disease vaccine offers additional protection if your dog spends a lot of time in high-tick areas.

How often should my dog be vaccinated?

Once your dog completes their initial puppy vaccine series and their booster at 16 months old, they'll move to an adult vaccination schedule. For adult dogs, we only administer rabies and DA2PP vaccines every three years, as long as your dog's vaccinations stay up to date. If a vaccine is missed or if we're unsure about your dog's vaccine history, we'll give them a booster in one year and then resume the three-year schedule. Leptospirosis, bordetella, and Lyme disease vaccines need to be given every year, since these are bacterial diseases not viruses, and your dog’s immunity doesn’t last as long.

What are the risks of vaccines for my dog?

Every dog is different, and reactions or allergies to a vaccine are possible, but this is extremely rare. Mild side effects from the vaccines immune system stimulation are possible, just like in people, and can include some tenderness at the injection site, a day of lower energy, or a slight decrease in appetite. Our veterinarians will always provide detailed information about potential vaccine risks and guide you on what symptoms to watch for after vaccination that could indicate a serious reaction. Rest assured, the diseases your dog’s vaccines protect them against are far more dangerous and common than the potential risk of a vaccine reaction.

Why is an exam needed before vaccinating my dog?

Vaccines teach your dog's immune system to identify and fight off serious diseases. However, if your dog isn't in good health, receiving a vaccine might overburden their immune system and make them worse. If they are already fighting an illness, their immune system also might not be strong enough to create the necessary antibodies in response to the vaccine, so it won’t be effective. As a result, all veterinarians are required to conduct a physical exam before every vaccine, to ensure that your dog does not have any signs of illness that day.