At Brook Farm Veterinary Center we require all canine lodgers to be up to date on their Rabies, Distemper, Canine Influenza and Bordetella vaccine all within the last 6 months. This helps us ensure that our guests stay safe while boarding with us. We require that a stool sample be taken within 6 months to determine the risk of exposing other patients to intestinal parasites.
- Canine Influenza (Your pet can stay in the lodge as long as they are getting their second booster while with us)
Just like humans, it's best to get your dog a flu shot each year. To be fully vaccinated against influenza, dogs should receive two initial sets of vaccinations followed by a yearly booster. The flu can be a very contagious illness that spreads rapidly among our pets and is super important to get if your dog spends ample time in doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and dog parks.
- Rabies
Pets are required to be vaccinated at 3 months of age, and as needed thereafter. The first rabies vaccination is typically good for one year and subsequent vaccinations are good for three years, but be sure to ask your veterinarian what kind they offer, you may have a choice between the two.
- Distemper
Puppies can receive the distemper vaccine at six weeks old and then every three to four weeks until 16 weeks old. Immunity may last for three years or more, but your vet may recommend a specific vaccine schedule based on how common distemper is in your area.
- Stool sample within last 6 months
Regarding the need for a bordetella vaccine and a fecal sample: If your pet isn’t up to date, we will allow your pet to board in the lodge as long as the vaccine was done within the last 1 year. We will do this as a courtesy only as long as you’re planning on getting it done while they’re lodging with us.
Luckily the bordetella vaccine can be given to both puppies and adult dogs. We say luckily because this is one vaccine that is required by most boarding facilities, including the Brook Farm Lodge. This vaccine helps your dog fend off a pesky yet common illness that is mostly known as kennel cough.
Kennel cough can be easily spread between dogs and once contracted is very contagious. In healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is typically not life threatening but it can give your dog a raspy cough and a drippy nose. Overall your pet will just not be feeling like themselves and you’ll know it just by being around them. We don’t want them to feel bad and neither do you, so we recommend having them fully vaccinated against kennel cough every 6-12 months. Most boarding facilities, like our own, will require your pets proof of Bordetella vaccine within the last 6 months. We take this seriously because we want to keep our guests as safe and as comfortable as possible during their stay.
Kennel cough can spread extremely fast, especially in boarding environments. It’s in the best interest for all dogs to stay up to date on their Bordetella vaccine whenever they are exposed to other pets outside of their home. With that being said, this includes interactions at the dog park, through the neighbors fence, and even out on walks in common areas of your neighborhood. Keep in mind that puppies, older dogs and unhealthier dogs are definitely at a higher risk and this condition can become life-threatening.
The bordetella vaccine can be given as an injection under your dog’s skin or through their nose, based on what we think they can tolerate. We recommend that puppies get vaccinated between the ages of 6-8 weeks. A second injectable booster is required 4 weeks after that, around 10-12 weeks.
Maybe you’ve adopted a puppy who has not yet had their first injection, or you are unsure, they will likely only need one injectable version of the vaccine after they reach the age of 16 weeks. This is because your puppies immune system has had time to build up by then and they are already much healthier and stronger.
If your dog primarily stays at home and does not interact with other dogs their risk for catching kennel cough is rather low. We recommend they only have the booster given once every 12 months as long as you’re not planning on using a doggy daycare or boarding facility.
If your dog is in need of their essential vaccines, let us know. We’d be happy to help get them back on track.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for all of your pet car needs. (845) 878-4833.
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