Our goal at the Red Fern is to provide and maintain the healthiest environment possible for your dog. One of the ways we achieve that is by requiring vaccinations! Below you will find our complete guide to our vaccination policy with linked articles from the experts. Please remember we are not a veterinarian - these are simply our policies and reason why we require them. Always consult your vet regarding your dog's health!
Required Vaccinations
Rabies
"Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death." (CDC)
Revaccination: Every 1 year or three years
How long until it takes effect: 3-5 days
Distemper & Parvovirus
"Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs." (AVMA)
"Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people." (AVMA)
Revaccination: Yearly
How long until it takes effect: 3-5 days
Bordetella
"(Bordetella or) Kennel cough is an infectious bronchitis of dogs characterized by a harsh, hacking cough that most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” This bronchitis may not last long and be mild enough to not need any treatment, or it may progress to a life-threatening pneumonia depending on which infectious agents are involved and the patient's immunological strength." (Veterinary Partner)
Nasal Vaccine: "Intranasal vaccination... immunity generally lasts 12 to 13 months. The advantage is that the local immunity is stimulated right at the site where the natural infection would try to take hold. It takes four days to generate a solid immune response after intranasal vaccination, so it is best if vaccination is given at least four days prior to the exposure... As a general rule, nasal vaccination provides faster immunity than injectable vaccination. Nasal vaccines for Bordetella generally also include vaccine against parainfluenza virus and some also include vaccine against adenovirus type 2." (Veterinary Partner)
Injectable Vaccine: "Injectable vaccination is a good choice for aggressive dogs who may bite if their muzzle is approached. Boosters are generally given annually. Some dogs experience a small lump under the skin at the injection site. This should resolve without treatment. Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccination may not prevent infection. In some cases, vaccination minimizes symptoms of illness but does not entirely prevent infection. This is true whether nasal, oral or injectable vaccine is used." (Veterinary Partner)
Revaccination: Every 6 months or 1 year (based on veterinarian)
How long until it takes effect: Nasal is supposed to take effect immediately while injection takes 3-5 days
Recommended Vaccinations
Canine Influenza (H3N2 & H3N8)
"Canine influenza (CI, or dog flu) is caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV), an influenza A virus. It is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs by direct contact, nasal secretions (through barking, coughing or sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs." (AVMA)
Why we recommend it: The influenza vaccination is recommended as a "lifestyle" vaccination for dogs who are exposed to other dogs in a boarding and/or daycare environment. (AVMA)
Revaccination: Every year (AAHA)
How long until it takes effect: 2 weeks (AVMA)
Leptospirosis
"Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease." (AVMA)
Why we recommend it: Leptospirosis can spread from animals to people and is recommended for dogs that go outside or near water frequently where other wildlife may urinate.
Revaccination: 1 year
How long until it takes effect: 3-5 days
FAQs
Do you accept titers?
No, we do not accept titers in lieu of vaccinations. While some titers have the ability to measure a dog's level of antibodies against a virus, the antibody level does not directly translate to protection against exposure to a virus. (AVMA)
Do you accept vaccinations administered at home?
No, all vaccinations must be administered by a certified veterinarian. We do not accept or encourage vaccinations administered at home for the following reasons:
It is illegal for anyone but a veterinarian or licensed person to administer a rabies vaccine.
Modified live vaccines are sensitive and must be stored properly - they cannot be mixed up in advance and they must be kept at proper temperatures.
It may be difficult for you to properly dispose of the needles.
If there is any type of acute allergic reaction, you will not be prepared to address it.
You may not have kept proper records of vaccination should proof of vaccination be needed.
If you are looking for a low-cost method of vaccination, consider a low-cost vaccination clinic.
If you have any questions, please call (352) 355-4310.