Vaccines protect your dog from serious and potentially fatal diseases. Regular vaccination keeps your dog healthy while preventing the spread of contagious illnesses to other pets in your community.
At Pawtown Veterinary Care, Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer tailor pet vaccinations to your dog’s lifestyle, age, and health needs while keeping Central Oregon’s unique environmental risks in mind. Our locally owned practice provides personalized vaccine protocols that protect your dog without over-vaccinating.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines protect dogs from diseases that pose severe health risks or have public health implications. These vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle.
Rabies vaccine is required by law in Oregon. Puppies receive their first rabies vaccine at 4-6 months of age, followed by a booster one year later. Adult dogs receive rabies boosters every one to three years, depending on the vaccine type and local regulations.
Distemper combination vaccine (DHPP) protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Puppies require a series of vaccinations starting around 8 weeks of age, with boosters every three to four weeks until 16 weeks old. Adult dogs receive a booster one year after the puppy series, then every three years.
Parvovirus protection is critical for puppies and young dogs. This highly contagious virus causes severe gastrointestinal illness and can be fatal, especially in puppies. The parvovirus component in the DHPP vaccine provides this protection.
Non-Core Vaccines Based on Lifestyle
Non-core vaccines protect against diseases your dog may encounter based on their activities and environment. Dogs who spend time hiking, camping, or visiting dog parks in Central Oregon face different risks than dogs who primarily stay indoors.
The Bordetella vaccine prevents kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection. Dogs who visit grooming facilities, dog parks, or boarding kennels should receive this vaccine. Most boarding and grooming facilities in Bend require current Bordetella vaccination.
The leptospirosis vaccine protects against a bacterial infection spread through wildlife and rodent urine in soil and water. Dogs who hike trails, swim in lakes and rivers, or spend time in areas frequented by wildlife benefit from this protection. The Deschutes River area and Central Oregon’s abundant outdoor recreation areas create exposure opportunities.
Canine influenza vaccine may be recommended for dogs with frequent exposure to other dogs. This respiratory virus spreads in group settings like dog parks, doggy daycare, and boarding facilities.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies need a series of vaccines to build immunity during their first few months of life. At Pawtown Veterinary Care, we start puppy vaccinations around 8 weeks of age.
Your puppy will receive the DHPP vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old. We administer the first rabies vaccine at 4-6 months of age. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella and leptospirosis begin at 10-12 weeks with boosters following at appropriate intervals.
We will help tailor a specific vaccine plan for your puppy and can discuss any vaccines that may be recommended depending on the lifestyle planned for your dog.
Between vaccine appointments, keep your puppy away from areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been. Dog parks and pet stores should wait until your puppy completes their vaccine series. However, puppy socialization classes with vaccination requirements provide safe opportunities for your puppy to interact with other dogs.
Adult Dog Vaccine Boosters
Adult dogs need regular vaccine boosters to maintain immunity. After completing the puppy series, your dog receives a booster of the DHPP vaccine one year later, then every three years. Rabies boosters follow either annual or three-year intervals, depending on the vaccine product.
Non-core vaccines like Bordetella require more frequent boosters. Most dogs receive the Bordetella vaccine every six to twelve months, depending on exposure risk. Leptospirosis and canine influenza vaccines need annual boosters.
During your dog’s annual comprehensive exam, we review your dog’s vaccination history and lifestyle to determine which vaccines your dog needs. We adjust vaccine protocols as your dog’s lifestyle changes or as they age.
Central Oregon Considerations
Living in Bend presents unique health considerations for dogs. The abundance of outdoor recreation areas means many local dogs spend significant time on trails, near rivers, and in forests where they encounter wildlife and other environmental risks.
Dogs who hike Smith Rock, explore the Deschutes National Forest, or swim at local lakes and rivers should stay current on leptospirosis vaccination. Wildlife activity in these areas increases exposure to the bacteria that cause this disease.
Central Oregon’s dry climate and high altitude don’t eliminate disease risks. Parvovirus survives in soil and can persist in the environment for months. Dogs who visit off-leash parks or shared outdoor spaces benefit from staying current on all core vaccines.
Vaccine Safety and Side Effects
Most dogs tolerate vaccines well with minimal side effects. Some dogs experience mild soreness at the injection site or slight lethargy for 24-48 hours after vaccination. These reactions are normal and indicate your dog’s immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Serious vaccine reactions are rare but can include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If your dog develops any of these symptoms after vaccination, seek urgent care immediately.
We space out vaccines when appropriate to minimize the number of vaccines given at one time. For dogs with a history of vaccine reactions, we discuss modified vaccine protocols.
Schedule Your Dog's Vaccinations at Pawtown Veterinary Care
Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or maintaining your adult dog’s preventive care, we provide personalized vaccine recommendations based on your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle. Our team helps you understand which vaccines protect your dog while avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.
We offer flexible appointment times Monday through Friday with same-day appointments when possible. Financing options through CareCredit and Scratch Pay help make preventive care affordable. Visit our contact page to schedule your dog’s vaccination appointment, or learn more about our veterinarians on our about us page.
