


10 Ocean Ave
Marblehead, MA 01945
(781) 631-8881
(781) 639-9021 fax
mgt@atlanticvethospital.com
records@atlanticvethospital.com

Canine Wellness Care
Rabies Vaccine: Required by law in Massachusetts.
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This vaccine is administered at 12 weeks or later and is effective for 1 year.
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If the rabies vaccine is “boostered” within 9-12 months of the original vaccination, it will be considered effective for 3 years. If the booster is even one day late the vaccine will only be considered effective for 1 year. (This protocol is set forth by the state of Massachusetts.)
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Once a 3-year vaccine is given then all consecutive vaccines will be considered effective for 3 years.
Distemper Parvo (DHPP-PV): Helps to protect against most stomach viruses including Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvo Virus.

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This vaccine is administered in a series of 2-4 vaccinations up to 20 weeks
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After the original puppy series, the next vaccine administered in 1 year will be good for 3 years.
Bordatella (Kennel Cough): Helps to protect against Kennel Cough. This is given to dogs that are going to be in highly social dog settings, like doggy daycare, boarding and grooming facilities.
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This vaccine is administered by injection or an intranasal “mist”. The injectable vaccine is given in a two-part series occurring 3-4 weeks apart, and can then be given annually. If administered intranasally only one dose is given and then annually as needed.
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Note: Some animal care facilities require the kennel cough booster every 6 months.


Canine Influenza H3N8/H3N2: Helps protect against the “dog flu” which causes respiratory infections.
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This vaccine is administered in a two-part series occurring 2-4 weeks apart, and then boostered annually.
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Although we do not routinely administer this vaccine at this time, some grooming, boarding, day-care and related facilities require this vaccine.
Lyme Vaccine: Helps to protect against Lyme disease which is transmitted to dogs by infected deer ticks.
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This vaccine is administered in a two-part series occurring 2-3 weeks apart, and then boostered annually.
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This vaccine is optional and is typically given to dogs that have a high exposure to tick-infested areas. We recommend that you discuss this vaccine with your veterinarian.
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The first defense against Lyme disease is a good tick preventative.
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Click here for more information on ticks.
Leptospirosis: Helps to protect against a bacterial disease that can affect the kidney and liver.
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This disease is spread by standing water that has been contaminated with the Leptospirosis bacteria, via urine.
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This vaccine is administered in a two-part series occurring 3-4 weeks apart, and then boostered annually.
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We recommend that you discuss this vaccine with your veterinarian.
Fecal samples: Rules out intestinal parasites and worms.
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We typically deworm puppies at each puppy visit, it is common for intestinal parasites to be passed to pups in-utero.
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An annual fecal is recommended to ensure that no intestinal parasites (some of which live microscopically in the soil) were picked up over the year.
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Throughout your dog’s life, will suggest a fecal exam if your dog is in intestinal distress. Many of these parasites can and will cause diarrhea.
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MOST OF THESE PARASITES DO NOT POSE A THREAT TO PEOPLE. We encourage you to discuss concerns with your veterinarian.
Heartworm: Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and, once mature, they live in the heart and large blood vessels of the lungs.
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We follow the American Heartworm Association's recommendation of heartworm prevention to be given year round to prevent infection.
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Annual testing is recommended.
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If you choose to stop over the cold weather months a heartworm test must be run 6 months after the first skipped dose to ensure that the patient did not become infected over the winter.
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Click here for more information about Heartworm disease.
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Click here for more information about Heartworm prevention.