Why We Require Canine Influenza, Bordetella, Rabies & Distemper Vaccinations

Denver has had several outbreaks of canine influenza and bordetella in the past few years.  Therefore dog owners must take every precaution to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses by properly vaccinating for Bordetella every six months and Canine Influenza once a year along with Rabies and DHPP.  Due to Denver being considered a high risk area, national veterinarian associations, researchers at Cornell University and most local veterinarians strongly recommend this level of vaccinations.

Owners must also watch for any signs of respiratory illness with their dog or from any other dogs they come in contact with.  Respiratory illnesses are spread between dogs in public places in the same way as humans coming in contact with contagious people in public places.  Dogs are at a higher risk of exposure by going to dog parks, pet food stores and other places where dogs may not be properly vaccinated.   As owners of Playful Pooch, we are diligent about reviewing vaccination records and taking a conservative approach to vaccinations.  We require Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella every six months and Canine Influenza once a year.   However, even dogs that are properly vaccinated may still have a slight risk of becoming sick, but their illness will be milder with less chance of severe complications.

Although veterinarians often diagnose dogs with “Kennel Cough” when dogs have a cough or seem lethargic, the illness does not start in a kennel but out in the public areas where dogs co-mingle and then bring it into the kennel unknowingly.  Respiratory illnesses can be caused by contagious organisms including bordetella, parainfluenza virus, and coronavirus and canine influenza.  These illnesses will not exhibit any symptoms until after the dog has shed the virus, making it nearly impossible to know whether a dog may be ill at home or in a kennel environment.  Respiratory issues can also be caused by both allergic irritants in the air including pollens, smoke from forest fires and other air-borne particles.  The symptoms of many respiratory illnesses may include a “honking” cough, lethargy and sometimes loss of appetite.  Most respiratory illnesses are viral and will be shed naturally, but Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics as a precautionary measure along with cough suppressants.  The recommended treatment is to avoid long walks, exercise and excitement for 7-10 days and keep them completely away from any other dogs to avoid spreading the virus since it is highly contagious.

Every owner must help Playful Pooch keep our pals as healthy as possible by adhering to our vaccination policy and keeping a watchful eye on their dog.  Never bring your dog into a public place, if they have been showing any signs of respiratory or any other type of illness including digestive problems.

Medical and Other Requirements

Playful Pooch Vaccination Requirements:

DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella and Canine Influenza Vaccinations are required at our facility. 

Puppies:  DHPP - a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo that is given every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks and ending at 16-20 weeks.  Following the final vaccination, it will be repeated in 12 months.  Bordetella is given at 9 weeks, then boostered every six months.  This must be given at least 7 days before the initial visit.  Canine Influenza is given in two boosters at 9 weeks and then 3 weeks later. Rabies is given at 16-20 weeks.  Puppies from 10-16 weeks will be allowed to attend without the rabies vaccination if all other vaccinations are current.

Adult Dogs: DHPP and Rabies are given 1 year after the puppy boosters, then every 3 years.  Bordetella is required every 6 months.  The initial Canine Influenza vaccination is given in two doses about 3-4 weeks apart.  After that, it is required each year. 

Proof of Vaccinations is required from your veterinarian.

Age Requirements:

Playful Pooch accepts dogs ten weeks or older. Your dog must be spayed or neutered if older than six months of age.

Socialability Requirements:
Everyone must be able to play in group daycare with no social issues, such as aggression or biting of any type.  Allowances for older and non-active dogs are made on an individual basis.