Preventive Care for Dogs
These are general guidelines; preventive care must be tailored to each dog’s individual needs and should consider not only travel, but diet, exercise, weight, and overall health status as well.
- DHP=Distemper virus/Hepatitis adenovirus/Parvovirus
- Lepto=Leptospirosis
- Lyme=Lyme Disease (borelliosis)
- KC=Bordetella/Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough); in NYC, this is acquired most commonly by street, not necessarily kennel, contact!
- Giardia is common in NYC in daycare facilities, but is also transmitted by street contact; it may infect people; vaccination offers significant but not 100% control of infection
My Dog’s Travel Condition |
Vaccine Recommendations |
Other Recommendations |
| My dog never leaves the apartment | DHP (puppy shots, at 1 year old, then every 3 years) Rabies virus* (at 3 months, one year, then every 3 years) |
Microchip Identification with chip registration and a parasite control program should still be considered; Periodic stool (fecal) testing |
| My dog meets other dogs in my building or is on the leash at all times while walking on the street in my neighborhood | DHP (puppy shots, at 1 year old, then every 3 years) Rabies virus* (at 3 months, one year, then every 3 years) KC (2 initial; annual booster) |
Microchip Identification with chip registration should be undertaken; a parasite control program is recommended for all dogs walked in NYC. Lepto (2 initial; annual booster) Annual fecal/stool & heartworm testing |
| My dog additionally plays with other dogs at the dog run or may stay at daycare here in NYC | DHP (puppy shots, at 1 year old, then every 3 years) Rabies virus* (at 3 months, one year, then every 3 years) KC (2 initial; annual booster) |
Microchip Identification with chip registration should be undertaken; a parasite control program emphasizing intestinal parasite and flea protection is highly recommended. Lepto (2 initial; annual booster) Giardia (2 initial; annual booster) Annual fecal (stool) & heartworm testing |
I travel outside of NYC to Long Island, NJ, PA, CT, New England, or upstate NY |
DHP (puppy shots, at 1 year old, then every 3 years) Rabies virus* (at 3 months, one year, then every 3 years) Lepto (2 initial; annual booster) KC (2 initial; annual booster) Lyme (2 initial; annual booster) |
Microchip Identification with chip registration should be undertaken; a parasite control program that emphasizes heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea, and tick protection is very important. Annual fecal (stool) & heartworm testing |
I travel frequently with my dog, but only in the United States |
DHP (puppy shots, at 1 year old, then every 3 years) Rabies virus* (at 3 months, one year, then every 3 years) Lepto (2 initial; annual booster) KC (2 initial; annual booster) Lyme (2 initial; annual booster) |
Microchip Identification with chip registration should be undertaken; a parasite control program that emphasizes heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea, and tick protection is very important. Annual fecal (stool) & heartworm testing |
I anticipate international travel with my dog |
DHP (puppy shots, at 1 year old, then every 3 years) Rabies virus* (at 3 months, one year, then every 3 years) Lepto (2 initial; annual booster) KC (2 initial; annual booster) Lyme (2 initial; annual booster) |
Microchip Identification is required by law for much international travel; registration of the chip is necessary to identify your dog if lost; a parasite control program that emphasizes heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea, and tick protection is very important. Annual fecal (stool) & heartworm testing |
| My dog is of a small breed very prone to dental problems or my dog has had previous dental problems or infections | Consider adding to the appropriate protocol above the Pfizer Animal Health “Dental” Vaccine. This vaccine helps to prevent the bacteria that result in periodontitis, bone infection, and the bone loss that results in lost teeth or the need for tooth extraction. (2 initial, then boostered annually) | This vaccine does not prevent tartar buildup nor penetration of tartar into the space under the gum (the periodontal space). This can only be controlled by brushing and other forms of oral care, or by periodic dental cleanings. |
* Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement in NYC and in every area of the world;
this requirement applies even to indoor pets.
