Written by Roni Swaine for The Barking Dog, Ltd.

At The Barking Dog, the health and safety of every dog in our care is a top priority. One of the most important steps in keeping dogs safe is ensuring they are up-to-date on essential vaccinations. Like most public dog facilities, we require all pets to have three core vaccinations: Bordetella, Distemper, and Rabies. These vaccines are vital not only for your dog’s well-being but also for the safety of every dog in our community.

Why Are Dog Vaccinations Important?

Vaccines are essential for preventing the spread of highly contagious, potentially deadly diseases. In settings like dog daycares, boarding facilities, and parks where dogs frequently interact, vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting all pets.

Required Vaccines at The Barking Dog:

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella is a bacterial infection that causes respiratory issues, commonly known as kennel cough. It spreads rapidly in environments where dogs are in close contact, like daycares and boarding facilities.

Important Note: While the Bordetella vaccine significantly lowers the risk of infection, it does not provide full immunity. Dogs can still contract kennel cough, but the vaccine helps reduce the severity of the symptoms and the likelihood of outbreaks. This is why the Bordetella vaccine is mandatory for any dog visiting The Barking Dog.

Distemper

Distemper is a viral disease that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is highly contagious and often fatal, making vaccination essential. The good news is that once your dog is vaccinated, the chances of contracting distemper are extremely rare, giving your pet powerful protection from this dangerous disease. The distemper vaccine is one of the most effective safeguards, and it’s critical to preventing the spread of this deadly virus.

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that affects all mammals, including humans, and is usually spread through bites or saliva from infected animals. It is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, making vaccination the best defense. Not only is rabies vaccination crucial for your dog’s health, but it’s also required by law.

Affordable Vaccination Options: TLC Mobile Vet Clinic

We understand that keeping up with vaccinations can be costly. That’s why we’ve partnered with TLC Mobile Vet Clinic, which offers an affordable, convenient way to get your dog vaccinated right at our facility. The clinic sets up in our lobby on the third Saturday of each month and offers a first-come, first-served shot clinic.

The TLC Mobile Vet Clinic also offers the option to pull your dog from daycare for their shots, so there’s no need to make a special trip. Beyond vaccinations, they provide heartworm testing, prevention, and other services at a fraction of the cost of traditional vet visits.

Why Use TLC Mobile Vet Clinic?

– Convenience: No need to schedule an appointment with your regular vet. Just bring your dog on the third Saturday of the month or let us handle it while they’re in daycare.
– Affordability: TLC’s prices are much lower than standard veterinary clinics.
– Comprehensive Services: Beyond vaccinations, TLC offers heartworm testing, prevention, and other wellness services.

For more information on the services TLC offers, visit their website here.

Conclusion: Keep Your Dog Protected

Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date is the best way to protect them from serious illnesses. At The Barking Dog, we are committed to ensuring this process is as easy and affordable as possible. Whether you’re visiting us for daycare, boarding, or grooming, our requirements for Bordetella, Distemper, and Rabies vaccinations help create a safe, healthy environment for all pets.

Be sure to take advantage of TLC Mobile Vet Clinic’s monthly visit! It’s a simple, affordable way to keep your dog’s vaccinations current and ensure they’re ready to enjoy their time at our facility.

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call or check in at our front desk!