Definitions:

• Core Vaccination:  Vaccinations that all animals of a given species needs.  These vaccines protect against diseases that are easily transmitted, and diseases presenting a human health risk.
• Non-core Vaccination:  Vaccination that certain animals need depending on their lifestyle and exposure risk.  Diseases can be severe but exposure is limited to certain circumstances.

Rabies (core):  Required by law.  Available in 1 year and 3 year vaccinations.  First vaccination is always 1 year.

Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvovirus (core):  Diseases that are easily transmitted and can be carried on clothes in certain circumstances.  Usually a yearly vaccination.  Available in 3 year for certain circumstances.  Alternatively vaccine titers can be used to determine if revaccination is required.

Bordetella "Kennel Cough" (non-core):  Recommended for dogs with exposure to other strange dogs.  Usually required for boarding and grooming.  Annual vaccine but recommended every 6 months for high-risk dogs.

Leptospirosis (non-core):  Usually transmitted from wildlife to dogs through contaminated water (ponds, lakes and streams).  Recommended for dogs at risk.  Vaccine most commonly associated with vaccine reactions.  Annual vaccine.

Lyme (non-core):  Transmitted by deer ticks.  Infected ticks are present in DuPage county but are not prevalent yet.  Currently recommended for dogs that travel to edemic areas (Wisconsin, Michigan etc) or engage in high risk behavior.  Annual vaccine.

Giardia (non-core):  Vaccination has questionable efficacy and is only recommended in high risk animals.