Caring for your dog's health is more than providing them with a good diet and exercise. Like people, your dog needs regular checkups at the vet for checkups, maintenance, and vaccinations. Vaccinations are crucial to your dog's extended lifespan and health, as they keep them from contracting diseases that are potentially deadly and highly contagious. Local law even mandates vaccinations in most areas, which your dog must obtain.
For most dog owners, the kinds of vaccines that exist, which are necessary, and how frequently they can be given become daunting. To better explain the issue, the following presents a summary of the several types of dog vaccinations and why they are important.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines work because they cause your dog's immune system to protect him from specific diseases. Vaccines contain antigens, which are copies of the disease-producing pathogens. The antigens don't produce the disease themselves, but they prepare the immune system to recognize and fight the actual pathogens when they do appear. Vaccines don't guarantee immunity, but they reduce future illness severity and enhance the likelihood that your dog will remain healthy.
Core Vaccines: Necessary for All Canines
Core vaccines are the vaccines that every dog needs, as they offer protection against diseases that are fatal or extremely contagious. All canines should receive these vaccinations regardless of whether they have a certain lifestyle or environment or not. In fact, some of these vaccinations are legally required in most jurisdictions.
Rabies
One of the most important vaccines for dogs is rabies. This is a fatal viral illness; it attacks the brain and spinal cord of the dog. It also alters the dog's behavior like violent temper that actually holds critical illnesses. Because rabies is highly infectious, it spreads to humans through biting. In many places, the law mandates animals to be vaccinated because rabies is not common in the United States but can be spread by wild animals like bats, raccoons, and skunks. Distemper
Canine distemper is an infectious disease that strikes numerous systems in a dog's body, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system. Distemper can result in permanent damage to the brain or death. The distemper vaccination usually is combined with some other vaccinations, such as parvovirus, parainfluenza, and canine adenovirus. All of these illnesses are transmissible, and the distemper vaccination protects against all of them.
Parvovirus (Parvo) is a life-threatening disease of the gastrointestinal system.
Canine Distemper is a viral illness that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and can lead to severe brain damage.
Parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that causes coughing, fever, and loss of appetite.
Canine Adenovirus can lead to life-threatening liver and respiratory infections.
Optional Vaccines: Made Specifically for Your Dog's Lifestyle
Non-core vaccines or "lifestyle vaccines" are not mandatory and may be recommended based on exposure to particular pathogens of your dog. These vaccines are generally suggested depending on the lifestyle, surroundings, and activities of your dog.
Bordetella
Bordetella is a bacterial infection causing kennel cough, which is a very contagious respiratory condition. This vaccine is especially beneficial in dogs exposed to more than one dog, such as in dog parks, boarding kennels, or grooming salons. They usually demand proof of vaccination against Bordetella to prevent spread of infection.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by bacterial infection spread through contact with urine from infected wildlife, rodents, and other animals. Humans and dogs can be affected, and it's a significant risk in urban areas where there is a large rodent infestation. Farm dogs and dogs living in rural areas are also at greater risk.
Canine Influenza
Similar to human flu, canine influenza is an infection by a virus that leads to coughing, fevers, and nasal discharge. Symptoms are mild in the majority of dogs, but others become ill. Prevention is possible through the application of a vaccine since yearly flu shots keep the disease away from humans.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, caused by tick-borne bacteria, can lead to severe health issues such as arthritis, kidney disease, and even death. The vaccine is appropriate for use in dogs living in tick-infested geographic locations, particularly in wooded or rural regions where deer ticks are prevalent.
When Should Your Dog Start to Get Vaccinated?
Puppies will typically begin their vaccination schedule at the age of six weeks. The schedule starts with foundational vaccines like distemper and kennel cough and is followed by additional vaccines every three weeks until your puppy reaches the age of four months. Your veterinarian will personalize the vaccination process based on your dog's health needs and lifestyle needs.
When you bring in an unvaccinated adult dog, it is never too soon to start the vaccination process. Don't forget to get them to a vet at the first chance to put them on the right path.
Annual Vaccines: Safeguarding Your Dog
Many core and non-core vaccines require an annual booster to remain effective. Then, there are vaccines such as rabies and distemper, for which an option is available for every three years. Meaning you would only have to have your dog vaccinated annually for his or her non-core vaccines and rabies/distemper boosters every three years.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Dog's Well-being
Vaccination is an important responsibility involved in the duty of responsible pet ownership.
Although the world of vaccines can be confusing, having an idea of which vaccines your dog should receive, which are extra, and how often they need to be boosted can keep your dog healthy and safe. Should you ever be unsure as to which vaccines your dog needs, never be afraid to talk it over with your veterinarian. They can guide you through the process and help you make the optimal decisions for your pet's overall health. Vaccines are one of the best defenses against catching many fatal diseases, and they allow your dog to live longer and healthier. If you stay informed and follow what your vet recommends, you are able to protect your furry companion from preventable illnesses
