What are dogs vaccinated against? - briefly
Dogs are typically vaccinated against several diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis). These vaccinations are crucial for maintaining canine health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
What are dogs vaccinated against? - in detail
Dogs, like humans, require regular vaccinations to protect them from various diseases. The most common vaccines for dogs include those that prevent distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, rabies, and leptospirosis. Additionally, there are non-core vaccines such as those for Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and canine influenza virus, which may be recommended based on the dog's lifestyle and risk of exposure.
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog's respiratory and nervous systems. The distemper vaccine is typically given in combination with vaccines for adenovirus and parvovirus, often referred to as the DAPP or DA2PP vaccine. Adenovirus causes hepatitis and respiratory issues, while parvovirus leads to severe gastrointestinal problems. The initial series of these vaccinations is usually administered when a puppy is 6-8 weeks old, with boosters given every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. After that, boosters are typically given annually or as recommended by a veterinarian.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through animal bites. The rabies vaccine is mandatory in many regions and is usually administered when a puppy is 3-4 months old, with boosters given one year later and then every three years. Some regions require more frequent vaccinations based on local regulations and the prevalence of rabies.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause kidney failure and other serious health issues in dogs. The leptospirosis vaccine is often recommended for dogs that are likely to come into contact with contaminated water, such as those that live in rural areas or participate in outdoor activities like hunting or hiking. This vaccine may be given annually or every six months, depending on the specific product and the dog's risk of exposure.
Non-core vaccines include those for Bordetella bronchiseptica, which causes kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease common in areas where dogs are housed together, such as boarding facilities or dog shows. The Bordetella vaccine can be given intranasally or by injection and is typically administered annually or as recommended by a veterinarian based on the dog's exposure risk.
Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, which can lead to arthritis and other health issues in dogs. The Lyme disease vaccine is often recommended for dogs that live in areas where ticks are prevalent. This vaccine may be given annually or as recommended by a veterinarian based on the dog's risk of exposure.
Canine influenza virus causes respiratory illness in dogs and can spread rapidly in areas where dogs are housed together. The canine influenza vaccine is typically administered twice, two to four weeks apart, with annual boosters recommended for dogs at high risk of exposure.
In summary, dogs are vaccinated against a range of diseases to protect their health and well-being. Core vaccines include those for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, rabies, and leptospirosis, while non-core vaccines may be recommended based on the dog's lifestyle and risk factors. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure that dogs receive the appropriate vaccinations and maintain optimal health.