What should dogs be vaccinated against? - briefly
Dogs should be vaccinated against common canine diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Additionally, vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica is recommended for dogs that frequently visit dog parks or kennels to prevent kennel cough.
What should dogs be vaccinated against? - in detail
Dogs, like humans, require regular vaccinations to protect them from various diseases that can have serious health implications. The core vaccines recommended for all dogs include:
-
Distemper: This highly contagious virus affects a dog's respiratory and nervous systems, often leading to severe illness or death. Symptoms include fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and neurological issues. The distemper vaccine is crucial for preventing this disease.
-
Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Adenovirus type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, which affects the liver and can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The vaccine protects against this viral infection.
-
Parvovirus: This is a highly contagious virus that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs, including bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Parvovirus can be fatal, especially in puppies. Vaccination is essential for preventing this disease.
-
Rabies: Rabies is a zoonotic disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Dogs can contract rabies through contact with infected wildlife, such as bats or raccoons. Vaccinating against rabies not only protects your dog but also helps prevent the spread of the disease to humans.
Additionally, depending on the dog's lifestyle and region, several non-core vaccines may be recommended:
-
Bordetella: Often referred to as kennel cough, Bordetella is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects a dog's respiratory system. Symptoms include a persistent cough, often described as a "goose honk." This vaccine is particularly important for dogs that frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, or other areas with high canine traffic.
-
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with contaminated water or soil. It affects the kidneys and liver and can be fatal if left untreated. This vaccine is recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to outdoor environments, such as hiking trails, lakes, or rivers.
-
Lyme disease: Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease can cause fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain in dogs. The vaccine is beneficial for dogs that live in or visit areas with a high tick population.
-
Canine Influenza (CIV): This virus causes respiratory illness in dogs, similar to the human flu. Symptoms include coughing, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite. The vaccine is recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs, such as those that attend dog shows or visit boarding facilities.
Regular vaccinations not only protect your dog's health but also contribute to the overall public health by reducing the spread of infectious diseases. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and specific needs based on your dog's age, breed, lifestyle, and regional factors.