What vaccinations should dogs have? - briefly
Dogs should receive core vaccinations against distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus, along with non-core vaccinations based on their lifestyle and risk factors, such as rabies or leptospirosis. Regular booster shots are essential to maintain immunity throughout their lives.
What vaccinations should dogs have? - in detail
Dogs, like humans, require routine vaccinations to protect them from various diseases. Vaccines are essential in preventing infectious and contagious illnesses that can be life-threatening or cause significant discomfort. The core vaccines for dogs include those against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and rabies. Additionally, there are non-core vaccines that may be recommended based on the dog's lifestyle and exposure risk.
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog's respiratory and nervous systems. The vaccine for distemper is typically administered as part of a combination shot known as DHPP or DA2PP, which also includes protection against adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Adenovirus type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, while adenovirus type 2 is responsible for respiratory disease. Parvovirus is a severe gastrointestinal illness that can be fatal, particularly in puppies. Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and is zoonotic, meaning it can also affect humans.
Non-core vaccines are given based on the dog's risk factors and include those against leptospirosis, bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, coronavirus, and giardia. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or soil, which can affect both dogs and humans. Bordetella is responsible for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness common in environments where many dogs are housed together, such as boarding kennels or dog shows. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick and can cause joint pain and lameness in dogs. Coronavirus causes gastrointestinal illness similar to parvovirus but is less severe. Giardia is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines, leading to diarrhea.
The frequency of vaccinations depends on various factors, including the type of vaccine, the dog's age, and whether it is an initial vaccination or a booster shot. Puppies typically receive their first round of vaccinations between 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters given every 2 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. After the initial series, most vaccines provide immunity for one to three years, although some may require annual boosters.
It is crucial to consult a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for a dog based on its specific needs and risk factors. Regular check-ups also help ensure that the dog's overall health is maintained, allowing the veterinarian to address any concerns promptly. By keeping up with vaccinations, pet owners can significantly contribute to their dog's well-being and longevity while reducing the spread of preventable diseases.