Which Vaccinations Does Your Dog Need?
Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will protect your pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable.
We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional.
Bordetella vaccine
This highly infectious bacteria causes coughing with gagging reflexes. It is known as kennel cough. Not only boarding facilities but dog parks, pet stores and grooming shops are also at high risk locations for contracting disease. There are three routine routes of administration which are nasal, oral and injection.
DA2PP vaccine
Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza & Parvovirus
A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs. Distemper spreads through airborne exposure (sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls. It can cause discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death.
Hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver.
Dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.
Rabies vaccine
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require regular rabies vaccinations.
Leptospirosis vaccine
Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.
Puppy’s Age and Recommended Vaccinations
6 — 8 weeks DA2PP
10 — 12 weeks DA2PP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella,
16 — 18 weeks DA2PP, Rabies, Leptospirosis
12 — 16 months DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella
Every year DHPP,Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Rabies
Every 1 — 3 years Rabies (as required by law)
Information sited from AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB website
