As a responsible dog owner, ensuring the well-being of your furry friend is paramount. One crucial aspect of pet care that should not be overlooked is administering routine shots to your canine companion. In this blog post, we will delve into why shots for dogs are important, what they entail, and how they contribute to keeping your four-legged friend healthy and happy.
Understanding Canine Vaccinations
Vaccinations for dogs are essential to protect them against various infectious diseases that can pose serious health risks. These vaccines work by stimulating the dog's immune system to produce antibodies that will combat specific diseases, thereby preventing illness or reducing its severity if exposure occurs. Common vaccines for dogs include those for rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and more.
Prevention is Key
Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of contagious diseases among dogs. By ensuring that your dog is up to date on vaccinations, you not only protect them from potentially life-threatening illnesses but also contribute to the overall health of the canine community.
Legal Requirements
In many places, including most states and countries, certain vaccinations such as rabies shots are mandatory by law. Complying with these legal requirements not only ensures the well-being of your dog but also helps uphold public health and safety standards.
Initial Vaccinations and Boosters
Puppies typically receive a series of initial vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters administered at regular intervals. Adult dogs also require periodic boosters to maintain immunity levels. Following a proper vaccination schedule is essential to ensure continued protection for your dog.
Some vaccines are considered necessary (core), while others are recommended but may not be required, depending on your dog’s exposure risk (non-core). Visit our puppy vaccination schedule to see what to expect when you bring a new pup home.
Core Vaccinations
Non-Core Vaccinations
Common Core Dog Vaccinations
There are many considerations to make when vaccinating a dog. The first is local and country-wide laws that determine which vaccinations are mandatory for dogs living in the area.
These types of vaccinations are known as “core” vaccinations and are mandatory for all dogs. Core vaccinations are designed to protect animals from extreme illness or disease and include: the rabies vaccination (in most, but not all, states), CDV (canine distemper), CAV-2 (canine hepatitis virus or adenovirus-2), and CPV-2 (canine parvovirus.)
What Is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is an extremely contagious viral disease that is caused by the canine distemper virus. This disease is closely related to the virus that causes measles.
Symptoms
Canine distemper spreads through the air and attacks the tonsils and lymph nodes. The virus replicates in the body and attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urogenital, and nervous systems.
Symptoms include high fever, runny nose, eye discharge, red eyes, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. Some dogs also experience thickening or enlargement of their footpads.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for canine distemper. However, some dogs can recover fully after receiving treatment for symptoms and constant care. After a dog has fully recovered, she will no longer carry or spread the disease.
What Is Hepatitis (Adenovirus Type 1)?
The canine adenovirus type 1 causes canine hepatitis. Dogs who suffer from this virus experience swelling and cell damage in the liver, resulting in hemorrhage and death. This virus is contracted through the feces and urine of infected dogs.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, abdominal distension, lack of appetite, pale color, lethargy, fever, and tonsillitis. Fluid swelling in the corneas often results in the appearance of the dog having blue eyes. Death within one to two days is common in more severe cases. However, if a dog survives the first few days, the dog can make a full recovery and have future immunity to the virus.
The canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is a relative of the hepatitis virus and is one of the causes of kennel cough. The CAV-2 vaccine doesn’t provide 100% protection from kennel cough, but the disease severity is limited if a vaccinated dog becomes infected, making the chance of death unlikely.
Symptoms of CAV-2 include hacking cough a week after exposure, inflammation in the airways, white foamy discharge after coughing, pink eye, inflamed nasal passages, and nasal discharge.
Adenovirus Cough & Hepatitis Vaccination
The CAV-2 vaccine will protect against kennel cough and hepatitis.
This shot is usually included in a combination vaccine such as the five-way vaccine or the seven-way vaccine.
What Is Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus (parvo) is extremely contagious and is contracted through either direct contact with the feces of an infected dog or contact with virus-contaminated objects (e.g., food bowl, toys, etc.). Unfortunately, parvo often kills young puppies with poorly developed immune systems.
Symptoms
Dogs that have contracted parvo generally show symptoms within 3 to 10 days. The most commonly seen parvo symptoms include secondary infections, dehydration, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, endotoxemia, shock, and eventually death.
Dogs with confirmed parvo cases can infect neighborhood dogs with their feces and through soil that has come in contact with their feces. Dogs can still shed the parvovirus in their feces once they’ve recovered from the virus.
Treatment
Around 91% of untreated parvo cases result in death. The parvo vaccine is the only way to prevent a dog from contracting this virus. Parvo cannot be spread from dogs to humans. Learn more about Parvo treatment.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that can be carried by many mammals. It is a zoonotic disease, which is a disease that passes from animals to humans. If you ever think your dog has come in contact with rabies, you should immediately take her to the vet, even if she’s up to date on her rabies vaccination.
Rabies commonly transmits through a bite from an infected mammal. Rabies causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and eventually infects the entire nervous system causing death.
Symptoms
Rabies’ symptoms include fever, paralysis, seizures, a dropped jaw, inability to swallow, hydrophobia (fear of water), pica (eating non-food items, like dirt), a change in bark tone, unusual aggression, lack of coordination, excessive salivation, and frothy saliva.
There are two forms of rabies: furious and paralytic (also called “dumb”). Once a dog contracts rabies, she’ll exhibit slight nervous system abnormalities. A few days later, the dog will die immediately or progress to the furious or paralytic infection stage.
A dog with furious rabies exhibits extreme behavioral changes. Furious rabies is often the type of rabies depicted in the media — the dog is aggressive and willing to attack. Dogs with paralytic rabies show a slow loss of coordination, weakness, and then paralysis.
Treatment
Rabies is curable if you treat dogs before symptoms occur. Once symptoms appear, the disease becomes fatal. Rabies can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks to present itself. However, some cases can take much longer.
Non-Core Dog Vaccinations
Non-core dog vaccinations are not mandatory except in areas where the specific illness or disease is rampant. Many vets will still offer these non-core vaccinations in areas where they’re not mandatory, but it’s up to the vet and the pet owner to decide whether the dog in question is a suitable vaccination candidate.
What Is Bordetella?
Kennel cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and is spread through airborne contaminants. It is spread through exposure to infected dogs or the transfer of bacteria in food bowls, cages, and water bowls.
Symptoms
As bacteria multiply, they destroy the lining of the dog’s trachea, which results in a high-pitched cough that sounds like a goose honk.
Dogs may also gag and retch as they cough. Symptoms include fever, sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and depression.
Treatment
Incubation for kennel cough is approximately five to seven days. When symptoms are present, the dog should be given antibiotics and a cough suppressant. Untreated kennel cough can lead to pneumonia and could even be fatal.
Bordetella Vaccination
Dogs receive the Bordetella vaccination as an injection inhaled nasal mist or orally. It takes 48 hours after the vaccination for a dog to develop immunity to the disease. Most kennels require dogs to have their Bordetella vaccination before they allow boarding. Bordetella vaccinations are generally given once every 12 months.
Price
What Is Canine Influenza Virus?
In the U.S., canine influenza (dog flu) is caused by two viral strains, H3N2 and H3N8. These are two highly contagious respiratory viruses that can be spread between dogs and cats, but there’s no evidence that canine influenza spreads to people. It’s typically recommended for dogs that have frequent exposure to other dogs in kennels, daycare, grooming facilities, etc.
Symptoms
Canine influenza typically causes a low fever, cough, nasal and eye discharge, lethargy, and reduced appetite, but some dogs don’t exhibit symptoms. The severity can range from no signs to severe illness leading to pneumonia, serious respiratory problems, and even death (in rare cases).
Treatment
For mild to moderate cases, treatment is supportive, making sure your pup stays hydrated and eats a healthy diet. However, many dogs develop a secondary bacterial upper respiratory infection which requires antibiotic therapy. Dogs who develop pneumonia usually require intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other medications and may require hospitalization.
Most dogs recover within two to three weeks. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment. Because canine influenza is so contagious, exposed dogs should be isolated from other dogs and cats for at least four weeks.
Canine Influenza Vaccination
The H3N2/H3N8 canine influenza vaccine requires two initial doses, two to four weeks apart, with a booster every 12 months after the second dose. The first dose may be administered to dogs as early as six to eight weeks of age.
What Is Canine Coronavirus?
Canine coronavirus (CCV) is a disease that affects the intestinal tract. This canine virus is not the same as COVID-19, a global pandemic in the human population. Coronavirus in dogs doesn’t usually last too long, but it does cause numerous side effects and complications in some cases.
Canine coronavirus spreads through feces and saliva. A dog has one to five days after being exposed to the disease for symptoms to present themselves. Illness typically lasts from 2 to 10 days.
Symptoms
Most dogs that are infected with coronavirus will have either mild or no symptoms, but infected puppies may experience severe illness. Symptoms include sudden onset diarrhea, a decrease in appetite, and lethargy. A dog’s stool often contains mucus or blood and will always have a distinct odor.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for coronavirus. Do your best to control the symptoms because a secondary bacterial infection may often occur, which you can then get antibiotics to treat. Coronavirus is rarely fatal. Dogs with underdeveloped or compromised immune systems are more susceptible.
Coronavirus Vaccination
The canine coronavirus (CCV) vaccine is NOT recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) because the virus:
Causes only mild or subclinical (undetectable) disease
Generally occurs in dogs younger than 6 weeks old
Is typically self-limiting (resolves on its own)
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the pathogen Leptospira. It is a zoonotic disease and can result in death in some cases.
Dogs become infected with Leptospira (an organism that thrives in water) by consuming urine-contaminated water or coming into contact with infected urine. Leptospira uses a dog’s kidneys for breeding and living out its life cycle.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, generalized pain, and conjunctivitis. Later symptoms include a drop in temperature, increased thirst, change in urine color, jaundice, frequent urination, dehydration, difficulty breathing, muscular tremors, vomiting, and bloody feces.
Treatment
Antibiotics can help shorten the disease’s length and reduce potential organ damage if the disease is caught in the early stages. In more severe cases, kidney filtration and blood transfusion may be necessary. About 10% of leptospirosis cases result in death from secondary complications.
Leptospirosis Vaccination
The leptospirosis vaccine is considered a “non-core” vaccine. It is a preventative vaccination against the four most common Leptospira varieties that are known for causing this infection in dogs: Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona (quite the mouthful!).
The vaccine is given in a two-dose series, starting as early as eight to nine weeks of age. The two doses are given two to four weeks apart. A booster shot is given one year after those first two shots for dogs that have a risk of exposure, then annually after that.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and spreads through a tick bite. Symptoms don’t always appear for all dogs with Lyme disease, although some dogs will show swollen lymph nodes or lameness.
Symptoms
Symptoms include shifting-leg lameness, decreased appetite, and high fever.
If your dog displays Lyme disease symptoms, be sure to check her over for any ticks that may still be present. Lyme disease can cause extreme inflammation in your dog’s nervous system, heart, and kidneys and potentially lead to death.
Treatment
Vets test for Lyme disease by taking blood samples at least four weeks after the tick bite. If a dog is positive for Lyme disease, early treatment with doxycycline is prescribed. If a more advanced stage of Lyme disease is suspected, antibiotic treatment will continue for longer, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
The best treatment is to prevent Lyme disease by keeping your pet’s tick preventative treatment current.
Lyme Disease Vaccination
The Lyme disease vaccine is usually only given to dogs in areas where Lyme disease is a concern. Dogs may receive their Lyme disease vaccine as early as eight weeks old and a second dose two to four weeks later. For dogs with a high risk of getting Lyme disease, a booster shot is given one year following the second dose and then annually.
What Is Parainfluenza?
Despite its name, parainfluenza isn’t related to canine influenza. Canine parainfluenza (CPAV) is caused by an entirely different type of virus, but symptoms can resemble canine influenza. It’s a highly contagious respiratory virus.
Symptoms
Symptoms include dry cough, fever, wheezing, difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, pneumonia, reduced appetite, lethargy, runny eyes, and conjunctivitis.
Treatment
Most dogs recover on their own, but most vets like to treat them immediately using antibiotics and antiviral drugs because the disease is so contagious. A cough suppressant and additional fluids might also help.
Parainfluenza Vaccination
The parainfluenza vaccine won’t prevent the disease’s spread, but it will limit an infection’s severity. The vaccination comes in a combination vaccine, such as the canine distemper-measles-parainfluenza and DHPP shots.
What Is the Rattlesnake Vaccine?
The rattlesnake vaccine is recommended for dogs at risk of a bite by a Western Diamondback rattlesnake (crotalus atrox). This includes high-risk geographical areas (southern CA, southwest U.S.) and dogs who go hiking, camping, or hunting with owners in areas where they may come into contact with rattlesnakes.
This vaccine can also offer some cross-protection for some other types of rattlesnakes and copperheads because the venom of pit vipers shares similar toxic components. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer protection for the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, Mojave rattlesnake, cottonmouths, or coral snakes.
Symptoms
Envenomation by a rattlesnake causes bleeding, severe swelling at the bite site, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, shock, and eventual paralysis of breathing. A bite is considered a major veterinary emergency.
Treatment
Rattlesnake bite treatment involves intravenous fluids, including antivenin (not to be confused with anti-venom), antibiotic and antihistamine administration, cardiac and blood pressure monitoring, and pain management.
Rattlesnake Vaccination
The rattlesnake vaccination doesn’t give dogs immunity from the effects of a bite, but it can help decrease the severity of the symptoms, buying you time to get to your vet for treatment. It can be given as early as 16 weeks of age, requires a booster four weeks after the initial vaccine, and then annual boosters. In warmer climates where snakes are active year-round, it’s often recommended every six months.
Monitoring and Adverse Reactions
After vaccinations, it is essential to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. While most dogs experience only mild side effects like soreness or low-grade fever, severe reactions are possible though rare. If you notice any concerning symptoms after vaccination, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Ensuring a Healthy and Happy Dog
By prioritizing your dog's vaccination needs, you are taking a proactive step towards ensuring their health and happiness. Remember that each shot administered is a small but significant investment in your dog's well-being and quality of life.
In conclusion, shots for dogs play a crucial role in safeguarding your furry friend against preventable diseases. By staying informed about the importance of vaccinations, partnering with a trusted veterinarian, and following a proper vaccination schedule, you can provide your dog with the foundation for a long and healthy life. Remember, a vaccinated dog is a healthier dog – and a healthier dog is a happier dog.
So, stay proactive, stay informed, and prioritize your dog's vaccination needs. Your furry friend will thank you for it with tail wags and endless love! As always consult your veterinarian with any questions about your pets specific needs. Remember Puppies and Elderly Dogs May Have Different Vaccine Needs
Vaccinations have minimum age requirements, and it’s important to stick to them.
Puppies receive protective antibodies through their mothers’ milk during the first few weeks of life, so they don’t need vaccines right away. It is only after puppies are old enough to stop nursing that they need disease protection from vaccines.
Elderly dogs often suffer from compromised immune systems, so vets may be hesitant to give them unnecessary vaccines. There are times when a vet may recommend a longer period between vaccinations for elderly dogs, or they may even skip those vaccinations completely.
I like to keep all my pet records together in a binder or folder to reference them easy.
This is a good all-inclusive pet record book from Amazon and I have included the link
Remember be proactive for your furry friend, have regular check-ups and their vaccinations to keep them and you happy and healthy.
Until next time-Daisy-Out!
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