Many of the deadliest diseases that affect puppies and adult dogs are preventable through vaccination. Vaccines easily and effectively safeguard pets from harm and can have wide-reaching effects on the human and animal residents of entire communities. The Bartow Animal Clinic team knows that canine vaccinations can be confusing for pet owners, so we’re helping you sort through the fluff with our guide to essential dog vaccines.
What are dog vaccines?
Vaccines are injectable, purified substances that induce a dog’s immune system to develop antibodies and defenses against specific pathogens. The vaccines introduce into the body de-activated proteins or DNA components that cause the immune system to flag them as invaders, without making the pet sick. The immune response gets stronger each time a pet is exposed to the vaccine, which is why multiple boosters are required during puppyhood and must be continued until they reach adulthood.
What are the core dog vaccines?
Core dog vaccines are considered essential for all dogs, regardless of age, breed, size, or lifestyle, and include:
- Rabies — Rabies virus is transmitted through bites or saliva and causes neurological dysfunction and death in almost all documented cases. Rabies is transmissible to humans and this vaccination is required by law.
- Distemper — Distemper causes respiratory and neurological illness in young puppies and is often fatal. Distemper survivors often have chronic neurological changes.
- Parvovirus — Parvovirus attacks the immune system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically in young puppies. “Parvo puppies” can survive with intensive care, but can suffer fatal complications without—and sometimes despite—treatment.
- Adenovirus — Adenovirus causes severe hepatitis and potentially fatal liver failure.
Distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus are typically combined into one combination injection called DA2PP, DAPP, or DAP. Parainfluenza may also be included in this combination.
What are the non-core dog vaccines?
Non-core vaccines, which are based on lifestyle and individual needs, are considered optional for most dogs. Available non-core vaccines include:
- Bordetella — Bordetella is a respiratory bacteria commonly implicated in “kennel cough,” a canine respiratory syndrome that is highly contagious, but usually mild.
- Parainfluenza — This minor viral infection may also cause kennel cough and is often combined with bordetella or distemper vaccines.
- Canine influenza — Canine influenza causes respiratory issues combined with fever, lethargy, and occasionally, pneumonia. Influenza outbreaks have occurred across the United States at various times in recent years.
- Leptospirosis — Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through infected animal urine, including from rodents and larger wildlife species. “Lepto” causes serious kidney and liver damage and can also infect humans.
- Lyme disease — Lyme disease is transmitted by specific tick species and can cause generalized illness, limping, or kidney failure.
Which vaccines does my dog need?
Each dog is an individual and their vaccination schedule should reflect their specific risks and lifestyle. All dogs require the core vaccines, including rabies virus and the distemper combination. Lifestyle risks that necessitate non-core vaccines include:
- Social interactions — Dogs who spend time with other playful pups or in boarding facilities typically require bordetella and influenza vaccines to reduce their risk of contracting or spreading respiratory infections.
- Wild adventures — Spending time in wildlife-dense areas or swimming in natural water bodies increase leptospirosis risk.
- Tick exposure — Dogs who regularly encounter ticks or visit tick-endemic areas, which may include backyards and roadsides, are at risk for Lyme disease.
How often does my dog need vaccines?
Puppies should start their initial vaccination series at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue receiving boosters every three to four weeks until they are at least 4 months old. Multiple boosters help establish strong immunity and are needed to override maternal antibodies, which provide temporary protection against some diseases but can interfere with immunity as they wear off.
To minimize the risks of a negative reaction, we recommend splitting vaccines into multiple visits, first completing the most important core vaccines and then the elective vaccines during puppyhood. For adults, core vaccines should be repeated every three years, and non-core vaccines annually.
Can vaccines cause allergic reactions in dogs?
Vaccines cause an immune response, which may lead to minor flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, lethargy, or fever, for a few days. True vaccine reactions are uncommon but can be serious. Vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, or hives may develop minutes to hours after vaccination and should be treated. Serious reactions (i.e., anaphylactic shock), which typically occur a few minutes after injection but are rare. We recommend that you watch your pet closely for several hours after vaccination and call us immediately with any concerns. For most pets, vaccine benefits outweigh these risks.
Vaccinations are a fundamental step toward comprehensive pet health—without them, many dogs do not live past puppy or young adulthood because of infectious diseases. Bartow Animal Clinic makes vaccinating pets easy and affordable with our comprehensive wellness plans and offers three tiers of renewable services paid in fixed monthly installments. Contact us to schedule your pup’s next wellness visit and vaccine consultation, or to learn more about our wellness services and plans.
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