What Vaccines Does My Dog Really Need?
Now more than ever, people are contemplating whether or not they feel that vaccines are something that they want to include as a part of their life. No matter what side of the coin your opinion lies regarding vaccinations for humans, trusted organizations such as the ASPCA all agree that vaccines for pets are definitely a necessity. Let’s take a closer look at vaccines for dogs and identify which shots are considered a necessity.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines act as a front line of defense in fighting off the organisms that cause disease. They don’t actually contain the named disease they are intended to repel. Instead, they contain antigens, which have similar characteristics to the disease. These antigens work to stimulate the being’s natural immune system.
As a result, when the dog is exposed to the real thing, its body is familiar with the disease. Now it is prepared to come to terms with it in one of two ways. The dog may be safeguarded against it entirely, or instead it may still become sick but the severity of its condition may be reduced.
Essential Vaccines for Dogs
Have you just brought home a precious puppy to add to your family? The American Kennel Club outlines the most important vaccinations to schedule for your little furry friend:
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica: The main cause of kennel cough, this strongly infectious organism can cause severe vomiting and coughing, and even seizures and death.
- Canine Distemper: Without a vaccination, this severely contagious virus wages a threefold attack against the nervous system, respiratory system and gastrointestinal system in dogs. This dangerous virus easily spreads through the air.
- Canine Hepatitis: A disease of the liver, canine hepatitis is a highly infectious disease that spreads to the kidneys, lungs, spleen, and eyes of the dog. There is no cure for the most severe form of the disease.
- Canine Parainfluenza: A virus that may increase the chances of your dog getting kennel cough
- Coronavirus: The AKC explains that canine coronavirus is in no way the same virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. The symptoms of canine coronavirus may include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Parvovirus: Highly contagious, parvovirus is the biggest risk to unvaccinated puppies that are less than 4 months old. It is marked by extreme dehydration that can cause death within a 48-to-72-hour period. For this reason, taking your puppy to the vet quickly is an absolute necessity.
- Rabies: Perhaps the most well-known disease that people can all agree that they need to get their dog vaccinated for is rabies. When a dog has rabies, it attacks its nervous system, causing a host of undesirable symptoms. As you probably know, if you get bitten by a rabid dog, your health becomes seriously at risk.
When Is the Right Time for Dog Vaccinations?
Nursing puppies receive antibodies through their mother’s milk, providing that she is healthy. Beginning at six to eight weeks old, puppies should begin receiving a series of vaccinations. Your veterinarian will likely administer the vaccinations in sets of three, every 3-4 weeks.
When it comes to vaccinating adult dogs, some may receive certain vaccines yearly, while other vaccines may be given every three years or more.
Weighing Out the Risks
It is perfectly normal for your dog’s immune system to become stimulated after a vaccination, and as a result, he or she may experience undesirable symptoms. The most common symptom is soreness at the location of the injection and a mild fever. An allergic reaction may occur as well. With that being said, most pets do not experience any unpleasant side effects afterward. In any case, it is always a good idea to thoroughly discuss with your trusted veterinarian the medical history of your dog before moving forward with any vaccination plan.