Everyone is wondering when it is that time of the year what vaccines your dog really needs. There are many vaccines that are out there that do many different things and some veterinarians recommend them and some think they are unnecessary. I have seen pets get vaccine reactions to all types of vaccines. Personally I think it is the way the pet takes the vaccine. Dogs can get a vaccine reaction at any age and any time. The several vaccines include Rabies, Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Distemper, Parvo, Corona, Giardia, and Lyme. Those are the most popular vaccines that a veterinarian will vaccinate for.
Rabies is the most known vaccine but that does not mean that it is the only vaccine that your pet should receive throughout its life. The rabies vaccine protects your pet and yourself. Rabies is a disease that humans and animals can contract through silvia. Animal control in your area may make this vaccine required. If you do not vaccinate your pet for rabies you could possibly get a fine from animal control. Check with your local authority’s for regulations.
Bordatella is another vaccine that is important. This vaccine prevents kennel cough. Dogs can catch kennel cough from another dog that has contracted it. It is treatable but you would need to take the pet to your local vet and get it treated. The symptoms of kennel cough are a hacking, or bad cough it may sound like its coughing up its intestines (not literally). Kennel cough spreads very fast just like the common cold for humans.
Leptospirosis is a very good vaccine to treat your dog with. Some veterinarians think that this vaccine is a cause for vaccine reactions but I personally good to give this vaccine because it will help your dog not catch the deadly disease. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. Which means like Rabies it can be contracted to humans and animals. Leptospirosis is not treatable like some of the other diseases. Your pet can contract the disease from urine or feces that is still moist from an animal that may carry the disease. Humans can also catch this disease from touching contaminated urine or feces. The symptoms of Leptospirosis are the kidneys get the most damage and can get renal failure. The bacteria attacks the kidneys, liver, and nervous system
Distemper is another vaccine that your veterinarian will recommend. The disease is highly contagious. This is spread through the air and contaminated objects. Signs range from; a mild respiratory problem (runny eyes and nose), severe diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. Your pet can catch this disease at any age and anytime. The most common is in puppies.
Parvo vaccine is a good preventative for adults and puppies. Dogs can become infected with the parvovirus through contact with the stool of an infected dog or a contaminated environment. Puppies are most susceptible to parvovirus infections. Parvovirus causes severe and often bloody vomiting and diarrhea. Fatalities occur most often in puppies. Vaccinations and keeping the puppy or dog isolated from contact with unvaccinated puppies or dogs is the best preventative.
Corona is a good vaccine to give to puppies. Some veterinarians do not believe in giving this vaccine to any age dog. Canine Corona virus is the second leading viral cause of diarrhea in puppies with canine Parvovirus being the leader. Canine Corona virus is not new to the canine population; it has been known to exist for decades. Its importance as an infectious disease and killer of dogs has probably been overestimated by vaccine manufacturers and some veterinary authorities. The Corona virus is not as prevalent that is was in the 50’s or 60’s.
Giardia is a good vaccine to vaccinate with if you live near any type of free standing water. Giardia is a parasite that can be found in different and unexpected water sources, such as puddles, ponds, swimming pools, streams and rivers. Your pet can contract the disease by drinking contaminated water or by licking paws after exposure to infected areas. Some veterinarians do not vaccinate for this disease either which it is important if the pet is accessible to any free standing water.
Lyme vaccine is good if you live in any wooded area or could have ticks in your backyard. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a tick. There are several ticks that carrie the Lyme disease. I would get my dog vaccinated if you live in the woods or have a sandy backyard.
I hope you take this article in to consideration when it’s the next time you have that yearly visit with your veterinarian. I think pets should be vaccinated for the important vaccines but if they are not necessary why over vaccinate?
