Dog Vaccinations that Your Pet Needs

If you have a dog or if you are thinking of adopting one soon, you should be aware that there are many vaccinations strongly recommended or even required by law for your pet. As a pet owner, it’s important for you to learn everything you can about these vaccinations and have your dog vaccinated when necessary.

In the article below, you’ll find information about seven of the most common vaccinations dogs receive. Read through the descriptions of each one to find out just how important they are.

1. Bordetella

Bordetella is a type of bacteria that leads to a condition known commonly as kennel cough. This bacterium can be spread easily from dog to dog, and it is transmitted through contact with an infected dog. Shared water bowls and food bowls, shared leashes, and even simply shared space such as a dog park or boarding facility can lead to a spread of this infection. That is why it is known as kennel cough.

Bordetella vaccinations are required by any reputable boarding facility before they will allow a dog to stay on site. This vaccine is also required by many landlords.

2. Canine Parainfluenza

Canine parainfluenza is also sometimes referred to as “dog flu.” It is a very dangerous disease that is fatal to puppies, dogs with other health problems, and senior pets. It is extremely contagious and can be spread throughout a whole community of dogs in just a few days.

Because of how easy it is for this illness to spread; this dog vaccination is required by law in areas that are severely affected by cases of canine parainfluenza. Canine parainfluenza mostly causes respiratory symptoms, and although it can be treated in some healthy adult dogs, it is still a risky illness.

3. Parvovirus

Parvovirus is very serious and is often fatal to puppies especially. It can, however, be fatal to any dog of any age depending on the severity of the infection. Parvovirus is also extremely contagious and can be easily spread between dogs, making it a risk at any boarding facilities or kennels.

This condition causes severe bloody diarrhea as its primary symptom. It may also cause vomiting. Dogs who have parvovirus quickly become dehydrated, and the dehydration often grows so severe that it leads to sepsis and death within just a few days. Puppies especially do not often survive.

4. Distemper

Distemper is a respiratory infection in dogs that causes a variety of respiratory symptoms. It usually begins with watery eyes and includes discharge from the nose, moderate to severe fever, lethargy, coughing, and vomiting. It may also include some wheezing and sneezing, but these are usually secondary symptoms that are caused by the primary symptoms.

Distemper attacks a dog’s nervous system. Because of this, it is very uncommon for dogs to survive, and puppies are especially prone to death from distemper. If a dog does survive, it will have permanent damage to the nervous system from this disease.

5. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, which can often be found in standing water and soil. Dogs are most at risk of exposure when drinking from lakes, rivers, or puddles, and when roaming around areas where wildlife or farm animals congregate. Infection can occur when the dog’s mucous membranes or a small open wound on their body comes into contact with soil, water, or urine that has been contaminated with Leptospira bacteria.

Clinical signs of leptospirosis vary among those infected; some dogs do not show any signs while others may have moderate to severe illness. Signs can include fever, drinking excessively to stave off thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, shivering, and lack of appetite. Because leptospirosis is a problem in our area and has the potential to be deadly, we highly recommend having your dog vaccinated to protect them from this disease.

6. Rabies

You probably already know that rabies vaccinations are required by law in the United States and in much of the rest of the world as well. However, it is important to make sure you pay attention to the date when your dog receives his rabies vaccination, as he will need to have a booster every year (or every three years, depending on the vaccine he receives).

Rabies is, of course, always a fatal disease. Dogs who contract rabies become afraid of water and unable to swallow, and they also develop aggressive behaviors. Any human who encounters a rabid dog must be treated for rabies.

7. Lyme (non-core)

Boston Veterinary Clinic will recommend the Lyme vaccine on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dog. Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a tick that is carrying the disease. It can cause a dog to become lame in the hind legs and may cause the joints to swell up, leading to significant pain, stiffness, and inability to move. The dog may become lethargic, sluggish, and unable to behave as he otherwise normally would.

Lyme disease must be managed throughout the rest of the dog’s life. It cannot be treated, and in some cases it is fatal. Dogs who don’t die from it will be considered infected for their whole lives.

Book a Dog Vaccination Appointment with Boston Veterinary Clinic

These are just some of the dog vaccinations that most vets will encourage you to get for your pet. Although they aren’t all required by law, many of them are strongly encouraged and should be considered for your dog. Depending on your pet, some of these dog vaccinations may be more important than others, but you should think about all of them for your pet.

Speak to your veterinarian if you have any more questions or concerns about any of these vaccinations. Book an appointment with your Boston Veterinary Clinic vet online!