Why Are Pet Vaccinations Necessary for My Dog?
Dogs can be at risk of infection just like any other animal. Therefore, immunity to disease is essential for them to live a healthy life. To increase your pet’s immunity, they should receive vaccinations on a routine basis. Our hospital in Nora is dedicated to protecting pets with timely vaccinations that are suited to their individual lifestyles. This is one of the most effective ways to not only prevent infection in your pet but to prevent the spread of certain diseases that put animals and people at risk.
What vaccinations does my dog need, and why are they important?
For any dog, we recommend following the core vaccine schedule. That consists of our distemper series, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza virus, Bordetella, rabies, and leptospirosis. These are core vaccinations that are important for any dog regardless of their lifestyle, age, or where they might live. These have been decided as the core vaccines to keep our dogs healthy and to ensure they are protected against everything in the environment, as well as to keep ourselves, as pet owners, protected because some of these diseases can be transmitted to humans as well.
What is the difference between core and non-core vaccines, and what are the non-core vaccines for dogs?
Core vaccines are the essential vaccines for any animal regardless of lifestyle, age, activity level, and things like that. In contrast, the non-core vaccines are determined based on your dog's lifestyle—whether you will be camping, boarding your dog, going to dog parks, grooming, etc. Some of our non-core vaccines, for example, would be the Lyme vaccination. If you and your dog are going to be camping or hiking in rural areas where ticks or Lyme disease is prevalent, your veterinarian might recommend getting your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease. Similarly, canine influenza is one of our non-core vaccines as well. This is often required by boarding facilities, daycares, kennels, or places like that where there is a high variety of animals and a high load of dogs in one area, making them more susceptible to certain diseases such as canine influenza.
How often will my dog need booster shots?
Booster vaccines vary based on age and vaccination status. A general rule of thumb is we start vaccinating our dogs around 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue every 2 to 4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Once they reach 16 weeks, they have developed their immune system, and their mom's maternal antibodies have worn off. For an adult dog who's never been vaccinated, we generally administer two series: the first vaccine and then again in 3 to 4 weeks for the second booster to ensure they are protected against these diseases. Thereafter, depending on the vaccine, they will either need to be boostered once a year or every three years.
What are the signs to watch for regarding my dog having an adverse reaction to a vaccine?
The most common adverse reaction we see to vaccines is some pain at the injection site—soreness or discomfort when you start petting either their neck area or behind. This usually goes away within 24 to 48 hours. We can also see tiredness or lethargy, where your dog might just go home and sleep the rest of the night after the vaccine, which is totally fine and normal. In rare cases, we may see more severe side effects. Signs to look out for would be facial swelling, hives, or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian, and they'll be able to guide you to the help you need.
Common Animal Diseases
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. Without immediate treatment, this disease is almost always fatal. The most common vectors of this virus are bats, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. Rabies is spread via an infected animal’s saliva and its symptoms include muscle spasms, paralysis, fever, and excessive drooling. In Indiana all pets are required by law to be vaccinated against Rabies.
Distemper
Distemper differs between cats and dogs. Canine distemper is a life-threatening viral disease that targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis primarily affects dogs. Leptospira bacteria, which cause this infection, can be found just about anywhere in soil and standing water. A notable characteristic of Leptospirosis is that it is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from animals to people. Rivers, lakes, rural properties, and exposure to wildlife (such as deer, raccoons, and rodents) can increase your dog’s risk of becoming infected.
Does Your Dog Need Protection from Disease?
Call (762) 716-5417 to meet with one of our doctors about your pet’s vaccination needs. We can discuss their vaccine timeline, existing and potential disease risks, and much more so you can make the most informed decisions about their care. Questions are always welcome!
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