Do I Really Need Vaccinations For My Dog?
Posted on 20. Aug, 2012 by admin in Canine Health
Do I Really Need Vaccinations For My Dog?
You and your family love your dog JD. He brings so much joy to the house and is a loyal companion. This is why you take such good care of him. You buy him the best food, make sure he gets his daily walks, and you take him to the vet for his routine visits. But, why, when JD is always so healthy and well is it necessary for him to get vaccines? You take him to the same park, he plays with the same dogs, and you rarely travel with him, so is it really necessary to keep up with vaccinations?
Core vs. Non-Core
Veterinarians recommend that all dogs, regardless of their location or situation, are regularly given the core vaccinations. These protect against diseases that are highly contagious and life-threatening. Although JD has a routine schedule and his risk is low, the severity of these illnesses means that getting vaccinated is a case of better safe than sorry.
The non-core vaccines are for less common illnesses and those that are typically not life-threatening. Whether you get these vaccines for JD should be up to you with advice from your vet. Core vaccines can vary to some degree depending upon location, but typically include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, rabies, and parainfluenza virus.
Canine Distemper
Distemper is a virus and puppies are especially susceptible to it. However, a dog of any age can get this illness. It is highly contagious and can be spread through the air and by objects that are contaminated. Symptoms of distemper include runny nose and eyes, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
The consequences of distemper are very serious and because it is so contagious, JD needs this vaccination. Any of his buddies could pass it along to him as could that squirrel he enjoys chasing.
Rabies
If JD has any contact with wild animals, even just the possum in the back yard, he is susceptible to contracting rabies. The disease can cause serious symptoms and can be fatal. Because humans can catch this disease as well, by vaccinating JD, you are protecting him and your family.
Parvovirus
Parvo is another illness caused by a viral infection. Contraction usually occurs from contact with an infected dog’s feces. Any time JD plays at the park or sniffs another dog’s little present while on a walk, he is susceptible to this severe viral infection. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even death, but if caught early, it can be treated. Cases in puppies, however, are nearly always fatal. For this reason, if JD will be around puppies, he needs to be vaccinated to protect them.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus is an infection that causes hepatitis in dogs, an infection of the liver. The infection is highly contagious and can be caught from dogs or wildlife through bodily fluids. Adenovirus causes depression, fever, coughing, and abdominal pains. Most dogs recover, but death is a possibility as are continuing chronic liver problems. To keep JD healthy for life, this vaccine is a must.
Is it Possible to Over-Vaccinate?
Yes! There are benefits and drawbacks to vaccinating JD, which is why vets recommend the core vaccines. Because the above illnesses are so severe and contagious, the vaccines are worth the risks. Your vet should be able to tell you if JD needs any of the non-core vaccines like those for Lyme disease or leptospirosis. In the past, dogs have gotten their vaccinations on a yearly basis. Newer guidelines suggest that every three years is enough for most dogs. Certain breeds may need a vaccine more often. For instance, rottweilers require a more frequent vaccination for parvovirus.
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