Welcoming a new four-legged friend into your home is an exciting journey filled with joy and responsibility. Among the responsibilities of a pet owner, ensuring your dog is vaccinated is crucial. Like humans, dog vaccinations help fight against potential diseases, providing your furry family member the protection they need to live a happy, healthy, and long life.

The Essential Dog Vaccinations

Dog vaccinations are generally categorized into two types: core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are necessary for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or location. In contrast, non-core vaccines are recommended based on the dog’s specific risk factors, such as their environment and lifestyle.

Core Dog Vaccines

Core vaccines are considered vital to all dogs based on risk of exposure, severity of disease, or transmissibility to humans.

• Rabies Vaccine: This vaccination is required by law in many regions. Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected animal, usually a wild one. The disease is fatal in nearly all cases once clinical signs appear. Hence, your dogs must get vaccinated regularly for rabies to ensure they’re protected.
• Canine Distemper Vaccines: Canine distemper is a viral disease that impacts dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. The virus is highly contagious and can lead to severe health complications and death. Distemper vaccines efficiently prevent this virus and are typically given in combination with other vaccines.
• Canine Parvovirus Vaccines: Parvovirus is another severe disease that puppies can contract. This highly contagious virus leads to lethargy, vomiting, fever, and often severe diarrhea. This commonly affects unvaccinated dogs, emphasizing the vital need for puppy vaccinations in Jackson and everywhere else in the country.
• Adenovirus Vaccine: Adenovirus, commonly called Infectious Canine Hepatitis, is a disease that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes of dogs. It can be lethal for young puppies. The adenovirus vaccine is necessary to protect your dogs against this disease. It is commonly combined with distemper, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccinations in a single dose, commonly referred to as DHPP.

Non-Core Dog Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are administered depending on your dog’s exposure risk and lifestyle.

• Bordetella Vaccine (Kennel Cough Vaccine): Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes respiratory disease in dogs. It is part of the group of pathogens that contribute to kennel cough. This vaccination is recommended for dogs frequently around many other dogs, such as at boarding kennels, doggy daycare, grooming salons, and dog parks.
• Lyme Disease Vaccine: Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. The vaccine is usually recommended for dogs living in or traveling to areas with a high tick population.
• Leptospira Bacteria Vaccine: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects dogs, humans, and many other animals. It’s spread through the urine of infected animals, often rats or mice, and can cause kidney and liver failure. The vaccine may be considered for dogs that spend lots of time outdoors or in areas where leptospirosis is common.
• Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) Vaccines: Canine influenza is a viral respiratory disease that can cause coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and more, similar to human flu. This vaccine might be recommended if your dog spends much time in kennels or around many other dogs.
• Canine Parainfluenza Vaccine: Canine parainfluenza virus is one of the many viruses that can contribute to kennel cough. This vaccine is often included in the combination (multi-valent) vaccines most commonly given to dogs.

How Often Should Dogs Be Vaccinated?

Typically, puppies receive their first rounds of vaccinations at six weeks old and continue through the first year of life. After that, boosters are typically given every one to three years, depending on the dog’s environment, lifestyle, and the specific vaccine.

The Risks and Side Effects of Dog Vaccinations

Generally, dog vaccinations are very safe, and serious side effects are rare. However, a small percentage of dogs can have an allergic reaction. Consult your vet if you notice any unusual behavior after your dog has been vaccinated.

Importance of Pet Vaccination and Parasite Prevention

Regular vaccination and parasite prevention are essential parts of pet healthcare. They protect your pets from various illnesses and minimize the spread of infectious diseases.

1. Disease Prevention: Vaccines are designed to protect pets from various illnesses, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. These diseases can be fatal, and treatment can be costly, making prevention an essential part of pet care.
2. Prevents Parasite Infestations: Regularly using parasite prevention methods, such as tick and flea treatments, prevents infestations that can lead to diseases like Lyme disease or tapeworms.
3. Herd Immunity: By vaccinating your pets, you’re contributing to the larger community’s health by preventing the spread of certain diseases. Herd immunity occurs when enough animals are vaccinated to significantly reduce the disease’s spread, protecting other animals in the community.
4. Lower Veterinary Bills: Preventive care, like vaccinations and parasite prevention, can save you from high veterinary bills if your pet contracts a preventable disease.
5. Longer, Healthier Life: Effective prevention via vaccinations and parasite control, along with regular check-ups to the vet, can contribute to your pet’s longer, healthier, and happier life.
6. Peace of Mind: When your pet is vaccinated and protected against parasites, it gives you peace of mind knowing that they are safeguarded from many serious health issues.

Understanding Geriatric Veterinary Care

As our pets age, their healthcare needs change, requiring more attention and specific treatments. Geriatric vet care for senior dogs is essential to ensuring your pet remains healthy and happy during its golden years. Specialized attention, routine check-ups, and age-specific treatments enhance their quality of life.

Value of Vet Diagnostic Labs

Diagnostic labs play a crucial role in veterinary medicine. From routine screenings for parasites to complex disease detection, a pet laboratory in Jackson can provide the comprehensive testing needed to detect health issues early. Early diagnosis is key to the effective treatment and management of several diseases.

Conclusion

Vaccinations are an integral part of your dog’s health and longevity. Essential vaccinations such as Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus should be administered to every dog, safeguarding their health and protecting them against these potentially severe diseases. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leptospira, and Canine Influenza should be considered based on your dog’s lifestyle, environment, and exposure risk.