Vaccine is an essential thing needed for your dogs as it helps prevent many illnesses your dog might get. Vaccinating your dog has been one of the easiest ways to help him live long and healthy life.
There are different vaccines for different diseases as well as different types and combinations of vaccines. Your vet will determine a vaccination regime that will provide the best and safest protection for your dog. Not only dogs, cats also need to get vaccines. Make sure you know all essential vaccines for cat too!
The vaccines that your dog needs based on your dog’s situation. However, there are some vaccines you need to understand for your dog needs. Let’s see each of them closely!
- Core dog vaccines
Core dog vaccines are considered vital to all dogs based on the universal risk of exposure, the severity of the disease, and the risk of transmission to others. That’s why it is very important to make sure that your dog gets all of these core vaccines.
Rabies is one of the most fatal diseases that can attack the nervous system of the dog. Besides, it is also transmissible to humans as well. That’s why it is very important to get your dog vaccinated by against rabies.
There might be some anti rabies vaccine effects on dogs, so make sure you are aware of them. If there’s anything serious, make sure to consult with the vet.
Distemper is another fatal disease attacking dogs. It is a viral disease which affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and nervous system.
There are 2 types of adenovirus called adenovirus type 1 and 2. A vaccination against adenovirus type 2 is able to protect your dog against both types.
Adenovirus type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, which affects the liver and other organ systems. It causes serious illness which could be fatal. Meanwhile, adenovirus type 2 causes respiratory illness and could be developed into kennel cough.
Parvovirus is another viral disease which is fatal to dogs. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Beware! Parvo virus is one of the causes of sudden death in puppies.
Parainfluenza is a viral disease that affects the respiratory system. Kennel cough is also the development of this disease.
- Non-core dog vaccines
Different with the core vaccines, these non-core vaccines are not core and essential. However, they are very important especially for most dogs who may be exposed to infectious diseases. Let’s see the complete list of non-core dog vaccines your dog may need:
Bordetella is an infection caused by a bacteria. This disease can cause or contribute to kennel cough. There are some other bacterial infections in dogs you need to know as well.
Lyme disease is another bacterial disease which is spread by ticks. It can cause arthritis and other problems, such as kidney disease. It is only a risk in certain locations, so not every dog will need this.
You should consult with your vet about whether your dog should get one. Make sure you also know these symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs and get your dog vaccinated so you can prevent this!
Coronavirus in dogs is not the same as covid-19 that humans have. This virus primarily causes diarrhea. The infection of this disease is not as great as the other viral diseases.
Vaccine against giardia for dogs is also recommended to prevent the shedding of cysts, though it doesn’t prevent infection.
Canine influenza H3N8 is a new influenza virus in dogs. The symptoms are similar to flu and it is very contagious when dogs are in close contact, such as in kennel.
Because of its contagiousness, some kennels, grooming salons and similar businesses now require this vaccination to prevent an outbreak. The decision to get this vaccine should be consulted and discussed with your vet.
Rattlesnake vaccine is the vaccine which might lessen the severity of the symptoms caused by being bitten by a rattlesnake. Your vet will help determine your dog’s risk for the snake bit based on your dog’s lifestyle and the place where you live.
Vaccines for dogs should be started as soon as you get the puppies (between 6 and 8 weeks). Then, every 3 weeks until approximately 4 months old, your dog will receive the final round.
Here is the recommended schedule for dog vaccination:
- 6-7 weeks: DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, parainfluenza) and Bordetella
- 9-10 weeks: DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis
- 12-13 weeks: DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Lyme disease
- 15-17 weeks: DHPP, Rabies, Canine Influenza, Lyme disease
Every vaccine you would like to give to your dog should be discussed and consulted with your vet. Your vet will help determine the best vaccines to be administered to your dog based on your dog’s condition and need.