When you adopt that cute fur ball, you know immediately that your dog will depend on you for everything. So, it is your responsibility to provide your furry friend with the best care possible, which can be intimidating. Your dog needs plenty of attention, the best dog food, safe toys, a comfortable home, socialization, and proper veterinary care.
Dog Vaccines
A vaccine is a preparation of altered or killed microorganisms administered into the body to stimulate the immune system. Vaccines help the immune system learn how to fight the disease-causing agents the dog encounters in the future. With vaccines, it will have less severe symptoms or not fall sick at all.
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Some diseases are more or less likely based on where you live. There is a wide range of dog vaccines, categorized into core and non-core vaccines. All dogs must get core vaccines.
However, non-core vaccines are essential when recommended by a veterinarian based on the geographic area where you live and your dog’s lifestyle. Core vaccines for dogs include the following:
Rabies Vaccine
All states require dogs to get rabies vaccines. Rabies is a severe infection of the central nervous system and brain. It is rare in pets but can pass dogs when bit by an infected creature, such as a fox, bat, skunk, or raccoon.
Fortunately, rabies is 100 percent preventable through a vaccine. When you vaccinate your pets against this virus, you protect them, your family, and other animals that may come into contact with your dog.
Infections Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a highly infectious viral disease affecting a dog’s lungs, eyes, kidneys, and liver. It spreads through the nasal discharge, saliva, blood, feces, or urine of infected dogs. An infected dog’s urine can be infectious for up to one year. Furthermore, the virus can survive for many months.
Infections of canine hepatitis can cause symptoms such as pale gums, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, coughing, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, and vomiting. Unfortunately, this disease can develop quickly and does not have a specific treatment. That is why dogs must get vaccinated to get immunity against this viral disease.
Leptospirosis
Bacteria causes this disease. Dogs can get this disease when they come into contact with contaminated water or infected urine. So, dogs that like to drink from stagnant water and those that love swimming can be at risk.
Mildly affected dogs can recover. However, they can still carry the bacteria in their urine for several months. That can pose a significant risk to other animals and humans. The best way to avoid this problem is through vaccination.
Distemper
Distemper attacks several body systems and can be fatal. It can cause long-term neurological problems in recovered dogs. Dogs can get this virus through direct contact with fresh blood, saliva, or urine.
The virus is also transmittable through coughing, sneezing, and sharing water and food bowls. Currently, there is no known cure for this disease. So, it is crucial to vaccinate your furry friend against this deadly virus.
Canine Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. It is more likely to infect puppies but can also affect adult dogs. Parvovirus spreads through direct contact with the feces or saliva of an infected animal.
You can carry the disease on your clothing and hands from one dog to another. Many dogs with this disease do not survive. Thus, it would be best if you protect your dog with vaccination.
For more on dog vaccinations, visit Country Veterinary Clinic, Inc. at our Live Oak, California office. Call (530) 491-4500 to schedule an appointment today.
