Dog Vaccination Schedule : Rabies and Others

Dog Vaccination Schedule : Rabies and Others

Do I Really Have to Get My Dog Vaccinated?

Owning a dog brings a lot of love and joy in your life, but it also brings a huge commitment! Aside from proper food, shelter, and attention, vaccines for dogs are something you should also look into.

While going to the vet religiously can seem like an expensive chore, dog vaccinations will defend your dog from dangerous and deadly diseases. As the American Kennel Club explains, most of these are preventable, so save yourself and your dog from needless pain with this handy overview on dog vaccines.

The Vaccines You’ll Need

Kennel Cough

Caused by inflammation of the upper airways, due to bacterial, viral, or other infections such as Bordetella Bronchiseptica, and canine parainfluenza. 

Canine Distemper

A highly contagious disease that targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Infected dogs can spread the virus for months. There is no cure for the virus so if the dog survives the symptoms, the dog’s immune system will have to fight it off.

Canine Hepatitis

A highly contagious viral infection that targets the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes of the affected dog. Many dogs can survive the mild version of the disease, but the severe form can be deadly.

Corona Virus

Affects the dogs’ gastrointestinal system, and at times causes respiratory infections.

Heartworm

The worms, when lumped together, can obstruct and injure organs. As heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, you’ll need a blood test to check. Around 12-16 weeks, check with your vet to begin a heartworm preventive for your dog.

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria, and can spread from animals to people. When symptoms appear, antibiotics are needed.

Lyme Disease

An infectious disease from ticks, it’s caused by the spirochete bacteria. It can lead to neurological disorders if left untreated.

Rabies

A viral disease of mammals that targets the central nervous system, most often transmitted through bites from a rabid animal. It can cause headache, anxiety, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death if not treated immediately.

Parvovirus

Puppies less than four months of age, and unvaccinated dogs are high risk targets. The incurable virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and triggers a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and severe bloody diarrhea. There is no cure for the virus, so the dog must be well hydrated and symptoms controlled until the dog’s immune system fights it off.

Sploot View: Keep an Updated Health Record

Chat up your vet to see which vaccines are needed by your dog. We agree with the Canine Journal in espousing how being a responsible pet owner means doing what’s best for your dog so that they remain happy and healthy. Keeping a regularly updated health journal for your dog makes you stay at the top of your caregiving game.

Stay tuned for more of our blog updates for more topics on how to keep your fur babies well-loved and well taken care of!