Along with providing food and caring for the exercise needs of your canine companion, you need to consider his vaccinations. Many of the illnesses dogs face are of the infectious variety and can be extremely dangerous or even fatal.
The “For the Love of Fido” article published in the Squamish Chief advises that in addition to the benefits vaccines have on dogs, they also positively impact the animal community as a whole, by eliminating or reducing the prevalence of diseases.
What Are The Benefits Of Canine Vaccinations?
Canine vaccinations are beneficial because they help a pet’s overal health and wellness by developing an immune response to an infectious disease. Many veterinary professionals agree that there are core vaccinations that should be administered to all pets. The core vaccinations help protect against Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo.
Rabies is also considered a core vaccination and while it is not as prevalent as some of the other diseases, it can affect all mammals and is also fatal once symptoms appear.
Parvovirus and Distemper are highly contagious and while they are not as prevalent as some of the other infectious diseases, they can still be found. Canine Parvovirus can affect dogs of all ages and is still present in the environment for months.
What Are Non-Core Vaccines?
Based on the environment, lifestyle and other factors, some dogs are at risk for diseases for which vaccination is recommended. Not all veterinarians agree on which vaccinations, if any, should be given in addition to the core vaccinations.
Some non-core vaccinations protect against diseases such as Bordetela, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease and canine coronavirus.
Dogs that interact a lot with other dogs, such as by going to training classes, boarding or grooming, or going to dog parks, are likely to be exposed to more diseases. So are dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Diseases that affect dogs can vary. Your veterinarian is in the best position to make that judgment call, based on your dog’s condition and situation.
Pet Care Services
Dogs, like people, need routine check ups to assess their overal health. Regular check ups, along with healthy diet and exercise, oral care, parasite prevention, behavioral and mental health care and other veterinary services are part of a complete health care plan for your dog.
Your vet can assess your dog’s overal health and incorporate a personalized schedule of preventive vaccination to meet your dog’s health care needs.
If you don’t know if your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, call us to go over your dog’s vaccination and prevention plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Vaccinations
1. How often do dogs need vaccinations?
Each dog is different. The foster moms of your puppy’s litter or your dog’s veterinarian can help you develop a plan for your dog.
2. Are vaccinations for indoor dogs necessary?
Yes. Beyond core vaccinations, other vaccinations are situation or lifestyle based.
3. Are vaccinations for puppies different?
Puppies require a series of vaccinations. Your veterinarian can give you more information.
