Dogs need a series of vaccinations to protect them from common and potentially serious diseases. These vaccines are generally categorized into core vaccines, which are recommended for all dogs, and lifestyle vaccines, which depend on the dog's environment and activities.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
These are essential for all dogs and puppies:
- Canine Distemper Virus : A highly contagious viral disease affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Canine Parvovirus : A serious viral infection causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
- Canine Adenovirus-2 (Infectious Hepatitis) : Protects against liver disease and some forms of kennel cough.
- Leptospirosis : A bacterial disease that can cause kidney or liver failure and can be transmitted to humans. It is now considered a core vaccine due to its prevalence in various environments.
- Rabies : A fatal viral disease required by law in many areas, especially if traveling abroad or in regions where rabies is present
Lifestyle Vaccines
These are given based on risk factors such as geographic location, exposure to other dogs, and outdoor activities:
- Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) : Recommended for dogs that visit boarding, daycare, or grooming facilities.
- Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) : For dogs in areas where Lyme disease is common.
- Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) : For dogs at risk of exposure.
- Rattlesnake vaccine : In certain geographic areas with snake exposure risk
Vaccination Schedule and Boosters
- Puppies typically receive their first core vaccine series starting around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 2-4 weeks until about 16-20 weeks old.
- Rabies vaccine is usually given at or after 12 weeks of age with a booster after one year.
- Adult dogs require booster shots to maintain immunity: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis boosters every three years; leptospirosis and kennel cough boosters annually.
- Your veterinarian will tailor the vaccination plan based on your dog's lifestyle and local disease risks
In summary, the essential vaccines dogs need are for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (hepatitis), leptospirosis, and rabies, with additional vaccines like kennel cough and Lyme disease given based on lifestyle and location. Regular boosters are necessary to maintain protection throughout the dog's life.
