Dog Vaccines

Veterinary medicine can be expensive and confusing, so good communication, resources, and knowledge are important for pet owners. Once you choose a vet you feel comfortable with, you should be open to a collaborative approach. Although your veterinarian has the experience to solve your pets’ problems, you, as a pet owner, know your animal best.

Sometimes a second opinion is the best option you have to make an informed decision. Vaccines, for example, can cause controversy and confusion. Some studies in recent years have shown that vaccines can be harmful. The basic vaccinations for dogs are those for rabies, distemper and parvovirus and should be done every three years. Other vaccines have lifelong effects, but these effects can vary from dog to dog.

Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and potentially fatal. Common viruses cause gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The virus can survive for months or even years in the environment and is resistant to many disinfectants. Dogs can get sick from direct contact with infected dogs or indirect contact with surfaces and objects that are contaminated with the virus.

Certain breeds are more at risk for parvovirus, such as Rottweilers, American Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, or Doberman Pinschers. If a dog has other intestinal infections or worms, he is more at risk.

Canine distemper is highly contagious and can be fatal. Cases of distemper still appear, although vaccination has decreased their number. The virus can infect other species, such as wild animals. However, indirect transmission is not common as the virus cannot survive for long in the environment.

Rabies is a disease that can be transmitted to humans, as the virus can affect all mammals. It is most common in animals that eat meat, but insect-eating bats can also have it. The virus spreads through bite wounds as it is found in saliva and passes into tissues after an animal is bitten.

Leptospirosis or bordatella vaccines are complementary vaccines and are given based on lifestyle and risk of exposure. Therefore, a vaccination schedule should be tailored according to your pet’s age, risk and lifestyle and in cooperation with your veterinarian.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease, rare in cats but quite common in dogs. It can be transmitted to humans, and Leptospira bacteria survive in warm, moist areas and in stagnant water. Wild animals carry Leptospira, so if your dog is exposed to contaminated water and wild animals, you should consider vaccination. Dogs that live in rural areas or are hunting dogs are at greatest risk. In urban areas, rodents can carry the bacteria. Although vaccines are not 100% effective and cannot offer protection against all types of Leptospira, they can prevent transmission of the disease to people.

Although some veterinarians may be annoyed by the information you can get online and advise you not to believe everything you read, it’s best to educate yourself about your pet’s problems.