Core Vaccinations: Ensure your dog receives core vaccinations, which are essential for preventing common and potentially serious diseases.
1. Rabies:
Purpose: Prevents rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is fatal if left untreated. Rabies vaccinations are crucial for public health and may be required by law.
Schedule: Typically administered annually, but some vaccines offer protection for three years. Check with your veterinarian for the specific schedule.
2. Distemper:
Purpose: Prevents canine distemper, a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Schedule: Puppies usually receive a series of vaccinations, starting at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 2-4 weeks until around 16 weeks. Adult dogs may need boosters every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine used.
3. Canine Parvovirus:
Purpose: Prevents parvovirus infection, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Schedule: Similar to distemper, puppies receive a series of vaccinations, and adult dogs may need boosters every 1-3 years.
4. Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis):
Purpose: Prevents hepatitis caused by canine adenovirus, which affects the liver and can lead to severe illness. Schedule: Puppies receive a series of vaccinations, and adult dogs may need boosters every 1-3 years.
Non-Core Vaccinations: Consider non-core vaccinations based on your dog's lifestyle, location, and potential exposure to specific diseases.
1. Bordetella (Kennel Cough):
Purpose: Prevents kennel cough, a respiratory infection often contracted in environments with high dog density, such as boarding facilities or dog parks.
Schedule: Administered annually or more frequently if your dog is frequently in contact with other dogs.
2. Leptospirosis:
Purpose: Prevents leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can affect the kidneys and liver. Dogs can contract it through contact with contaminated water or infected animals.
Schedule: Administered annually or as recommended by your veterinarian, particularly if your dog is exposed to environments where Leptospirosis is prevalent.
3. Canine Influenza:
Purpose: Prevents respiratory infections caused by the canine influenza virus. This is especially relevant for dogs in areas where canine influenza is a concern.
Schedule: Administered annually or more frequently based on risk factors and exposure.
4. Lyme Disease:
Purpose: Prevents Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. This is important in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.
Schedule: Administered annually or more frequently in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent and your dog is at risk of exposure.
Veterinary Consultation: Regularly consult your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog based on individual health, lifestyle, and environmental factors.