Dogs need vaccines like we do to keep them safe from diseases. However, the vaccination process can get complicated without proper knowledge of the procedure.
Vaccines have different types and combinations so it’s important to discuss with your vet the appropriate vaccination regime for your pet.
Why do pets need vaccines?
Vaccines prepare the immune system of our pets against an array of illnesses by injecting a small number of infectious organisms to your dog.
The presence of foreign bodies will trigger your dog’s immune system to fight off the organism. If your pet is exposed to the real disease in the future, the stimulation of his immune system will be more efficient and effective.
Every dog is different so vaccinations schedules will vary for each pet. There are two types of dog vaccinations – core and non-core.
Core vaccinations are essential for all dogs, while non-core vaccinations will depend on the dog’s health, lifestyle, and living environment.
What are the core vaccinations that my dog needs?
Core vaccinations prevent diseases that are fatal, easily transmitted, and hard to treat. Below is a list of core vaccines that is important to all dogs:
Rabies vaccine
Not only is this disease transmittable to human, but it is also deadly. It invades the central nervous system, causing hallucinations and excessive drooling, eventually leading to death. If it is not treated immediately, death is highly likely.
DA2PPC vaccine
This combination vaccine provides your dog all the necessary core immunizations except rabies. It protects your dog from distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. These diseases are deadly to dogs so it is important to have your pets vaccinated with DA2PPC.
Distemper is a contagious virus that will affect your dog’s respiratory and nervous system, while adenovirus is related to the herpes virus. Similar to adenovirus is parainfluenza, which causes kennel cough.
Lastly, parvovirus is a deadly disease that attacks your dog’s digestive system.
What are the non-core vaccinations that I can provide my dogs with?
Although non-core vaccinations are not mandatory, it can be helpful for your dog. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the diseases common around your area.
Listed below are a few examples of non-core vaccines that your dog may need:
Bordotella vaccine
This fights a highly communicable bacterium which results to a respiratory disease. It is the primary cause of kennel cough among dogs.
Leptospira vaccine
Some dogs may show no symptom which is why some places upgraded this to be a core vaccine.
Canine lyme borreliosis vaccine
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that causes lymph nodes to swell and may lead to neurological disorders if left untreated.
Canine influenza vaccine (H3N8 and H3N2)
These vaccines are designed to protect your pet from flu that may cause coughing and sneezing.
What do I do after vaccination?
Every now and then, you may receive a reminder from your veterinarian for booster shots. However, there are several cases wherein dogs show allergic reactions to booster shots.
If we follow the vaccination guide of AAHA, it says that core vaccines provide more than a year of immunity. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with laws about vaccination in your area, as it may mandate a different schedule of vaccination.
If you’re hesitant about booster shots, you can have your dog undergo a titer test. This procedure measures the concentration of antibodies in your dog’s blood, helping you know if a revaccination is required.
Always discuss your dog’s health and lifestyle with your veterinarian before and after vaccination. The knowledge of your vet will help you decide which vaccinations and booster shots you can have your dog injected.
If my dog still gets sick, what medications can I give?
No matter how many precautions we take, our pets will still get sick at some point. There are a lot of FDA-approved medications that you can give your dog, and you can do so aggressively since dogs cannot be addicted to medications.
There are multiple options to treat pain and allergies for dogs but it is still important to consult your vet because they need to evaluate your dog’s blood, kidneys, and liver as well. You also need to watch out for side effects of medication such as rashes, reduced appetite, or diarrhea.
