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There is dispute among veterinarians as to which canine vaccines are absolutely necessary and how often they should be administered. Sort of like the concern about human children being given too many antibiotics when they’re young and therefore reducing their effect later in life, vets believe some dogs are being over-vaccinated. You used to have to get annual shots for Fido, but now they have developed vaccines for adult dogs that can last for up to three years before he needs another shot. Below is what they call the “core” vaccines that most animal specialists agree that adult dogs need:
Rabies is a virus usually spread from animal to animal through a bite or an open wound. There is no known cure for rabies and it is always fatal, so that is why the Rabies vaccine is so important. All 50 States have laws requiring you to have an up-to-date rabies certificate for your dog, but some states offer a one year shot while others offer a three year shot.
Distemper is another very serious viral disease. Adult dogs are less susceptible to distemper than are puppies. Unfortunately, this disease is often fatal. Annual revaccination has been suggested because it’s a modified live virus, meaning that it’s like human flu shots that we get each year.
Parvovirus is an infectious disease spread by direct or indirect contact with dog feces. This virus attacks the intestinal tract and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Some breeds of adult dogs are more at risk for parvovirus than others, including Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.
Hepatitis is an acute liver infection in dogs and is spread by contact with the urine and feces of infected animals. Animals that survive may have chronic illness in their livers and kidneys.
Those are the four main vaccines that veterinarians agree on regarding adult dogs. The remainder of this article will provide you with some other vaccines that you can consider and what conditions or disease they treat or prevent. As always, you should consult your dog’s doctor for the best advice on whether or not your pet should be vaccinated.
Bordetella a/k/a Kennel Cough is an upper respiratory infection. The vaccination can be administered either as an injection or as a nasal spray.
Lyme Disease is a tick borne illness that would really only affect your dog if you lived in a highly wooded area. In addition to or instead of vaccine, you could use tick collars or check your dog for ticks daily because it takes a couple of days of a tick being attached to your dog in order for it to transmit the disease to him.
Giardia is an intestinal parasite that transmits to dogs that drink contaminated water. Therefore, if your dog is strictly an indoor dog, it’s unlikely that he would need this vaccine. Most of the dogs that would be at risk for this would be hunting dogs or outdoor dogs living in an area with access to creeks or ponds.
Leptospirosis is a deadly disease affecting the kidneys and liver and is spread through contact with urine of infected animals. Your dog, if he contracted this, could be contagious to you, other dogs, and other animals.
Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory infection. Just like humans, dogs can get “the flu” and need flu shots just like humans do every year.
Corona virus is similar to parvovirus and is primarily prevented by vaccine and keeping a clean yard where the pet plays.
Depending on the type of dog that you have, the geography of where you live, and your veterinarian’s philosophy and practice concerning canine vaccines, your dog may have some, all, or none of the vaccines listed here.
Provided by Heather Bronser of www.pet-super-store.com: where you can find a great selection of dog car seats and dog crates