Recommended Vaccines |
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A complete vaccination program includes a series of initial vaccines,
followed by periodic “boosters”. Currently, the American Veterinary Medical Association
recommends all dogs be vaccinated against distemper, canine adenovirus (type 2), canine
parvovirus, and rabies. Your puppy’s vaccination program should include these four “core
vaccines” and possibly one or more additional “non-core” vaccines. |
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Canine parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that is capable
of surviving in environments for long periods of time. It can be transmitted through handling
and contact with clothing and food pans. Signs include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and
severe diarrhea. If prompt veterinary care is not provided, infection with parvovirus can be fatal.
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Canine distemper: Distemper is caused by an airborne virus and is rapidly
transmitted between dogs. Early signs are similar to those of a human cold: coughing, sneezing,
nasal discharge and fever. However, these signs progress to the serious stage of disease and the dog
develops diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures, which are almost always fatal
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Adenovirus: Adenovirus-2 is one of several causes of respiratory disease or
“kennel cough” in dogs. Signs of kennel cough include chronic coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy.
A related virus, Adenovirus-1 is the infectious agent that causes canine hepatitis, a serious disease
that affects the liver and other internal organs. Because these two viruses are closely related,
vaccination with just one form of the virus (usually type 2) effectively protects dogs against both diseases.
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Rabies: Rabies is a fatal disease that can be contracted by all warm-blooded species,
including humans. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is most commonly transmitted
by a bite from an infected animal. Because rabies infection poses a serious public health hazard, most
states require rabies vaccination for all dogs.
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Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines protect against diseases that are uncommon, of low health risk to the
majority of dogs, or are present only in certain regions of the country. These vaccines
are selectively recommended for dogs who may be at increased risk of exposure, such as
those who travel to dog shows, live in certain climates, or are frequently boarded at
kennels. Non-core vaccines include: leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza (causes
kennel cough), Bordetella bronchiseptica (another cause of kennel cough) and Borrelia burgdorferi
(the microorganism that causes Lyme disease). Consult your veterinarian to determine which
non-core vaccines may be necessary in your region or for your dog’s lifestyle. |
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
You puppy should receive his first core vaccines when he is between 6 and 8 weeks of age
and should be revaccinated every 3 to 4 wks until his is 12 to 16 weeks of age. A single dose
of rabies vaccine should be administered when your puppy is between 12 and 16 weeks of age. A
booster vaccine for the core diseases and rabies should then be administered one year after
finishing the initial series.
Historically, veterinarians have encouraged owners to vaccinate adult dogs annually. However,
recent studies have shown that vaccine protection lasts much longer than one year and annual
vaccinations are neither necessary nor beneficial for the majority of dogs. For this reason,
the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends adult dogs receive booster shots at
three year intervals rather than annually. Dogs who are at higher risk of exposure to disease,
such as show dogs, may still benefit from more frequent vaccination.
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| Did You Know |
| Your puppy was initially protected from infectious diseases by antibodies acquired from
his mother before birth. However, because this form of protection declines after the first
two months of age, puppies require vaccination to stimulate their own immune systems for
continued protection. |
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