Why should I vaccinate my dog / puppy, and what vaccines are necessary?

Canine Distempter Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and very deadly virus that is the highest threat to a dog's survival. Distemper is spread via airborne and droplet contamination both direct and indirect contact via the respiratory tract. Many forms of wildlife carry this disease and can easily pass it along to your beloved dogs. Most common carriers are raccoons, opossums, foxes and coyotes. The best protection is to vaccinate your puppies with 3-4 rounds, 3 weeks apart.  Adults need annual boosters.

Parvo Virus is also a highly contagious deadly virus that is contracted by direct contact with an infected dog or indirectly by oral-fecal route. Parvovirus (CPV) is a gastro-intestinal virus that causes nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea, oftentimes bloody, and has a horrible smell. Parvo virus can kill an entire litter of puppies and is very costly to treat. Puppies should be vaccinated per your veterinarian protocol typically starting at 6-8 weeks of age and will require 3-4 rounds; 3 weeks apart then an annual booster.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect the entire dogs bodily systems including liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes and reproductive systems. It can be deadly if left untreated but treatment is typically IV fluids, antibiotics and possibly anti-emetics. Leptospirosis lives in stagnant water, ponds, lakes, creeks, muddy areas, and heavily wooded areas as well as areas where an infected animal has urinated. If you have an active dog that enjoys swimming, camping, running or hunting it's especially important to vaccinate them for Leptospirosis annually.

Canine Bordetella aka Kennel Cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that causes canine infectious tracheobronchitis. The dog will often have a runny nose with a dry hacking cough similar to a honking noise. It's very similar to a human with bronchitis or a severe cold. If left untreated Kennel Cough can turn into pneumonia and be deadly. It's treated with several weeks of antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. If you board your dog, foster dogs, attend doggie daycare, or go to dog parks it's best to have your dog vaccinated every 6 months to protect them from this disease.

Canine Influenza (dog flu) has been on the rise in the past few years.  It's a highly contagious airborne viral infection affecting both dogs and cats (coughing, barking, sneezing, shared water bowls, leashes, collars).  Symptoms are severe upper respiratory infection including coughing for 10-21 days, nasal and ocular discharge, and a fever of 104-105 degrees F.  There is a vaccine available and it is recommended that it be given especially to dogs that are boarded, visit dog parks, and doggie daycare environments.  Vaccines are given annually by your veterinarian.  

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the dogs central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord. Dogs that are not protected from rabies are at risk of contracting the virus if the dog is bitten by an infected animal. Animals that carry rabies are raccoons, opossums, coyotes, foxes, skunks and bats. It is required by law that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies by either the 1yr or 3yr vaccination to protect them from this deadly virus.

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