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2020

Vaccinations for Dogs

Dr. Jerusha (Jessie) Lay, Assistant Professor of Animal Health

During the first few hours of life, puppies will consume antibodies through their mother's colostrum. The amount and quality will vary between dogs and even litters. Antibodies support the immune system for the first few weeks of life. As those start waning, it is crucial to begin vaccination and booster series to prevent many common diseases. The most common recommendations are to begin vaccination series at 6 weeks of age. Described below are vaccinations for dogs and schedule of when to be given. This is only a general guide and for care for your pet you should consult with your local veterinarian and access risk factors to create a vaccination plan for your pets.

Vaccines may be divided into categories. First are the vaccines considered ‘core vaccines.’ These are generally recommended for all dogs. Non-core vaccines may be optional depending on the likelihood of your pet to be exposed to these pathogens. It is important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian when you first bring your dog into the family. Talk to your vet about the likelihood of your dog being exposed to other animals (boarding, grooming, dog parks etc.) or if your dog will be around densely wooded areas or ponds and lakes.

Parvo virus is an extremely contagious virus. The most common symptoms are severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. This, especially in young puppies, may quickly lead to dehydration and even death. Treatment includes supportive care with veterinary hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Treatment success rates have improved over the years, however it may be very expensive for treatment. Infected animals actively shed through their feces when infected and for several weeks after they recover. The virus may remain in the soil for several years in areas infected dogs defecated. Your dog may then be exposed even if it had not had direct contact with an infected animal. Puppies are much more sensitive and vulnerable. It is extremely important that puppies have the series of vaccines: is advisable to have more boosters before taking to high risk areas such as dog parks. This vaccin usually combined with other viruses including Canine distemper, Canine Parainfluenza virus, and Canine Adenovirus 2. Initial series of vaccines should begin at 6 week of age or when you acquire a young puppy. The initial series consists of 4 vaccines three weeks (within 2-4 weeks). See chart below. Rabies is an incurable neurologic disease that causes death in dogs (or other susceptible species including humans). Rabies is transmitted through saliva into bit wounds. After an animal or human is bitten by an infected animal it may take 1-6 months before symptoms develop. Once symptoms (depression, aggression, and inability to swallow) do develop death occurs within a week. It is important to note that due to the nature of this disease being fatal and possibility of it being transmitted to people, vaccines are required by law.

the series of vaccines is advisable to have boosters before taking to high risk areas such dog parks. This vaccin usually combined with other viruses including Canine distemper, Ca Parainfluenza virus, and Canine Adenovirus 2. initial series of vaccines should begin at 6 week of age or when you acquire a young puppy. The initial series consists of 4 vaccines three weeks (within 2-4 week). See chart below.

Rabies is an incurable neurologic disease that causes death in dogs (or other susceptible species including humans). Rabies is transmitted through saliva into bit wounds. After an animal or human is bitten by an infected animal it may take 1-6 months before symptoms develop. Once symptoms (depression, aggression, and inability to swallow) do develop death occurs within a week. It is important to note that due to the nature of this disease being fatal and possibility of it being transmitted to people, vaccines are required by law.

Vaccines that are ‘non-core’ are considered optional. Bordetella and Canine Influenza are respiratory diseases that are transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. If your dog will be exposed to other dogs these are recommended. Many grooming and boarding facilities may opt to require these vaccines be given before dogs may stay at their facilities.

Leptospirosis is a disease that is common in livestock and wildlife. It is often transmitted through streams or ponds. This vaccine is recommended for livestock dogs or any dogs that will be swimming in lakes, ponds or streams.

Lyme disease is a rhickesial disease. It is transmitted through tick bites. Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms from shifting leg lameness to acute kidney failure or death. Flea/Tick preventatives are also helpful in prevention, but for hunting dogs, farm dogs or any animals that will spend a lot of time in areas where ticks are prevalent, this vaccine offers additional protection. Vaccines are generally not given until 6 weeks of age because maternal antibodies may interfere with their effectiveness. Puppies should be taken to a vet to begin the vaccination series at about six weeks of age or soon after you acquire a puppy.

Vaccines are generally not given until 6 weeks of age because maternal antibodies may interfere with their effectiveness. Puppies should be taken to a vet to begin the vaccination series at about six weeks of age or soon after you acquire a puppy.

If you adopt an adult dog and you are not aware of his/her vaccination history, you should consult with your veterinarian as to their recommendation. Most will advise to give the core vaccines and follow up with at least one additional booster series even though it is an adult. If the dog has been vaccinated in past, it does not harm the dog to get another vaccine ahead of schedule, but if it had not been vaccinated it is at risk.

Dogs make wonderful companions and become part of our families. Vaccines are important to help maintain their heath and ensure they will be with us as long as possible. Talk to your local veterinarian for more information.

Sources

Ford, R. B., Larson, L. J., McClure, K. D., Schultz, R. D. & Welborn, L.V. (October, 2017). AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/canine-vaccination/vaccination_recommendation_for_general_practice_table.pdf

Vaccinations (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations.

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