What vaccination does my dog need?
You can divide vaccinations into different groups, one way of grouping is based on the essence of the vaccinations.
- Core vaccines: Include the vaccinations that are considered essential for all dogs involving diseases that are easily transferred and are fatal. These diseases are Rabies, Adenovirus, parvovirus, and Distemper.
- Non-core vaccines: Include protection against diseases that are dependent upon environmental exposure and lifestyle. These vaccinations include Kennel cough and leptospirosis vaccines.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, paralysis, and death. It is most frequently transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and is contagious to humans. It is the “R” on the vaccine booklets
Canine Distemper
A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The virus spreads through airborne exposure such as sneezing or coughing from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and death. Most frequently seen in young dogs although it can occur at any age, called “D” in the DHLPP vaccine.
Canine Parvovirus
Parvovirus is an extremely contagious virus and one of the toughest to kill around the world. It can survive on objects such as furniture for an extended time. Symptoms include severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, severe weight loss, fever, and anorexia. It is the first “P” in the DHLPP vaccine.
Canine Adenovirus/Viral Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is an extremely contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and also eyes. Symptoms include fever, congestion of the mucous membranes, vomiting, jaundice, abdomen enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs do overcome the mild form of the disease however a severe infection can be fatal. It is the “H” in the DHLPP Vaccine.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria found worldwide in soil and water. A zoonotic disease which means, it can be spread from animals to humans. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness, lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, and renal failure. This is the “L” in the DHLPP vaccine.
Canine Parainfluenza
Respiratory tract infection that is extremely contagious however comparatively mild and self-limiting. Usually transmitted by nasal secretions, it can produce a persistent cough and lead to persistent bronchitis. Although it is not that dangerous in itself, parainfluenza can open the door to alternative opportunistic infections and respiratory problems; that’s why the vaccine is a standard part of the DHLPP vaccine (the last “P”).
Infectious tracheobronchitis
Kennel Cough is a complex virus that may cause a harsh cough. Most commonly spread in kennels and is generally only serious if your dog is young, old or has an immune system compromised. Usually resolves itself on its own or with a course of treatment, can be avoided with yearly vaccinations, administered as a nasal drop.
Puppies receive a standard schedule of vaccinations during their first year of life. First vaccinations begin at 6 weeks of age, this is the puppy vaccination, which protects them from Distemper, Hepatitis & Parvo Virus. At 9 and 12 weeks the Puppy will receive boosters for Parvo, Hepatitis & Distemper but will now also be vaccinated against Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza.
The Rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks old. After this initial year, the core vaccinations of Rabies, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Distemper should be administered annually, biannually or every three years depending on the brand used and the registration of the vaccine, besides the rules and regulations of the country.
If your dog is kenneled frequently or is in regular contact with other dogs the Kennel cough vaccine should be administered annually. Frequent swimming dogs are advised to be vaccinated for Leptospirosis twice a year if they swim in freshwater lakes which also harbor rats. Not safe for young unvaccinated puppies to go outside due to the dangers of viruses such as canine parvovirus and canine distemper lurking anywhere an infected dog may have been, puppies need to be kept at home until they are fully protected.
