Vaccinations - Dogs
All dogs should be vaccinated to prevent against harmful and potentially life-threatening diseases. The types of vaccines your dog should be given will vary based on the life style of your dog. If your dog spends time outside and around other dogs, the proper precautions should be taken with the necessary vaccinations.
Rabies is a disease nearly everyone has heard of. It is contracted when an animal is bitten by another animal that has been infected. The disease is carried in the saliva. Rabies vaccinations are required in the state of Maryland for dogs.
This is a viral disease that is easily spread through direct contact and contact with bodily fluids or contaminated food and water. Puppies are the most susceptible to the disease and also have the highest mortality rate from severe cases or complications from the disease. Vaccinations have proven to be effective, so it is important to have your puppy vaccinated. The disease can be treated if contracted, but requires quarantining your dog from other dogs for many months, and the disease can also result in some long term health problems.
Adenovirus Type 2
This virus leads to the infection commonly known as “kennel cough” in dogs. It is very contagious, and is characterized by a hacking cough and a foamy white discharge.
Bordetella is a bacteria that can cause kennel cough. There are bacterins available to help prevent it. It should be administered to dogs that board, go to be groomed, go to dog parks or are in contact with any other dogs.
This disease brings on symptoms of fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression and it could lead to chronic kidney or liver disease. It can also be transmitted to people, although human symptoms are not as severe.
This disease is more commonly referred to as “parvo” and is one of the leading causes of viral infections in dogs. It is highly contagious and transmitted by direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces. There are cardiac and intestinal forms of the disease, both of which are fatal in most cases when left untreated. The vaccination is highly recommended and is given in a series of shots starting when the puppy is 6 weeks old.
Coronavirus is very similar to the intestinal form of parvovirus in its symptoms. It results in vomiting and diarrhea, mostly affecting puppies. The difference is that coronavirus, while still dangerous to your dog, is usually not fatal. For prevention keep your dog in clean conditions and be careful when around other dogs. Your dog can also be vaccinated for this disease.
Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks. Ticks live in wooded areas and areas with tall, overgrown grass or brush. Ticks can be a problem all year round, so your dog should be vaccinated for Lyme disease and have a monthly flea and tick medication applied.
Canine Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that may cause initial symptoms similar to kennel cough, but quickly progresses to more severe pneumonia and death.