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  • What You Need To Know About Your Dog’s Vaccines

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    When you go to the veterinarian for vaccines, you may be asked about several vaccines. This can become confusing, and you may not be sure exactly what your dog needs. You don’t want to over-vaccinate your dog, but you also need to ensure that he or she receives the necessary vaccines.

    Here are some vaccines that your veterinarian may recommend for your dog.

    Your dog needs to have a Rabies vaccine. 

    This disease, which is caused by the rabies virus, affects the brain and central nervous system. It is transmitted by direct contact with saliva from an infected animal. This is usually through a bite.

    The rabies vaccine is so important because it can also affect humans. It is also deadly! Many states require all dogs (and cats) to have a rabies vaccine to keep everyone healthy!

    The Distemper vaccine is a single vaccine that covers a variety of diseases, including distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and Parainfluenza.

    • Distemper is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is spread through saliva, urine, and feces. It is often fatal.
    • Hepatitis is an infectious disease that can lead to severe liver damage. If left untreated, it can cause death. It is quite serious in puppies and older dogs and is spread through contact with infected urine.
    • Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection of the intestinal tract. It is spread through contact with the feces of another infected dog. It strikes quickly and can be deadly for puppies. This disease was rare until recently, when people stopped vaccinating their dogs as much as they used to.
    • Parainfluenza is a viral respiratory infection that may cause Kennel Cough. It is usually transmitted by contact with the nasal secretions of an infected dog. Puppies and older dogs are at a greater risk for parainfluenza.
    • Your dog’s distemper vaccine may also contain Leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease that can cause kidney and liver problems. If left untreated, it can cause kidney failure. It is spread through infected urine. If a wild animal has leptospirosis, it can urinate near streams and other areas with standing water. If your dog drinks contaminated water, they may be at risk for the disease. Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans, making it even more important.
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    The Bordetella vaccine is also known as the Kennel Cough vaccine. 

    It is used to prevent bacterial infections that cause kennel cough. If your dog has kennel cough, it may be caused by kennel cough alone, or it could be a combination of respiratory diseases.

    If your dog is around other dogs, he or she should probably get the Bordetella vaccine. This may include taking your pet to the kennel or the groomer. You may also want to protect your dog if you take him or her to the dog park or allow your dog to spend time with a lot of other dogs.

    The Lyme vaccine is helpful to protect your dog against this complex bacterial disease. 

    It can cause pain in the joints and lameness. Lyme disease is spread through the bites of infected deer ticks.

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    When deciding which vaccinations your dog needs, consult with your veterinarian and technicians. He or she will be able to identify the risks your dog faces, allowing them to develop a suitable vaccination plan.

    Whether you choose to vaccinate your dog or not, he or she needs to have a rabies vaccine. The distemper shot is also important to keep your dog as healthy as possible. If he or she is around other dogs, you may want to get the Bordetella vaccine. If you live in an area with a high tick population, it’s essential to protect your dog against Lyme disease.

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons Your Dog Needs Vaccines

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    Vaccinations have become quite controversial in recent years. Increasingly, parents aren’t vaccinating their children, despite their pediatrician’s recommendations. And the whole country is in a state of uncertainty about the new Coronavirus vaccine that has been released. Many are rushing to get protected, while others are simply unsure about it yet.

    This also leads owners to question whether their pets need to be vaccinated. This is even more true with pet owners who have seen a vaccine reaction in their dog. Though it can be a simple puffy face, the truth is that vaccines can sometimes cause a serious problem. Others simply don’t want to worry about vaccinating their dog because they don’t want to spend the extra money.

    However, not vaccinating your dog can be a big mistake. Here are some reasons why your dog should be vaccinated.

    It is the law

    All states require both dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. This disease can be spread to humans, which is why it is the law. In fact, you could find yourself in a lot of legal trouble if your dog hasn’t had a rabies shot.

    You should protect yourself and your entire family

    The truth is that dogs can pass certain diseases onto people. These are called zoonotic diseases.

    Simple vaccinations can help prevent the spread of certain diseases, such as Rabies. Leptospirosis is another such disease. It can cause kidney and liver problems in both dogs and people. To protect yourself and your family, consider vaccinating your dogs.

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    And your dog

    Vaccines were developed to protect dogs from certain diseases that are easily passed from one dog to another. The distemper shot, also known as a DHPP, alone covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

    Ask any veterinarian that you know, and these diseases have not been commonly seen for the past few years. However, as more people decide not to vaccinate their dogs, we are seeing a rise in various diseases, some of which can be highly infectious. Some are even fatal.

    Vaccines will also protect other dogs.

    While your own family and dog should be the most important to you, the truth is that, by vaccinating your dog, you are helping to protect other dogs too!

    You should think about all the dogs that aren’t healthy enough to be vaccinated, as well as those that aren’t vaccinated for any number of reasons. You wouldn’t want your dog to catch any disease, simply because you didn’t vaccinate him or her.

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    It’s not just about the vaccines

    When you take your dog to the veterinarian for his or her vaccines, you should realize that it is not only about the vaccines. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to ensure your dog’s health. This is also a good opportunity to identify and address any issues early. It is also much easier to treat problems before they get even worse (and become more expensive to treat).

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    If you are undecided about whether to vaccinate your dog, it is essential to understand the reasons why vaccination is beneficial. You need to protect yourself and your family against diseases that can be spread to you, such as Rabies and Leptospirosis.

    You should also think about your dog. Not only that, but you don’t want him or her to get some diseases, just because you didn’t get him or her vaccinated. It is also essential to consider the examination that accompanies the vaccines. You need to make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please get in touch with a veterinary health professional immediately.