One of the most crucial aspects of helping your dog live a long, healthy life is regular vaccinations. Vaccines protect dogs from a range of serious and potentially fatal diseases, making them a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. But what exactly are these vaccines, and why are they so important? Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team explains the vaccines that are essential for your dog.

Understanding canine vaccinations

Vaccinations stimulate your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. When your dog is vaccinated, they are receiving a harmless version of the pathogen (i.e., the virus or bacteria) that teaches the immune system to recognize and combat the disease in case of future exposure.

Core vaccines for dogs

Core vaccines are those recommended for all dogs, because of the severity and widespread prevalence of the diseases they protect against. 

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once signs appear. Clinical illness can range from behavior changes, such as aggression or anxiety, to motor challenges, like difficulty swallowing and progressive paralysis. Rabies can be transmitted to people and other animals through bites or contact with saliva.

The first rabies vaccine is usually administered when your pet is between 12 and 16 weeks of age, with a booster one year later, and then boosters every one to three years, depending on local laws and the vaccine type.

Canine distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, often fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems. Signs can include:

  • Eye and nasal discharge
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing
  • Anorexia
  • Fever
  • Seizures

Puppies should receive the distemper vaccine starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters every four weeks until they’re 16 weeks old. Adult dogs receive a booster one year later and then every three years.

Canine parvovirus

Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe GI illness that is often fatal in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Classic parvovirus signs include severe vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody.

The parvovirus vaccination is typically included with the distemper vaccine, so follows the same schedule.

Canine adenovirus type 2

Canine adenovirus type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, a severe liver infection. Adenovirus type 2 contributes to respiratory illnesses. Type 2 vaccination cross-protects against type 1 and prevents both diseases.

Canine adenovirus type 2 is also part of the combination vaccine with distemper and parvovirus, so the schedule aligns with distemper and parvovirus vaccinations.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that affects the kidneys and liver and can be transmitted to people. Spread through the urine of infected wildlife, Leptospira spp. are often found in moist soil and standing water. While lepto has been considered to primarily infect hunting and farm dogs, the disease is now becoming more prevalent in dogs who live in urban areas because of rodent carriers.

The leptospirosis vaccine can be given as part of a combination vaccine or separately, starting at 12 weeks, with a booster three to four weeks later, and then annually. Previously, lepto was considered a noncore vaccine but now is recommended for the majority of dogs.

Noncore vaccines for dogs

Noncore vaccines are given based on your dog’s exposure risk to various diseases, which can depend on geographic location, lifestyle, and environment.

Bordetella 

The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is a leading cause of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease that can result in a dry, hacking cough that lasts for weeks.

In most cases, bordetella vaccines are administered around 8 or 9 weeks of age, although certain formulations can be given earlier to high-risk puppies. Boosters are administered every six months to one year, especially for dogs who frequently contact other dogs (e.g., in boarding facilities or dog parks).

Lyme disease

Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is transmitted through black-legged tick bites and can lead to chronic joint pain and other severe health issues.

The first dose is administered at 12 weeks of age or older, with a second dose three to four weeks later and then annually, especially for dogs in high-risk areas.

Canine influenza

This highly contagious respiratory disease typically causes mild infections with a persistent cough, although some dogs develop a more severe form with pneumonia or systemic illness.

The canine influenza vaccine is administered as two initial doses two to four weeks apart, followed by annual boosters, particularly for dogs who frequently contact other dogs.

Vaccinating your dog provides a simple, yet profoundly effective protection from numerous deadly diseases. By keeping up with a regular vaccination schedule, you’re not only safeguarding your dog’s health, but also contributing to the broader community’s safety by preventing infectious disease spread. Consult with our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale veterinarian to establish the best vaccination plan for your furry friend’s safety.