Dog News

Canine Vaccination Recommendations

by Shawn Finch, DVM

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Every dog deemed healthy enough for vaccination by a veterinarian  should be vaccinated against the following diseases:

Rabies – This is a uniformly fatal viral disease of the nervous system. Mammals, including humans are at risk. Because rabies is fatal and because it is zoonotic (able to be transmitted to humans), every dog and puppy should be vaccinated against rabies. Usually, this is a vaccination at four months of age, one year later and then every three years, but local laws prevail in determining vaccination intervals.

Distemper – This is a viral disease of dogs that can also affect raccoons, ferrets and some large non-domesticated cats. It affects the gastrointestinal system and nervous system and may be fatal. It is preventable with vaccination. It is uncommon today, but outbreaks still occur. Every dog and puppy should be vaccinated against distemper. Usually puppies are vaccinated every three or four weeks from six to eight weeks old until four months of age, one year later and then every three years.

Adenovirus – This disease is also called canine viral hepatitis. It can cause liver disease and liver failure and is often fatal. It is preventable with vaccination. It is uncommon today, but outbreaks still occur. Every dog and puppy should be vaccinated against adenovirus. Usually puppies are vaccinated every three or four weeks from six to eight weeks old until four months of age, one year later and then every three years.

Parvovirus – Parvo is a very contagious viral disease that causes severe gastrointestinal issues – vomiting and diarrhea, often bloody, leading to severe dehydration and usually death if not treated, most often in puppies, though adult dogs can also be affected. The success rate of treating parvo has steadily increased to the point where treated pets usually survive and recover. Treatment is intensive and expensive and not always successful. Parvo is still fairly common. Every dog and puppy should be vaccinated against parvovirus. Usually puppies are vaccinated every three or four weeks from six to eight weeks old until four months of age, one year later and then every three years.

JoyThePuppy
Russ with Joy the Puppy at the Lake, Day 2

Next up…”It depends” (on the dog, on the region, on the risk…) vaccines!

Questions? Thoughts?

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