It is important to understand why dog vaccinations are essential to your pet's health.

Mandatory and Recommended

Parovirus. This is essential for puppies and adult dogs of certain breeds.

• Parovirus is a highly contagious disease spread through fecal matter that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It can be deadly if left untreated.
• Particularly sensitive breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers.

Coronavirus. Like Parovirus, Coronavirus primarly affects puppies and causes mild to severe diarrhea.

• Most adult dogs are immune to the virus, but puppies under 12 weeks are highly susceptible.
• Puppies infected with Coronavirus may suffer Parovirus too - simultaneous infection can have a nearly 90% mortality rate - making dog vaccinations in puppies absolutely essential!

Rabies is one of the most well-known of animal viruses, and is mandatory in all states.

• Rabies is almost always transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
• Symptoms include fever and anxiety in the early phases, followed by viciousness, paralysis, and death.

Leptospirosis infects both dogs and humans and can be deadly when left untreated. Leptospirosis can be transmitted a number of ways, including:

• Infected urine
• Bite wounds
• Ingestion of infected tissue
• Contaminated water, food, and bedding

Crowding in kennels can increase the spread of infection. Symptoms include:

• Acute fever
• Shivering
• Vomiting and rapid dehydration
• Hypothermia and depression
• Kidney and liver failure

Combinations

Combination vaccines are becoming an increasingly popular option. They protect your dog from a number of diseases all at once. These include:

• 5-way protects your dog against Adenovirus Cough, Hepatitis, Canine Distemper, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
• 7-way also protects against Leptospirosis and Coronavirus.

Common Prevention

There are a number of other vaccinations that may not be required by your vet that you should consider as part of your preventative health care plan for your dog.

• For show dogs and dogs that are frequently boarded, consider vaccinations for Bordetella and Parainfluenza.
• If you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, you can prevent this.

Adverse Reactions

Like humans, dogs may develop allergic-type reactions. Symptoms can include itching, hives, fever, depression, and anxiety. If you notice any of these symptoms after a vaccination, call your animal health center immediately.

Considerations and concerns

There is a great deal of research regarding the pros and cons of vaccinating your dog.

Always talk to your veterinarian about the risks and recommended schedule for dog vaccinations that are right for his age, breed, and size.

Age Vaccination 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk. Check with your veterinarian. 6 & 9 weeks Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. 12 weeks or older Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law). 12 & 15 weeks** Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Adult Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law). Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog. Recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit. *A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, canine distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. **Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian. Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac III ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six to twelve months with Intra-Trac III ADT. Dr. Foster & Smith

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