All dogs should receive vaccinations against potentially deadly diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper, with additional booster shots as needed throughout a dog's adult life. However, some dogs may benefit from elective vaccinations as well. Ask your veterinarian about the following examples.
1. Bordetella Vaccinations
A species of bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica can cause a respiratory infection known as kennel cough. Kennel cough symptoms include a loud, distinctive cough along with sneezing, a runny nose, loss of appetite, and an elevated temperature. Geriatric or weakened animals may develop fatal pneumonia.
Because the infection spreads easily, your dog may benefit from a bordetella vaccination if it spends lots of time in close quarters with other dogs. If you need to leave your dog at a doggie daycare center or boarding facility, you may need to show proof of this vaccination before you can book a stay for it there.
2. Leptospirosis Vaccinations
The bacterial infection known as leptospirosis can cause both respiratory and internal problems in dogs. Infected dogs can suffer from breathing problems, shivering, diarrhea, vomiting, eye inflammation, jaundice, and lethargy. Some dogs may also develop bleeding problems, kidney damage, and swelling from internal fluid accumulation.
Leptospirosis can spread from dog to dog through bites from infected animals, but it also lurks in tainted water or soil. If you own an outdoor dog that lives on a farm or likes to explore rural territory, your veterinarian may recommend annual vaccinations to protect it against this disease.
3. Lyme Disease Vaccinations
You may already know that Lyme disease represents a serious threat to humans who live near areas populated by ticks. However, the bacteria that causes this disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, also attacks dogs. A dog bitten by an infected tick may experience fever, lameness, and swollen joints or lymph nodes.
Since Lyme disease can create lifelong health challenges for your dog, you'll want to get a high-risk canine vaccinated before the disease has a chance to strike. If you live in a heavily wooded area or frequently visit such areas with your dog, schedule this elective vaccination once your dog reaches eight to nine weeks of age.
While the vaccinations listed above may prove unnecessary for the majority of dogs, they could make a difference in your pet's health depending on their lifestyle and other risk factors. Make sure to schedule these and other preventative veterinary services based on your local animal hospital's recommendations.
Contact a local veterinary service to learn more.
Owning a dog is enjoyable for many people and these pets are a significant part of their family. An important aspect of dog ownership is to ensure the animal has regular veterinary care. We aren't veterinarians, but we do understand the importance of vet care for pets. We've interviewed many animal doctors to learn about veterinary care and we've written this blog to share our findings.
The posts on this site will outline the frequency of wellness visits and vaccinations for your pet. You'll also discover warning signs that indicate your pet is in distress and in need of immediate medical help. We hope the articles on this blog will answer the questions you have about veterinary care for your dog so your pet can stay healthy for a long time.