Why do we vaccinate our dogs and what are we protecting them from? There are so many canine vaccines available to us now and with that comes a lot of extra information all over the internet. So what is, in fact, true about all of these vaccines?
First, we look at what diseases we can vaccinate against:
Parvovirus
This is a highly contagious and fatal disease which mostly affects puppies. This virus attacks the intestinal tract, causing (but not limited to) diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, and blood in feces or vomitus. This is transmitted through infected feces and can remain in the environment for several months. The only prevention method is vaccination as soon as you’re able, and lack of exposure to other animals or environments that may have contained parvo in the last 6-12 months.
Canine Distemper
This is also a highly contagious and often fatal disease. The disease attacks many of the vital organs as well as the nervous system and is very difficult to treat. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever and, in severe cases, seizures and paralysis. This disease is transmitted via nasal and eye discharge from dogs infected with the disease – it can also be transmitted via feces and urine.
Parainfluenza
This is a highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory infections in dogs. It is often transmitted through sneezing and coughing.
Canine Hepatitis
We don’t vaccinate directly for hepatitis – we vaccinate for, what is called, Adenovirus Type II which is what can cause Hepatitis. The symptoms include (but are not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. This disease can cause liver failure, eye damage, and breathing problems. This can be spread through saliva, infected urine and feces.
Bordetella Bronchispetica
This is often known as “Kennel Cough” in dogs. It is a highly contagious virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) a honk-like cough, coughing, gagging, and clear nasal discharge. In more severe cases, this can cause chronic bronchitis, tracheal collapse, and pneumonia. This is often transmitted via nose to nose contact with an infected dog or by being in a contaminated area. Common places to pick this up would be Doggy Day Cares, Dog Parks, Vet hospitals, or anywhere else many dogs congregate in one area.
Rabies
This is a highly contagious, incurable and fatal disease. It affects the central nervous system. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) over-salivation (foaming at the mouth), and sudden and unprovoked aggression. This is spread through saliva from infected animals, typically through bites or any break in the skin. This can also be passed to humans.
Leptospirosis
A highly contagious disease that can be fatal. It attacks the liver and kidneys; it can lead to permanent organ damage or failure if it is not caught quickly and treated immediately. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, depression, shivering, joint pain, anorexia, vomiting, and drooling. This is typically transmitted via the urine of infected animals. This means any pond, soil patch, wet grass, or streams can be infected if you are in a high wildlife traffic area.
Lyme
The dreaded Lyme disease that we hear about more and more every year. This disease causes chronic arthritis and joint pain and can sometimes result in death.
From reading these descriptions, I’m sure it’s no wonder why we vaccinate against these terrible diseases. Not all diseases can be 100% prevented by vaccines like Lyme and Bordetella; however, diseases such as Rabies and Parvovirus are highly preventable. Keep your pets up-to-date at all times.
Written by Blair Lutes