Dog Vaccinations

Dog vaccinations are the key to protecting yourself, your dog and society from dangerous canine diseases. There are several camps among veterinarians about how much to vaccinate, and when. Some vets hold to the standard of vaccinating once a year, while others do not consider annual shots to be a necessity.

Vets who recommend annual vaccinations do so because it is simply the safest schedule. Many labels on dog vaccinations advise that they be administered yearly. Doing so frees the veterinarian from liability if the dog should get sick.

However, it is apparent that dog vaccinations last more than one year. Although it is not known exactly how long they last, one year is almost certainly not the upper limit. Since many dogs have a bad reaction to their vaccinations, it is often best to give shots less frequently.

Whenever you have your dog vaccinated, it is crucial to give him the correct shots. A common shot package includes distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus and corona virus. This is commonly known as the DHLPPC.

Distemper is often fatal, and attacks younger dogs more frequently than mature animals. Symptoms include respiratory difficulty, fever and in later stages nervous system problems.

Hepatitis or Adenovirus attacks the liver and kidneys. It is spread by contaminated excrement.

Leptospirosis also attacks the liver and kidneys, and is also spread via contaminated excrement. It is highly contagious and can infect humans. Symptoms include lack of energy, and fever.

Parainfluenza attacks the respiratory system.

Parvovirus, also known simply as parvo, spreads quickly among infected animals and attacks the digestive system. It causes often fatal dehydration.

Corona virus causes symptoms similar to parvo, and is similarly deadly.

Other necessary vaccinations include bordetella, which is not often fatal; lyme disease, which is spread by ticks; giardia, a parasite present in most rivers and lakes; and rabies, which is spread via saliva.

Some of these diseases, such as rabies, cannot be cured, but by giving your dog proper vaccinations, you can prevent them.