Important Vaccinations For Your Dog
Posted on:
13 April 2015
As a child, you head to the doctor's office at certain times during your childhood to receive medicines that will ultimately protect you from contracting diseases and illnesses. While you understand the importance of vaccinations at an early age for children, getting your pets vaccinated is equally as important when protecting your dogs. While some vaccinations are not crucial at an early age, there are some that should be given when they are a puppy. These help build the pet's immune system and protect them when exposed to some illnesses. Understanding which vaccinations you should provide your pet with is your job as a pet owner.
Rabies
Many communities require that pets receive a rabies vaccine in order to help protect people living in the community. If a pet contracts rabies and affects a human, it could be extremely dangerous for the person. In order to prevent an outbreak of rabies, keeping your pets vaccinated is important. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies according to the American Animal Hospital Association. They consider the rabies vaccine a core vaccine for all dogs. Dogs that are at least 12 weeks old can be given the vaccine with no problems. It is not recommended for any dogs under the age of 12 weeks.
Parvo
The parvovirus vaccine is a series of vaccines given to puppies. The first shot is given at 6 weeks old and then a booster is given every 4 weeks until the puppy is around 16 to 20 weeks old. This is a very dangerous illness and can be difficult to treat. Should you find that your dog or puppy is suffering from the parvovirus, you need to get them to the animal hospital quickly. It can be very contagious, so you need to disinfect the area the animal has been living in to help ensure no other animals catch it.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
The bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine is recommended for dogs who frequent kennels regularly. The stress of the environment can be very difficult on dogs causing the illness. Another more common name for this disease is known as whooping cough. If you are concerned about your dog being exposed to the bacteria, you should have them vaccinated to ensure they do not get it. While it can clear up itself, antibiotics will sometimes be given to help prevent it from coming on a second time. Should your dog come down with it, you will want to send them to the vet to ensure there is not something worse going on. To learn more, speak with someone at a company like Animal Emergency Clinic.
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