Voted Best Veterinary Clinic
Vaccines, also called immunizations, are one of the most debated topics in pet healthcare. Vaccines can save your dog from a variety of diseases, some of which are even fatal. Often a veterinarian administers vaccines during a wellness visit.
Controversies that surround dog vaccinations seem to be similar to those of human immunizations. No matter what people say, know this; vaccines are important for the overall health of your dog.
What should a concerned pet owner do?
Vaccinate
Should you take your dog to a pet vet clinic for immunizations or not? This question itself is what creates the problem. Rather than thinking about choosing between giving immunizations or skipping them, it’s wiser if you think how vaccines work for your dog’s health. If you’re really concerned about your dog’s wellbeing, skipping vaccines is not an option.
Vaccines protect your dog against diseases, which otherwise could be fatal. Pets that are not vaccinated are at greater risk of catching deadly viruses and spreading them to other pets and even human beings. Not vaccinating your dog is not just bad for your dog’s health, but the whole canine world can suffer because of your ignorance.
How Dog Vaccinations Promote Health
Vaccines are a killed or weakened version of a virus or bacterium that’s injected into the immune system of a dog to create antibodies that can block diseases. Puppies get a natural immunity because there are antibodies in mother dog’s milk, but over time, this immunity wears off so puppies need to be vaccinated to prevent them from illnesses and diseases.
Recommended Core Dog Vaccines
In the United States, following core vaccines are recommended for dogs:
• Parvovirus: The parvovirus vaccine provides protection against deadly viruses that are highly contagious. The virus targets the intestines of a dog and causes vomiting and severe diarrhea that can lead to death.
• Distemper: The Canine Distemper Virus (CDC) causes this deadly contagious disease, which has no cure. Most puppies are affected by distemper, and it attacks multiple internal organs, including the central nervous and respiratory system.
• Rabies: An incurable and fatal disease that attacks a dog’s nervous system. It’s essential to keep rabies vaccinations up to date.
Non-Core Dog Vaccinations
At a pet vet clinic, a veterinary physician might recommend any of the following vaccinations depending on your location and environment.
• Canine Influenza: Canine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs and also cats.
• Canine Parainfluenza: Canine parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that causes a kennel cough in dogs.
• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a serious infection of bacterial spirochetes that are acquired by a dog when Leptospira penetrates the skin.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, vaccines cause allergic reactions. Many reactions are self-limiting and minor while some can be serious and will require immediate attention.
If you haven’t had your dog vaccinated yet because of all the controversies surrounding dog vaccinations, we suggest you clear your hand and focus on what’s important for your dog. If you’re a resident of Stillwater, Minnesota, take your dog to a premier Stillwater vet clinic River Town Animal Hospital.