As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to help our dogs live their longest, healthiest life. Whether you just brought a new puppy home or you’ve had your dog for years, understanding the essential dog vaccines is essential preventative care. Learn the importance of core vaccines and the infectious diseases they protect against!
What Is A Vaccine?
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your dog from life-threatening illnesses. They work by teaching your pet’s immune system how to fight off specific viruses or bacteria. When a vaccinated dog encounters pathogens in the real world, their body already knows how to respond quickly and effectively. Depending on the disease, the vaccine may help the body prevent infection or lessen the severity and support faster recovery from an illness.
Most veterinarians will recommend core vaccines. These are the essential dog vaccines that protect your dog from preventable diseases and stop the spread of dangerous pathogens. They may also recommend lifestyle vaccines, which will vary depending on your dog’s activities and where you live.
Essential Dog Vaccines
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends four core vaccines. These are considered for every dog regardless of where they live, the activities they participate in, and whether or not they travel. Those four core dog vaccines are:
Rabies
Rabies vaccines are required by law in almost every U.S. state, including Oregon. Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system. It’s passed from one animal to another via saliva or being bitten by an infected animal, and CAN infect humans. Rabies most often spreads via bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Here in Oregon, it’s strongly recommended that all dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. According to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, unvaccinated dogs and cats that have been in contact with a rabid animal either need to be vaccinated and quarantined for four months or euthanized. Vaccinated pets only need to be quarantined for 45 days.
If a pet with rabies does not get immediate treatment, this disease is always fatal. Because of its high-risk nature, there are often legal ramifications if your pet is not current on their rabies vaccine. Talk to your vet about how often your pet needs rabies vaccine boosters!
Canine Distemper (DAPPV / DHPP)
While the canine distemper vaccine isn’t legally mandated by most states, it’s still universally recommended. Because distemper is highly contagious, most boarding facilities, dog trainers, daycares, and groomers require proof of distemper vaccine before your pet can enter their facility.
Canine distemper is a serious airborne illness that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The distemper vaccine is often given as a combination to maximize immunity and minimize the number of pokes your pet needs. The most common combo vaccine is:
D: Canine Distemper Virus
A: Adenovirus / AKA Hepatitis
P: Parainfluenza
PV: Canine Parvovirus (one of the deadliest illnesses in unvaccinated puppies)
Leptosporosis
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease. Dogs contract it by swimming in, drinking, or running through contaminated water. It can also spread through contact with urine from infected animals—usually rodents, raccoons, and skunks. While leptospirosis can be treated, it can be expensive and time-intensive. Even with early medical intervention, lepto carries a 13% mortality rate.
Leptospirosis used to be considered a problem for rural pets only. But in recent years, there have been multiple urban outbreaks, likely due to the urine of infected city rats. Because lepto can be transmitted to people, one simple vaccine can protect your pets as well as everyone they come into contact with.
When Does My Dog Not Need Vaccines?
For the majority of dogs, vaccines are an incredibly safe, routine part of preventative care. In fact, we only see serious adverse reactions in less than 0.02% of cases. In extremely rare cases, your pet may have a medical condition that changes how your dog reacts to vaccines.
If you have concerns about your dog’s core vaccines, talk to your vet! We’ll always work with you to come up with a tailored plan that protects your pup from common, dangerous illnesses without compromising their safety.
Dog Vaccines: Your Pup’s First Line of Defense
Vaccines are a simple, effective way to protect your best friend from preventable diseases! Is your pet up-to-date on their core vaccines? If not, give us a call to schedule today: 503-912-4477