Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs

Every dogs immunization needs may vary according to the many different diseases prevalent in the environment and the relevance of those diseases to its individual wellness.  We are here to help you evaluate these risks and address your pet’s specific vaccination needs.

Vaccination is a valuable preventive measure against infectious disease, and can help avoid potential illness and hardship for both you and your dog.  Vaccination is a relatively inexpensive and safe way of preventing diseases that jeopardize the life your pet and may cost much more to treat.

Organisms that can cause disease are prevalent in most dog populations.  Fortunately, regular booster vaccination protects against outbreaks of disease caused by these organisms.  Your participation in the process of regular vaccination of your dog protects your pet and helps protect the greater population of dogs in your community.

Pet vaccination offers the additional benefit of reducing the threat of zoonotic illnesses in humans.  Rabies is the most important of these diseases.

You can rely on your veterinarian as the best source of accurate pet health information.  During your visit to your veterinarian your pet’s risk of disease will be assessed and an appropriate vaccination program will be recommended.  Regular vaccination visits and physical examination of your pet go hand-in-hand in ensuring continued good health for your “best friend”.

Nervous System Diseases

Rabies.  This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock and humans.  Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of this virus.  Rabies is a major health hazard so it is extremely important that your pet be vaccinated against it.  In many cases vaccination is required by municipal law and for travel outside Canada.

Distemper.  Vaccination against distemper virus is essential for all dogs.  Nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper virus in its lifetime, and when infection occurs it is often fatal.  Distemper virus attacks many body organs, such as the nervous system.  Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the eyes and nose.  In its final stages it may cause convulsions and paralysis.  Death may occur one to three weeks after infection.

Contagious Respiratory Disease or Kennel Cough

Canine Cough, Tracheobronchitis.  Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause infection and inflammation of the lungs and respiratory passages of dogs.  Primary among these are adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica.  The stress associated with boarding and increased exposure to these organisms commonly results in “kennel-cough” in susceptible dogs.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Parvovirus.  This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material.  It is a very hardy virus and can survive outside its host’s body in the environment for extended periods.  In severe cases it can lead to shock and death.  Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs.

Tick-Borne Disease

Lyme Disease.  The bacteria which cause Lyme disease in dogs and humans is carried by species of ticks commonly found in some regions of Canada.  Lyme disease is very difficult to diagnose due to the incubation period and vague, arthritic, flu-like symptoms which may accompany it.  Lyme-causing bacteria damage many different organs as the disease progresses including the liver, heart, nervous system and kidneys. Infective ticks as small as the head of a pin may inhabit urban and rural lawns and gardens as well as fields and forests.  Cool, wet weather in the spring and fall increases your pet’s risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Infectious Disease of the Liver and Kidneys

Adenovirus.  This virus is spread between dogs by contact with urine, feces, and other secretions from infected animals.  The liver is the primary organ affected and death due to hepatitis is possible in severe cases.

Leptospirosis.  This is a serious bacterial disease of mammals including dogs and humans.  Many organs may be attacked by the leptospira bacteria; however, the liver and/or kidney are the most frequently affected.  Symptoms of the disease may include fever, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain and increased urination.  Diagnosis can be difficult and if left untreated, death may occur.  Leptospira bacteria are harboured in the bodies of wildlife, rodents and livestock and are expressed in the urine of infected animals.  Any surface water which becomes contaminated by this urine represents a source of infection to your pet.  Increased rainfall may elevate your pet’s risk of contracting leptospirosis as the organism favours wet, warm conditions.

There are many serovars of Leptospira bacteria; however, specific serovars may predominate in specific geographic regions.  Common serovars in Canada include Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Pomona.  Leptospirosis is the world’s most common infectious disease shared by both animals and man.

All of the above diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding your per’s lifestyle, and we can decide together which vaccines are most appropriate for your pet.