Why Should We Vaccinate? Prevention of Canine Diseases
Just as in humans, vaccinating your pets is their best defense against disease. Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive measures you can take for the health of your dog.
How often should my dog receive vaccinations?
The number and frequency of vaccinations your dog needs can be determined during a routine examination by your veterinarian. At the Animal Care Hospital, we recommend those vaccinations that provide the best protection against these deadly diseases. However, puppies will initially receive vaccinations more frequently because of their age and increased vulnerability.
What possible risks are associated with vaccination?
Severe reactions to vaccination are very uncommon. Your dog is at a higher risk of contracting an infectious disease than of experiencing side effects from a vaccination. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about vaccinating your dog and to find our more about the risks associated with vaccination
Our hospital can vaccinate your pet to help protect them from any one of these serious diseases.
- Parvo
- Distemper
- Coronavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Kennel Cough
Please contact the Animal Care Hospital at 731-285-6270 with any additional questions regarding your pet and vaccinations.
Parvo, Distemper, Corona, Leptospirosis, and Kennel Cough are some of the diseases that affect our canine friends.
Parvo is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea, and can lead to dehydration, shock and death. We see this mainly in younger puppies but it can affect any unvaccinated dog. It is transmitted through an infected dog’s feces, but it can be rapidly transported on dogs’ hair and feet, people’s clothing and shoes, as well as water bowls and other objects.
Distemper
Distemper is also seen mainly in puppies but can affect unvaccinated older dogs. It can cause diarrhea, pneumonia, seizures, fever, muscular twitches, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, paralysis, and death.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus is another highly contagious disease which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It can also cause excessive thirst, weight loss, listlessness and loss of appetite. Corona can affect dogs of all ages, but puppies most severely.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals and can lead to permanent kidney damage. It is of particular concern in areas of major flooding because it can be spread to other pets, as well as to humans.
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease which causes dogs to cough, sneeze and gag. Because this airborne disease is so readily spread from dog to dog, vaccination is recommended for dogs that are shown, boarded or exposed to other dogs on a regular basis.
