Why it is crucially important to have your dogs vaccinated
Updated: Aug 10, 2022
Vaccination is important whether or not your dog likes to explore. There are a number of highly contagious diseases that dogs can come into contact with almost anywhere from other animals and their own environment. Your dog's core vaccinations include the following:
Parvovirus (CPV) also known as "Katgriep" in South Africa (Deadly). Sadly at the SPCA we witness an incredible number of unvaccinated puppies lose their lives to parvovirus.
Rabies which can be transferred to humans (Deadly),
Distemper - It is an incurable and often fatal disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.
Hepatitis - an acute contagious disease which targets the spleen, kidneys, lungs, liver, lining of blood vessels and sometimes other organs. Symptoms can vary widely - from slight fever, thirst or apathy to death.
Leptospirosis - a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. severe leptospirosis can sometimes be fatal however some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.
Parainfluenza - a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.
How often to vaccinate your dog to help protect from disease
Prevention is better than cure and your dog will be highly susceptible to these diseases as a puppy because their immune systems are still very weak, however, your adult dog can also get them. In most cases, puppies will receive 3 vaccinations, 2-4 weeks apart, starting at 6-8 weeks of age. An annual booster is then needed, and your vet may have specific recommendations for your dog based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Consult your vet if you have any questions about vaccination.
Below is a very helpful 2 minute video from Virbac, a large animal healthcare company in Australia that explains more about dog vaccinations and some of the science behind it.
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