You can do many things to ensure that your dog is long and healthy by ensuring they are up-to-date with health checks and vaccinations for the most common canine illnesses. Vaccinations are highly effective and result in minimal adverse effects for most dogs, including swelling or soreness at the injection site.

Vaccines can include “modified live” or “killed” types of organisms that cause disease but only in small amounts. If given, they stimulate the dog’s immune system to produce antibodies and fight against disease-fighting cells, aiding in preventing diseases.

Vaccine-Preventable Pet Diseases

A visit to the vet regularly throughout a few months to receive vaccinations and boosters might be a hassle; however, the illnesses that vaccinations protect our pets from being hazardous, possibly fatal, and largely avoidable.

Here is a brief overview of diseases that your pet is protected against by dog vaccinations:

1. Parvovirus

The canine parvovirus is spread via the feces of affected dogs. It is an infectious and fatal illness. The most susceptible dog populations are those who are young and elderly who have not been vaccinated. 

The virus is highly resistant and can survive in the air for months. The signs include extreme body temperature and fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. The only way to prevent this deadly illness is through vaccination.

2. Distemper

Distemper is an infectious respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorder that can be a problem for raccoons, dogs, skunks, and many other animals. The virus can be transmitted via the air when an animal infected with the disease sneezes or coughs. Sharing of food bowls and water could also transmit the virus.

Nasal and eye discharges, an elevated body temperature, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and twitching, paralysis, and ultimately death are all signs. The disease cannot be treated. Treatment involves supportive care and attempts to prevent secondary seizures, vomiting, infections, etc.

3. Hepatitis

Canine Adenovirus type I is the cause of canine Hepatitis. Dogs are susceptible to contracting it from each other if they come in contact with contaminated fluids such as urine, saliva, or feces. The symptoms of canine hepatitis range from mild to fatal, including eye damage, liver failure, and breathing problems.

4. Canine Cough

Canine Parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus type II, and Bordetella Bronchitiseptica are just a few viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory diseases in dogs. The phrase “canine cough” is used to describe all of them together.

Canine cough is characterized by an irritable, dry cough that lasts for weeks, and airborne bacteria and viruses cause it. It’s a contagious disease that can lead to life-threatening pneumonia in certain pets, so vaccination is essential for all pets.

5. Leptospirosis

Contact with an affected rodent or any other animal urine is the main route for transmission of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that causes disease. The disease may cause permanent kidney damage and spread to humans and other animals.

If you think your pet’s condition needs surgical treatment, you can bring your pet to a vet surgeon from a reputable pet clinic or hospital. 

6. Rabies

Rabies is a virus that affects mammals. It affects the nervous system of the central nerve, which can cause symptoms like headaches, anxiety, hallucinations, frequent drinking, fear of water, and ultimately death and paralysis. The most common route of transmission is the bite of an infected mammal. The risk of death is higher if an infection isn’t treated within the first couple of hours.

Aside from vaccinations, another aspect of pet care should be prioritized – dental health. Make regular visits to your vet at Spinnaker Veterinary Clinic for pet dental examinations and cleanings to avoid oral health issues in your pet. 

Conclusion

The first thing you need to know of is that there’s not one vaccine schedule that applies to all pups. It is contingent on various aspects, such as where you live and the particular risk factors of your dog. You and your veterinarian should discuss your pet’s vaccination schedule.