There are different vaccines for your dog. The list can be confusing so you have to consult a veterinarian for a schedule that best suits your dog and its needs.

When administered correctly, vaccines prevent many diseases. Here are some common vaccines you may encounter:

Rabies – this is the most common and legally required vaccine by a large number of countries. The first vaccine is good for a year with subsequent vaccines lasting upwards of three years. Rabies is a threat in many areas and it is a horrible disease. In addition, an unvaccinated pet that bites a human being, even by accident, is subject to long quarantine periods or even death.

Distemper – is a serious, often fatal, viral disease that affects primarily young, unvaccinated dogs. Symptoms of this nervous system disorder include a yellow or greenish discharge from the dog’s eyes or nose, vomiting and diarrhea – all of which are very contagious. Other symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, increased body temperature, weight loss and diminished appetite.

Prevention against distemper is extremely important since the disease can permanently damage the dog’s nervous system, sense of smell, sight and sound.

Parvovirus – the most common viral illness in dogs. Parvo is more likely to infect a puppy than an adult dog. Vaccinating a puppy against Parvo is complicated because the maternal antibody can interfere with the vaccine. That’s why puppies receive the Parvo vaccine every three to four weeks, starting at six weeks of age, until they are between 16 and 20 weeks.

Corona – may cause the Parvo virus to become fatal, especially if the two infections occur concurrently. On the other hand, on its own, the Corona virus can cause minimal damage to the intestine and may also not even cause a clinical illness.

Bordetella – is the most common cause of kennel cough (tracheobronchitis). The bacterial illness occurs mostly in dogs that congregate together at daycares, kennels or parks.

Para Influenza – is a minor contributor to kennel cough. However, this vaccine is still found in almost all vaccine combinations.

Canine hepatitis – a viral disease most commonly found in young (aged 9 – 12 weeks) and unvaccinated puppies. The disease is spread by contact with urine from an infected dog. Symptoms include discharge from the nose or eyes, coughing and liver or kidney disease which is characterized by jaundice, appetite loss, vomiting and changes in drinking and urinating behavior.

Giardia – a new vaccine that is optional at this time. Giardia is a parasite that can cause chronic gastro-intestinal upset – mostly diarrhea – and can also spread to man.

Lyme disease – caused by a bacterial organism carried by certain species of ticks. The necessity of this vaccine is determined by your location since this is not prevalent in all areas.

Leptospirosis – bacterial disease that is no longer prevalent in many countries and is not always given to dogs.

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