By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2011-12-04 11:55:58 | Word Count: 499
No doubt about it - vaccinations are very important for your pet dogs. Not only does it protect your dog from certain diseases but it also protects the members of the household from canine-born illnesses, parasites and pests. Indeed, for a relatively small investment, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy for as long as possible.
Mandatory or Optional
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While rabies vaccinations are mandated by law in all states, other canine vaccines are optional. You have to discuss with the vet the necessity of certain vaccines depending on the age of the dog, the health needs of the canine, and the area where you live. The latter is because there are areas in the United States where a certain vaccine is highly essential but is not so in other places.
As such, you must coordinate with the vet so as to ensure that the essential vaccines are provided to your pet. This is especially true for puppies but is also important for older dogs since both require the protection provided by vaccines, be it for rabies or for distemper.
Usually, a schedule will be drawn for the vaccination times. You have to be faithful to it as much as you possibly can as your dog's health is at stake. Your budget can be planned in advance for such an eventuality, the financial aspect of pet ownership being one of the more idealized in the general scheme of things.
Types of Vaccines
Aside from the mandatory rabies vaccine, your vet will recommend other types of vaccines. The possible infections with available vaccines include the following:
• Adenovirus Type 2 protects against hepatitis that, although not common in dogs, still pose a threat. You must ask the vet for this vaccine as it also causes a form of kennel cough, which you definitely will not want to happen to your pooch.
• Bordetella also causes kennel cough in dogs. Kennel cough is the bacterial infection that can be passed whenever dog congregate in a small crowd, as is the case in kennels. Depending on the dog's exposure to these crowded canine conditions, the vet may choose to give the vaccine either once or twice a year.
• Coronavirus can cause diarrhea in dogs but when the virus is coupled with the parvovirus, symptoms are more severe. Ask the vet if he recommends its vaccine as studies on the virus are conflicting.
• Distemper vaccination is essential for all puppies. Your puppy may be able to survive distemper now but there can be long-term effects.
• Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can lead to a host of side effects. It may not be necessary in some areas but it pays to ask the vet in your area.
• Lyme disease is carried is by a species of ticks and other insect carriers. Again, ask your bet if it is necessary.
Indeed, these vaccines are important to maintain the health of your pet dog. Even if you have to spend money on them, it will be money well-spent.
