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Vaccinations- Questions and Answers

Why Vaccinate?

A lot of owners ask “why do we vaccinate?”  We recommend vaccinations as a preventative against infectious diseases that can be deadly to your pet.  Especially at a young age, your pet may be at risk to various diseases that are very costly to treat and could be life threatening.

What types of Diseases can my Dog get if I choose not to Vaccinate?

Rabies  

This disease is important to control, as it can be passed through a number of species,                               including humans.  It is most commonly seen in wildlife, (ie: raccoons, bats, coyotes) but can also be seen in livestock and domestic animals.  This virus is transmitted through saliva, therefore, bite wounds from a fight can put your animal at risk.  Once infected, rabies attacks the nervous system and will incubate over a period of ten days to several months before clinical signs are visible.  There are two forms of rabies that we may see.

1)      Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth.  The animal will often avoid contact.

2)      Furious form where the animal becomes extremely aggressive.

With either of these signs, the rabid animal does eventually die.

If an animal is diagnosed with rabies there is no cure, unfortunately, the animal must be humanely euthanized.

Distemper

Canine distemper is commonly seen in Alberta.  It is a virus that attacks the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract of the animal.  If a dog is not vaccinated, he/she has a chance of contracting this disease which can often be fatal, especially in puppies.  This disease can also be spread through other animals, such as cats and ferrets.  Some clinical signs include diarrhea, fever, discharge from eyes and nose, seizures, and muscle twitching.

Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

This disease is one that primarily affects the liver, but can also cause damage to the eye, or cause respiratory problems, diarrhea, fever and blood changes.  If contracted at a young age, this disease is life threatening.  It’s means of transmission is usually through urine and can spread to different organs within the body.

Parvovirus

This disease is highly contagious to other dogs, and if diagnosed, this animal must be isolated and treated with palliative care.  Diarrhea (often bloody due to gut breakdown and irritation) is the most common sign of parvo, but lethargy is usually always associated.  This is a virus, so it needs to run it’s course through the body, and treatment is quite costly.  In pups this disease is often fatal, due to massive fluid losses through diarrhea.  IV fluids need to be administered immediately.

Coronavirus

This disease is much like Parvovirus (as noted above).  It affects the intestines and causes diarrhea, although it is not as common as Parvo.

Kennel Cough (Tracheobronchitis)

This disease is a respiratory infection that is often associated with a “honking” cough.  It is transmitted via air if an infected dog is within the vicinity.  It can lead to poor overall appearance, loss of appetite, and lethargy.  Kennel Cough usually isn’t fatal, but a lot of kennels are requiring that animals are being vaccinated with it one week prior to entering the kennel, for the protection of your animal and others as well.

When is the Best Time to Vaccinate my Animal?

Vaccination Protocols for Puppies

The youngest that a puppy can be vaccinated is 6 weeks of age.  If he/she is vaccinated any younger, this vaccine will be ineffective and we will have to start over again (dam’s maternal antibodies will neutralize the vaccine).

6-8 weeks- first vaccine (distemper combination)

10-12 weeks- second vaccine (distemper combination booster)

14-16 weeks- third vaccination (distemper combination 3rd booster and rabies vaccination)

Once the puppy has received his vaccinations, he will come back in one year (or on his birthday) to be given a one year distemper combination booster, along with a rabies vaccine booster as well.  Once these vaccines are given, the now adult dog, is good for vaccinations for 3 years. 

If the puppy is to be entering a kennel, a kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine must be administered at least 1 week prior to going into a kennel.  It will then need to be boosted 1 month later in order to last one year.  It is important to boost this vaccine every year.

Vaccination Protocol for Adult Dogs

If an adult dog has been vaccinated as a puppy (3 sets of vaccines) and has been vaccinated again at one year of age, then he should come back on his fifth birthday for a distemper and rabies booster.  He is then good for another 3 years.  After 3 years he will come back and get a rabies and distemper combination booster.  This process will continue throughout his life.  If this dog is to enter a kennel he will need a kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine 1 week prior to entering a kennel and it will need to be boosted in 1 month in order for the vaccine to be effective for one year.  This vaccine is to be given every year.

If the adult dog has not been vaccinated as a puppy, he will require a distemper combination vaccine on the first visit.  A month later we will boost this distemper vaccine and give a rabies vaccination as well.  This dog is then required to come back in one year for his annual booster of distemper combination and rabies.  Once he has received this, he will be good for 3 years.  When he comes back in 3 years he will receive another booster and this will continue throughout his life.  If this dog is to enter a kennel he will need a kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine 1 week prior to entering a kennel and it will need to be boosted in 1 month in order for the vaccine to be effective for one year.  This vaccine is to be given every year.

What If I choose not to Vaccinate?

Vaccinating your animal is entirely owner preference.  We understand that some people do not choose to vaccinate their animals, but with the testing that has been done over the years, it has been proven that vaccines save lives.  If your animal is not in contact with other animals, his chances of contracting these types of diseases are minimized drastically, however, sometimes it is hard to restrict complete contact from other animals and the risk is always there.

What is Included In a Vaccine Appointment?

Here at the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore, we include a full health check with vaccinations for dogs.  A health check includes a complete and thorough examination of your animal as well as discussions on health, behavior, nutrition, handling, and any other concerns you may have about your pet.  Also, if you have more than one animal that needs to be vaccinated, we offer a 10% discount.  And for litters of puppies, we have a great puppy rate.  Please talk to our staff about these rates.