Keep Your Dog Healthy with Routine Vaccinations

In the United States it is a requirement to immunize canines to safeguard their health and to also ensure the safety of humans who come in contact with canine pets. Legal requirements for immunizations may vary from one state /region to the next, but every state, at a minimum, requires a rabies vaccination for dogs. Both Kansas and Missouri require an annual rabies vaccination. It is highly recommended that dogs also receive recommended core vaccinations because of their higher risk for potential exposure to various diseases.

Early vaccinations (6 to 8 weeks old) can prevent diseases like Bordetella Bronchiseptica, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Distemper. Other recommended vaccinations against diseases like Rabies, and Canine Hepatitis can be administered once your puppy is 12 to 16 weeks of age. Typically puppies receive a series of three booster shots over a period of a few months to ensure they are fully immunized.

Petworks Veterinary Hospital in Overland Park, KS recommends older dogs also maintain a vaccination regimen, especially if they are at higher risk of exposure to risk factors like visiting dog parks, nature walks, or having a previous history of a compromised health system. Generally, adult dogs only need an annual booster shot to maintain their immunization. If owners are concerned about their dogs exposure to disease, Petworks can provide quick answers by taking a blood sample and running laboratory tests that can detect the presence of specific diseases/pathogens.

Potential Diseases Petworks Can Prevent with Vaccinations

• RABIES: is a lethal disease that is spread through the saliva to other animal hosts, including humans. Rabies affects the central nervous system causing symptoms of confusion, agitation, hallucinations, fever, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, Rabies is fatal to both pets and humans. (Special note: If you find a bat in your house, seek immediate medical treatment. Bats can transfer Rabies through saliva from licking as well as biting.)
  

• CANINE PARVOVIRUS: is a perilous, highly contagious gastrointestinal virus. It is contracted through feces or contact with a contaminated surface with Canine Parvovirus or Parvo on it. Unfortunately, Parvo exceptionally resilient and can live for months or even years on some surfaces. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy that lead to severe dehydration and death. Unvaccinated puppies or those who have not finished their vaccine regimens are at the greatest risk of contracting Canine Parvovirus.

• CANINE DISTEMPER: is an infectious airborne virus that can also be contracted through contact with contaminated water and food bowls. Canine Distemper can affect dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, but unvaccinated puppies are significantly more vulnerable. Symptoms range from congestion, eyes discharge, fever, cough, and in severe cases, convulsions. Vaccinations increase your dog and puppy’s immune response to Canine Distemper, treatment for unvaccinated requires supportive care of symptoms. A dog infected with Canine Distemper can take months to shed the virus and not be contagious.

• CANINE HEPATITIS: is a contagious virus that can be contracted from another infected dog’s urine, feces, and saliva. Canine Hepatitis can cause fever, congestion, inhibited immune, blood clotting disorders, and a hindered immune function making a dog significantly more vulnerable to other disease pathogens. Vaccination is the best way to prevent Canine Hepatitis.

• BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA: also known as kennel cough, refers to several airborne viruses that are highly infectious to other dogs. One doggy sneeze can spread Bordetella to all dogs in the surrounding area, making places like kennels, groomers, and dog parks potential hot zones of this set of viruses. Bordetella symptoms include congestion, cough, and lethargy. Bordetella is most dangerous to dogs who have suppressed immune systems like young puppies.

• LEPTOSPIRA BACTERIA: is a contagious bacterial infection that is transferred through coming in contact with urine or water that has had infected urine in. It is widespread in places with dense rodent populations. Leptospira Bacteria can be cross-contaminated between humans and pets. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stiffness, muscle pain, and infertility in dogs. Dogs diagnosed with Leptospira Bacteria can be treated with an antibiotic regimen, but current vaccinations can prevent infection.

Petworks is a full service Vet Clinic, we provide all types of services focused on the health and wellness of puppies and dogs: microchipping, spaying/neutering, dental care, cold laser therapy, in-house labs, radiology and laser surgery to mention a few.

If your puppy or dog is in need of scheduled routine vaccinations Petworks makes it easy for busy pet owners by administering vaccination(s) during other scheduled visits to the clinic for services like grooming, boarding, and daycare, this helps cut down on the burden of extra clinic visits to support required inoculations.

How Will My Dog Feel After Getting Vaccinated?

Many dogs, like people, may feel mild side effects after receiving vaccinations.  Most side effects pass quickly.

Normal symptoms are MILD and DO NOT last long, and can include:

• Mild Fever
• Decreased Activity
• Decreased Appetite
• Discomfort at Injection Site

These symptoms may start within a few hours and generally last only a couple of days.