Vaccines are a routine part of pet preventive care, but pet owners are often unfamiliar with the many essential vaccines that dogs need. They also are unaware that vaccinations come in two categories—core, or essential, vaccines and non-core vaccines, which not all dogs need. Our State Ave Veterinary Clinic team has compiled a list of diseases that most commonly need vaccination against, and we emphasize the importance of vaccinations for dogs. 

Core vaccines for all dogs

All dogs require some vaccines, no matter their lifestyle. These are considered core vaccines and they protect your dog against the most commonly spread infectious diseases, including: 

  • Rabies — Rabies in dogs most frequently results from interactions with wild animals like bats or raccoons. When an infected animal bites, the virus enters the bloodstream and attacks the neurological system. The virus can also be transmitted when infected saliva enters an open wound. Signs include fever, excessive drooling, staggered walking, seizures, or paralysis. Rabies cannot be treated and usually results in death, so vaccinating your dog against rabies is critical. Also, because rabies can affect humans, rabies vaccinations for dogs are mandated by law in most areas.
  • Distemper — Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by the paramyxovirus, which infects dogs when they contact infected urine, blood, and saliva. The virus, which can also be transmitted through coughing and sneezing, takes root in the respiratory tract lymphatic tissue. Distemper signs include fever, nose and eye discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and neurological issues. Treatment can include fluids to combat dehydration and medications to prevent secondary infection development while the dog recovers. However, the disease is often fatal in dogs who develop neurological signs.
  • Hepatitis — Canine infectious hepatitis, which causes liver inflammation, is transmitted through infected feces, saliva, nasal secretions, and urine. Infection begins in the tonsils and spreads to the spleen and lungs. Signs include lethargy, congestion, fever, corneal clouding, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Treatment involves supportive care, including fluid support and proper nutrition. 
  • Parvovirus — Most common in puppies, parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious disease spread through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated surfaces. Parvo generally attacks and destroys cells in the small intestine, lymphopoietic tissue, and bone marrow, which can result in necrosis, atrophy, and disrupted gut function. Disease signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Parvo is best handled by hospitalizing the infected dog, so they can be regularly monitored and treated by the vet. However, parvo is often fatal and the vaccine is essential. 
  • Parainfluenza — Parainfluenza is a serious and contagious disease in dogs that is transmitted as droplets through the air and can rapidly affect dogs in close proximity, such as a boarding facility. The virus attacks the respiratory system and causes dry or wet coughing, fever, nose discharge, decreased energy and appetite, and vomiting. Most dogs recover with treatment, although severe cases can lead to pneumonia. 

Non-core, lifestyle-based vaccines 

Some vaccines are not required for all dogs but are recommended depending on varying factors such as breed and lifestyle. These vaccines, called non-core vaccines, protect against diseases that include: 

  • Bordetella — Bordetella, or kennel cough, is a respiratory infection that is commonly seen in dogs who are often in social settings and exposed to many other dogs. Transmission is through inhalation of infected secretions, such as saliva and mucus. The primary bordetella signs are coughing, sneezing, nose discharge, and lack of appetite and energy. In most cases, bordetella simply resolves, but antibiotics can speed up the process. 
  • Canine influenza — Also known as “dog flu,” canine influenza is a highly contagious disease that attacks the respiratory system and is most prevalent in multi-dog settings in small, usually indoor, areas. Dog flu is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog, or contact with contaminated secretions, such as saliva and mucus, or contaminated surfaces. Signs include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Treatment includes fluids, crate rest, and, occasionally, antibiotics. 
  • Leptospirosis — Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria often found in soil and water and is spread through infected urine. Dogs in rural areas are more susceptible because they are more likely to drink from urine-infected ponds or lakes, or directly contact infected wildlife. Lepto attacks the urinary and digestive systems and can cause loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss. Treatment includes fluids and supportive care, but pets may require mechanical breathing support in severe cases. When caught early, lepto is treatable, but lack of treatment puts the dog at risk of kidney damage and liver failure. 
  • Lyme disease — Lyme disease is a bacterial disease spread by black-legged ticks, which transmit bacteria into the dog’s bloodstream when they bite. Lyme disease can be asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose, so vaccination is the best prevention. The disease attacks the nervous system and, in rare cases, the heart. Signs that do appear can include fever, loss of appetite, reduced energy, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain. Antibiotics can help, but severe cases, which can cause kidney disease, are often difficult to treat. 

Dogs are constantly exposed to bacteria and infections, which can lead to serious, harmful diseases. Vaccinations from an early age and then consistently are your dog’s best protection. Contact our State Ave Veterinary Clinic and schedule an appointment, so we can administer the core vaccinations and discuss the non-core vaccinations they may need to help ensure their good health.