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Myth 1: Vaccinations typically cause life-threatening reactions.
False. Serious vaccination reactions are rare. Although anaphylaxis can occur as with any drug, when vaccinations are given in the presence of a veterinarian, immediate life-saving treatment can be performed. Even patients with previous reactions may have vaccinations after pretreatment with antihistamines or steroids. The most common symptoms after vaccination include mild fatigue or redness or swelling at the injection site.
Myth 2: My pet never goes outside and does not need to be vaccinated.
False. Many of the diseases may be transmitted by a cough or sneeze even through a screen door. If your indoor pet ever gets outside, they are at risk of exposure for less contagious diseases through bites or even brief grooming.
Myth 3: I do not need to vaccinate my older pet.
False. Older pets are just as much as risk of contracting contagious diseases as puppies and kittens are since their immune systems are often not as strong.
Myth 4: I only need to vaccinate my pet for rabies.
False. While rabies is the most highly recommended since it is a zoonotic disease (it is transmissible to humans), there are many serious diseases including Feline Leukemia, Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and Feline Panleukopenia that are more contagious and can be fatal.
Myth 5: After the initial vaccinations, my pet is protected.
False. Over time, vaccine-induced immunity declines if it is not boostered. With the exception of Rabies, vaccinations must be boostered annually in order to be effective.
Myth 6: My pet has had vaccination reactions in the past so I shouldn’t vaccinate him.
False. Even pets with vaccination reactions should still get vaccinated. Vaccinations may be given in separate visits as opposed to all at once. Pretreatment with antihistamines or steroids also decrease the chance of reaction.
Myth 7: With so many pets vaccinated, most of the diseases vaccinations are given for are not really a problem anymore.
False. Recent outbreaks of Parvovirus and Feline Herpes/Calicivirus have proven that we are still far from eradicating these diseases.
Myth 8: Rabies is only transmitted from bites of wild animals.
False. Rabies may be transmitted by raccoons, skunks, and other wild animals; however, one of the most common carriers is still the ferile cat. Unvaccinated pets bitten by a wild animal can legally be seized, quarantined, and euthanized. If you are bitten by an infected animal, immediate medical attention is required including a series of painful injections.
Myth 9: Only puppies are at risk of contracting parvovirus.
False. Although this disease is more likely to be fatal in puppies, any unvaccinated dog may contract parvo.
Understanding Your Pet’s Vaccinations: Dogs
Every year, owners are confronted with the decision of whether or not to vaccinate pets as part of routine annual exams. Although we recommend vaccination for Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, and Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) for every pet, we also offer other vaccinations based on an individual pet’s risk factors including Lyme, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, and Giardia.
Many owners neglect vaccinations due to lack of information or concerns about cost. Older pets are a particularly neglected group.
Owners worry about putting pets through the stress of vaccinations; however, older pets are more at risk for disease due to a decrease in the body’s immune response. Many owners wonder whether the cost of vaccinating pets is worth it.
The reality is that the cost of vaccinating for these diseases is minimal when compared to the cost of treatment. Leaving pets unvaccinated can lead to the highest cost of all: loss of a pet’s life.
The Top Vaccinations for your Dog
1. Rabies- Rabies is a core vaccination for both cats and dogs and should be given when your puppy is 16 weeks old. After the initial shot and boosters, rabies must be given every three years. Rabies is a legal requirement for sale of pets or traveling with pets. Rabies is transmitted by the bites of wild animals most commonly skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes as well as ferile cats. Rabies is a neurologic disease that spreads from the bite to the peripheral and central nervous system eventually infecting the brain. Although most infected have the furious form with drastic aggression, pets can also develop a “dumb” form of rabies with confusion/disorientation, ataxia, seizures, and death. Pets can pass rabies to owners from bites or scratches resulting in a painful series of injections. There is no treatment for rabies and once infected, pets must be euthanized and tested. Unvaccinated pets that are bitten may be legally seized, quarantined, and euthanized.
2. Parvovirus- Parvo is a core vaccination for all dogs. Although it mainly infects young puppies, all dogs are at risk. It is spread through exposure to infected feces or contaminated objects (including owners shoes, ect.) and can be dormant in the environment. Although all infected dogs have serious gi signs, when young puppies are infected, parvo causes severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting and immediate hospitalization is needed. There is no cure for parvo and the only treatment is supportive care including iv fluids, anti-vomiting medications, pain management, and iv nutrition. Even with treatment, many do not survive.
3. Canine Distemper- This virus is transmitted through aerosol route (coughing or sneezing), through saliva, or contact with infected skin and feces. Respiratory infections progressing to pneumonia, gastrointestinal problems, and seizures and neurologic signs may result. After infection, survivors shed the virus in respiratory secretions for months. Distemper is a serious disease and usually fatal in young or immunocompromised pets.
4. Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)- Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease transmitted through aerosol. Dogs in kennels or boarded should be vaccinated. The most common pathogens implicated in kennel cough are: Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus 1 and 2, canine distemper virus, reovirus, and mycoplasma.
5. Coronavirus- Corona is a viral disease causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss that may affect dogs of any age with puppies being in the highest risk group. This disease is highly contagious and dogs in kennels are in a higher risk group. It is transmitted via contact with infected feces or contaminated objects.
6. Leptospirosis- Leptspirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with urine of infected animals. Infection with Lepto can lead to kidney failure and patients can have chronic kidney and liver issues as a result of infection. They also have the potential to be shedders of the disease. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and can be passed to humans. Pets living near water and wilderness areas are particularly at risk and should be vaccinated.
7. Hepatitis- Hepatitis is found in wild animals as well as unvaccinated dogs and may be passed on through contact with urine and feces of infected animals. Signs initially include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Later, signs of liver disease including jaundice, seizures, disorientation, and bleeding problems appear. Kidney disease can also occur with this disease.
8. Lyme Disease- Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. This infection usually causes a polyarthritis including lameness and stiffness. Other signs can include lethargy, anorexia, and depression. While Lyme is treatable, it can have permanent effects including damage to the kidney, heart, and nervous system.
9. Giardia- Giardia is a common diarrheal disease transmitted most commonly by contact with the protozoal parasite in contaminated water. All dogs are at equal risk of developing disease. |
