By vaccinating your dogs, you will be saving them from various preventable diseases.
Pet Vaccinations
Diseases that we recommend vaccinating against
Although you can decide to immunise against a various illnesses, these are the five most common diseases that we recommend vaccinating against:
- Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Distemper
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
Infectious tracheobronchitis is like the canine equivalent of the human common cold. It's a respiratory tract infection that's easily transmitted from one dog to another. It results in a dry, hacking cough. So if your dog's going to come into contact with other dogs, whether it's through the use of boarding kennels, or even through simply playing with other dogs in the park, we strongly recommend that you get them vaccinated.
Parvovirus
This highly resistant virus is spread through infected faeces and can remain in the environment for many months. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting, and blood-stained diarrhoea. Vaccination is the only certain method of preventing this potentially fatal disease, which is most severe in young puppies and elderly dogs.
Leptospirosis
Dogs infected with this disease can suffer liver and kidney damage, and they'll need a long course of treatment if they're to fully recover. This disease can also be passed on humans!
Distemper
Distemper is spread through discharges from the nose and eyes of dogs. Symptoms can include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhoea, and vomiting. The canine distemper virus attacks many major organs - including the nervous system - and may cause permanent damage, even if your dog recovers.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Canine Hepatitis is transmitted among dogs by contact with secretions such as saliva, infected urine, and faeces, resulting in similar symptoms to those of canine distemper. If left untreated, canine hepatitis can result in liver failure, eye damage, and breathing problems, while the course of the disease can range from mild to fatal.
Rabies
This disease is prevalent throughout many countries across the world. But as it's not currently found in the UK, vaccination isn't a priority. Rabies is an incurable and fatal viral disease that can affect the central nervous system of almost all mammals, even humans. It's spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals via bites or breaks in the skin. If travelling to certain countries, your dog will need to have this vaccination to ensure they can return home.
Other Vaccinations
After evaluating your dog's lifestyle and risk factors, your vet may recommend vaccinating against other infectious diseases. For more information, or if you've any questions about any of the above, get in touch today with your local Blythwood Vets practice.
Dog Vaccinations