Introduction
Choosing the right vaccination protocol for your beloved pup is crucial for ensuring their long-term health and well-being. With the multitude of options available, it can be challenging to know which ones are best for your pet. That's why we offer you a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
Basic vaccination : Essential for your dog's health
When considering your loyal companion's vaccination protocol, core vaccines form the essential foundation for protecting their health against common viral diseases. These vaccines are often recommended from a young age, providing vital protection against several diseases. Discover the importance of each of these vaccines in detail and how they contribute to maintaining your pet's health and well-being.
Distemper
This highly contagious viral disease affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The disease is transmitted through the nasal and ocular secretions of infected animals. It is often fatal and difficult to treat. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, nasal and ocular discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes seizures and paralysis.
Infectious hepatitis
Caused by canine adenovirus type 1, this disease is transmitted through secretions such as saliva, urine, and feces. Initial symptoms are similar to those of distemper, but the disease progresses to affect the liver. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and jaundice. It is particularly severe in young dogs.
Parvovirus
This highly contagious disease is caused by the canine parvovirus. The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for several months. It is a very serious and often fatal disease. Parvovirus primarily affects puppies, causing severe vomiting, often bloody diarrhea, marked lethargy, and loss of appetite. Supportive care is essential to help the puppy through the critical period of this disease. Despite hospitalization and supportive care, some may not survive. It is crucial to vaccinate your new puppy from a young age to protect them against this devastating disease.
Parainfluenza
This respiratory virus contributes to the kennel cough complex. Symptoms include a dry cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, and a mild fever. Although generally mild, it is a highly contagious disease that spreads quickly. Therefore, this virus is part of the core vaccine for dogs.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can affect all mammals, including humans. The disease is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, often via a bite, but simple contact with the saliva on a skin lesion or mucosa (mouth, eyes, etc.) can also suffice to cause infection. Once the animal is infected, the disease progresses, causing initial neurological symptoms such as excessive salivation, aggression, limb paralysis, behavioral changes, vocalizations, and disorientation, ultimately leading to the animal's death. The virus is often transmitted by bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes, but it can also be transmitted by any contaminated animal. Be aware that there is no screening test for live animals and no treatment once symptoms appear. Vaccination is therefore essential.
Specific vaccines : Based on your dog's lifestyle
In addition to core vaccines, some dogs may benefit from specific vaccines to protect them against more targeted diseases or particular environmental risks. These vaccines are often recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and the risks they are exposed to. Among these specific vaccines, protection against the following diseases is included.
Leptospirosis
This infectious disease is caused by a bacterium and is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine of an infected animal or contaminated water. Several wild animals can be carriers, such as squirrels, skunks, and raccoons, making it a disease present in both urban and wild environments. The bacterium mainly affects the kidneys and liver. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, increased thirst, and increased urine production. It is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is highly recommended for all dogs.
Lyme disease
Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick. Fortunately, only 5 to 10% of dogs will develop the disease. Symptoms include high fever, lameness with significant joint pain, and lethargy. In more severe forms, the disease can affect the kidneys, liver, heart, and nervous system, potentially leading to death in such cases. While monthly tick prevention is more effective than the vaccine, the vaccine could be beneficial in certain situations.
Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel cough)
This bacterium causes a generally self-limiting but highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly in densely populated environments. Transmission can occur via aerosols (sneezing, coughing), direct or indirect contact with the bacterium. Symptoms of kennel cough include sneezing, a dry cough with or without expectoration, ocular or nasal discharge, fatigue, and decreased appetite. Vaccination is recommended for dogs that are in contact with many other dogs, such as those who frequent dog parks, boarding facilities, or take training classes. In the latter two cases, vaccination against kennel cough is sometimes even required.
CANINE VACCINATION SCHEDULE
Basic vaccines
La vaccination débute habituellement entre 6 et 8 semaines d’âge et se poursuit mensuellement jusqu’à l’âge d’au moins 16 semaines. Un rappel est prévu un an plus tard, puis une vaccination triennale (tous les trois ans) est recommandée par la suite.
Rabbies
Vaccination can begin as early as 12 weeks of age.
Leptospirosis
An annual booster is required, followed by triennial (every three years) boosters thereafter.
Lyme disease
An annual booster is required, followed by triennial (every three years) boosters thereafter.
Bordetella
Une dose unique peut être administrée dès l’âge de 8 semaines. Un rappel annuel est nécessaire par la suite.
Conclusion : Prevention to protect your dog
Vaccination is an essential element of your dog's overall health. A consultation with your veterinarian will allow you to discuss and choose the most appropriate vaccines to ensure optimal protection. Remember, prevention is the best approach for the well-being of your four-legged companion!
