We all know it’s important to take our furry friends to the vet for regular visits to keep them in tip top shape. But sometimes the long list of suggested vaccines you get from the doc can seem excessive or expensive. To clear up the confusion, I’ve done a little research on the necessary core vaccines and the importance of most suggested vaccines.
Core Vaccines
Canine parvovirus – This vaccine will prevent a very dangerous virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. It is a highly contagious disease that can be easily spread through your dog’s contact with infected feces.
Distemper – This vaccine treats another string of canine parvovirus which is highly fatal with a survival rate of only 50%.
Canine hepatitis – Without this vaccine, your dog can get an acute liver infection caused by an adenovirus that is very easily spread through the feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of infected dogs.
Rabies – Thanks to the ever-famous Cujo, most everyone is familiar with the dangerous viral disease of the brain and the importance of getting your animals vaccinated.
Suggested Vaccines
Bordetella bronchiseptica – This vaccine isn’t part of the core group because it is highly unlikely your dog will develop this bronchial infection if they do not board with other dogs. However, consider it core for you if your dog goes to doggy day care or boarding facilities.
Borrelia burgdorferi – In simple terms, Lyme Disease, which comes from deer ticks. This vaccine isn’t necessary if there is no risk of deer ticks in your area, like a city environment, but if you live in a wooded area, this vaccine is highly recommended.
Leptospira bacteria – Consider this vaccine necessary, because this bacteria can be easily spread thorough minimal contact with an infected animal’s urine, the most common infected animal being rodents.