Vaccinations are an important part of your dog’s health and wellness. They protect your beloved pet from a great number of diseases and illnesses, from puppyhood all the way through their adult lives. Most of the vital pet vaccinations are given to pups in a 4- or 5-way combination vaccine when they are about 6 to 8 weeks old, and then in 2- to 4-week intervals until they are 16 weeks old. Booster shots of these vaccinations are received a year after their last round and then once every three years to keep protecting your best friend for life.

What Are the Most Important Pet Vaccinations for Your Dog? 

1. Distemper

Distemper is a viral disease that causes measles in dogs. It’s spread through the air and attaches itself to the lymph nodes and tonsils. From there, it can spread to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, and urogenital systems. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and paralysis. The pet vaccination for this is included in the DHPP combination shot.

2. Rabies

Rabies is spread through a bite from an infected mammal. Animals with rabies will show symptoms such as fever, seizures, inability to swallow, unusual aggression, and excessive drooling and possible paralysis.  As one of the few diseases that can be spread to humans, it is important to get your pup vaccinated for rabies at about 12 weeks old. Not included in the combo shot, this is given as an individual vaccine with a booster given a year after the first shot and then once every three years.

3. Canine Hepatitis

This disease causes severe swelling and cell damage to the liver, which could to hemorrhaging and even death. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, pale color, lethargy, lack of appetite, tonsillitis, and fever. The vaccination is included in the above-mentioned combo shot as the H.

4. Canine Parvovirus

This disease is spread through feces and even soil that infected feces has touched. Infected dogs will show symptoms within 3 to 10 days, without a vaccine. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, shock, and eventually death. Even after the dog has received the vaccine, it still may be contagious for another two weeks.

5. Parainfluenza

Also known as canine influenza, this disease is highly contagious. Most dogs with this disease can recover on their own. However, if taken to a veterinarian, they will be treated with antiviral drugs and antibiotics, as well as a cough suppressant and possibly other drugs. This all could be avoided by giving your puppy the DHPP combination shot.

Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all their pet vaccinations with help from the compassionate veterinarians at West Pine Animal Hospital and Pet Resort. Located in West End, NC, this local animal hospital provides everything from pet wellness exams and vaccinations to flea treatments, heartworm prevention, and dog boarding. Visit their website to learn more about these and other services, or call (910) 673-3103 to schedule an appointment for your furry friend today.