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Diseases that impact dogs can be highly contagious and, in many cases, life-threatening or expensive to treat. Fortunately, defending against these threats is easy when you keep your four-legged friend vaccinated. If you’re a dog parent, here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t wait to visit a veterinarian for animal vaccines—and which immunizations are most important for your pet.

Why Are Animal Vaccines Important for Dogs?

Medical Protection

Animal vaccines are specifically designed to reprogram the immune system so that your dog’s body will be able to fight off dangerous viruses. By immunizing your pet and keeping their booster shot schedule on track, they won’t be vulnerable to diseases that could endanger their lives or require expensive veterinary care. In short, vaccines help your companion lead a long and happy life.

Safeguards the Community

animal vaccinesWhen your dog is protected with vaccines, they won’t be able to pass on diseases to other dogs and animals. This helps reduce the likelihood that these diseases will occur in your community. In some cases, animal vaccination can also help prevent certain viruses from spreading to humans.

Legal Compliance

According to Alabama law, dogs must stay current with their rabies vaccination. If you don’t comply with this law, your pet may be euthanized immediately if they’re exposed to a rabid animal.  

What Vaccines Should Your Dog Have?

Rabies

Affecting the brain and spinal cord, rabies is a deadly disease characterized by aggressive behavior, foaming at the mouth, fever, seizure, paralysis, and other complications. Puppies should receive initial shots at four months and boosters at one year and every three years after.

DHPP

DHPP is a combination vaccine that prevents against several diseases:

  • Distemper: A fatal disease that causes respiratory problems and severe diarrhea.
  • Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Canine hepatitis is treatable but can cause irreversible liver damage. Symptoms include severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain. Adenovirus can also cause respiratory complications.
  • Canine Parvovirus: A potentially fatal infection of the intestines that can cause appetite loss, fever, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Puppies should get their DHPP in a series of three shots at 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 12 months. Boosters are given every one to two years.

Non-Core Vaccines

Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, your veterinarian may also recommend animal vaccines that prevent diseases that aren’t necessarily deadly but still difficult to treat. These include those that protect against kennel cough, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis.

 

Whether you’ve just adopted a puppy or your older dog needs a booster, Animal Health Center offers quick and simple immunizations to keep your pet healthy. In addition to offering both core and non-core animal vaccines, this veterinary medicine clinic of Enterprise, AL, offers a wide range of preventive health services—including dog teeth cleaning, spaying and neutering, flea and tick medications, and routine wellness exams. To learn more about these capabilities, visit this local animal hospital online. For an appointment, call (334) 347-0544.

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