Vaccines are a crucial part of preventative health care for pets. For pet owners, it is essential that they have the four-legged, furry friend vaccinated for the following diseases. This includes a new puppy or a dog that is adopted later in life. These vaccines are designed to prevent certain diseases from occurring in a dog. In most cases, these are vaccinations that can be given at any animal hospital in Riverside, CA.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
These are vaccines that should be considered for dogs while they are a puppy in order to protect their long-term health. They include the following:
- Rabies: This is a fatal viral disease that will attack the dog’s nervous system and that can be passed to humans. The first vaccine needs to be given at three to six months with a booster shot given one year after that.
- Distemper: This is a type of viral disease that can be fatal and affects the gastrointestinal tracts and respiratory tracts, and in some situations the nervous system. The first dose of this vaccine needs to be given right after a puppy is weaned and goes to their new home. This vaccine should only be used once and in puppies.
- Hepatitis/Adenovirus: This is a vaccination that protects dogs from adenovirus type two and adenovirus type one. The type one will cause infectious hepatitis, which will affect the liver and other organ systems. The second type will cause a respiratory illness and can cause a dog to develop a kennel cough. This vaccination should be given at the eight to 12-week mark and then a booster at 16 weeks.
The Importance of Dog Vaccinations
The bottom line is that vaccines are a crucial part of any dog’s long-term health and can be given at animal hospitals in Riverside CA. However, a pet owner also needs to discuss the dog’s needs with your vet, since not every dog will need to be vaccinated for every disease.
When a pet owner takes proper care of their pet, they will live a long and healthy life. These vaccines are a crucial part of ensuring any pet does not develop these often, life-threatening diseases. If a person’s dog is commonly kenneled or around other dogs, these vaccines are even more important. More information can be found by taking the time to visit SoCal K9 Clinic.