The vaccinations for canine diseases are explained in some detail below but you have the choice of deciding which canine vaccinations are appropriate for your individual dog or puppy with one exception - it is mandatory in the US for dogs to have a vaccination for rabies. Your choice will depend on risk factors associated with your dog's health, lifestyle and environment. Once these decisions have been made you can formulate a Vaccination Schedule.
Puppy & Dog Disease Information - Vaccinations available
Your dog can be immunized for the following diseases:
| Disease | Symptoms | Effects |
| Rabies | Attacks the nervous system and brain | Fatal. Can be transmitted to people |
| Canine Parvovirus | Diarrhea and vomiting | Highly contagious. Can be fatal to puppies |
| Canine Distemper | Nasal and eye discharge, twitching, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and seizures | Can be fatal. Virus carried by air. |
| Parainfluenza | Respiratory problems | Highly contagious. Can be fatal to puppies |
| Canine Hepatitis | Liver problems | Transmitted by other infected animals |
Canine Bordetella
( Kennel Cough) | Respiratory problems - cough | Transmitted by other infected animals |
| Leptospirosis | Varied can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or no symptoms | Transmitted by other infected animals. Can be transmitted to people |
| Lyme disease | Lethargy, inflamed joints | Transmitted via an infected tick |
| Coronavirus | Diarrhea and lethargy | Transmitted by other infected animals |
Immunization the most important preventative measure you can take to reduce the risk of disease in your pet. The cost of vaccinations can be obtained from your local Canine Health Advisor. Planning an individual vaccination schedule tailor-made to requirements of your dog or puppy can reduce the cost of vacinations as no dog will require all of the vaccinations which are available. It is mandatory in the US for dogs to have a vaccination for rabies.
Puppy & Dog Vaccinations - A Dog & Puppy Vaccination Schedule
No dog requires every single canine vaccine that is available. Tailor a Vaccination Plan to suit your puppy or dog by conducting a simple Risk Assessment - consider your answers to the following questions and this will help you to formulate your own ideas for an individual Dog or Puppy Vaccination plan and schedule. Address these questions to each of the canine diseases for which your dog or puppy may be vaccinated:
- What age are the dogs most at risk from the disease?
- Are certain breeds of dogs are most at risk from the disease?
- Ease of transmission to other dogs?
- Is there potential for transmission of the disease to people?
- Is there a high mortality rate associated with the disease?
- Will the life style of your puppy or dog increase the risk of contracting the disease?
- Current health status of your dog and any medications?
- What is the vaccination history of your puppy or dog?
Take time out to consider the above questions and you will be ready to discuss some informed ideas with your Vet. Your Veterinary Surgeon will be pleased that you have taken the trouble and will provide you with his/her professional advice, opinion and recommendations on immunization for your dog or puppy.
Puppy & Dog Vaccinations - Core and Non-Core Vaccinations
The trend towards planning an individual immunization program for Dog and Puppy vaccinations have lead to the process of dividing vaccinations into two groups:
- Canine Core Vacinations - vaccines recommended for administration to all dogs
- Canine Non-Core Vacinations - recommended for only those dogs at risk due to anticipated health problems or whose lifestyle or environment gives rise to a reasonable risk of exposure
Puppy & Dog Core Vaccinations - What are they?
Examples of the Core Vaccinations include vaccines against:
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Hepatitis
- Canine Parvovirus
- All US dogs must be protected against Rabies
