Vaccinations Every Dog in Port St. Lucie, FL Needs

As a dog owner, you already recognize that you need to keep up with vaccinations for your dog throughout their life. But do you know which vaccines they really need? Are you aware that there are more shots required for adult dogs than simply rabies vaccinations?

In the article below, you’ll find out more information about the six most common vaccinations every adult dog needs. Read through this list to make sure you understand the shots your dog will need as well as those that may simply be recommended depending on where you live.

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment, call Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie County at (772) 337-8570.

Types of Vaccinations Your Dog Needs

DHPP

This vaccination includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. It is given to puppies from a very early age and dogs must continue getting booster shots throughout their lives to keep up with this vaccination as well. It is just as important for older dogs as it is for puppies.

By giving your dog this vaccination, you will help protect them against four of the most common diseases that dogs can contract. Most of these are potentially fatal illnesses, so you are doing your dog a big favor by ensuring they can’t get sick with them. This shot is annual after the first year of your dog’s life.

Rabies

The rabies vaccination is the most commonly recognized shot given to dogs. This vaccination is required by law throughout much of the United States and in other countries as well. Rabies is always fatal to dogs and can be transmitted from dogs to other animals, including humans, so it’s crucial to have your dog vaccinated against it.

Dogs should receive a rabies booster shot every year. Recently, there has been a three-year rabies vaccination developed for use in dogs, however. This shot only requires a booster every three years instead. Your vet can give you more information about this option.

Bordetella

Bordetella is the cause of kennel cough, which is one of the most common diseases that affects dogs. Although kennel cough is almost never deadly (except in very young puppies or dogs with other underlying health conditions), it can make your dog very sick. It is also highly contagious among dogs and can spread very quickly and easily through any location with multiple dogs present.

Since kennel cough is so commonly spread in boarding facilities, you will be required to have your dog vaccinated against Bordetella before you can board them at any reputable kennel.

Lyme Disease

Depending on where you live, Lyme disease may be very prevalent or it may be nearly nonexistent. There are some locations where Lyme disease is so uncommon that dogs don’t really need to be vaccinated against it. However, in many places, this vaccination is strongly encouraged for any dog who will spend any time outside further than the backyard.

Lyme disease is a tickborne disease that can cause death if a dog is severely affected by it. Dogs (and humans) who have Lyme disease must manage and live with the symptoms throughout their lives, as there is no treatment for this condition.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a type of bacteria that is found in water and dirt. This disease can be spread from dogs to other animals, including humans, and it is sometimes spread to human children because of their frequent interaction with both dogs and dirt.

This disease causes severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and weakness. In severe cases, it can cause kidney failure or liver failure. It is treatable, but the disease must be caught early enough for antibiotics to work against it. The vaccination can be given annually to adult dogs.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is sometimes included in comprehensive shots such as DHPP, but it may not always be present in these vaccinations. Ask your vet if you’re unsure whether or not your dog has been vaccinated against canine influenza, and make sure to get them this shot if they have not yet been.

Canine influenza can be potentially deadly, as it often causes dogs to contract pneumonia as a secondary bacterial infection along with it. This illness can affect dogs of any age and is difficult for dogs to recover from without help.

Work with Your Veterinarian in Port St. Lucie, FL

Always work with your vet to ensure your dog receives the right vaccinations at the right time. Some dogs may be able to receive their shots all at the same time during one annual visit, while others may need to have their vaccinations staggered between six-month visits instead.

The right shots and schedule for your dog may sometimes vary from the norm, depending on your dog’s individual needs. Only your vet will be able to tell you for sure what your dog needs and what is strongly encouraged in your area in terms of dog vaccinations. Call our animal hospital in Port St. Lucie, FL today at (772) 337-8570.