Vaccinations for Your Dog: Where to Begin

You've adopted the greatest dog. He loves to walk, loves to snuggle, and he is already house trained. Now how are you going to keep this sweet little fuzz face healthy? Vaccines are an essential component of a preventive veterinary health care program. They are the single best way to keep your dog healthy and protected from preventable diseases. Dogs should be vaccinated from the time they are tiny puppies straight through adulthood. However, not every dog should receive the same vaccines at the same intervals. The best vaccination plan is tailored to your individual pooch and balances disease protection with the risk of side effects from the vaccines.

Vaccines can be split into core and non-core categories. Veterinarians recommend core vaccines for every furry companion regardless of her lifestyle and geographic location. Non-core vaccines may be considered depending on the risk of exposure for your pup.

Rabies

This is a virus that causes severe neurologic impairment leading to death. This is the only vaccine required by law because it is also fatal to humans. It is a core vaccine.

Distemper

The distemper vaccine is a combination of canine distemper virus, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Veterinarians recommend the distemper combination vaccine for every dog because each of these contagious diseases can inflict serious harm or even death, and they can be found throughout the country. This is a core vaccine.

Leptospirosis

This bacterium is found primarily in standing water sources like ponds, wetlands, or even puddles and bird baths. Hunting dogs and active outdoor dogs are all more likely to contract leptospirosis. It is a non-core vaccine.

Lyme

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. It is especially prevalent in the New England states. This is a non-core vaccine.

Bordetella and Canine Influenza

Both Bordetella and canine influenza are airborne diseases that are easily spread in close contact environments like boarding facilities, daycares, and groomers. Dogs exposed to these situations may benefit from this protection. These are non-core vaccines.

Deciding which vaccines are right for your dog is a choice that should be made with your veterinarian. You must work together to evaluate your pet's lifestyle and develop an individualized vaccine plan. Our preventive health goal is to provide appropriate protection for Bowser while minimizing his exposure to unnecessary vaccination.

Dr. Susan O'Dell grew up in Michigan, where she received her Bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating, she has practiced at animal hospitals all across New England, with a particular focus on educating small animal clients.