There are many factors that determine a pet’s prevention plan. Taking into account a pet’s age, lifestyle, and current health condition, we can customize the best possible approach to their wellness. Among other things, such as dental care, proper diet, and parasite prevention, vaccinations add a crucial element to preventive care. Because of the importance of vaccines for dogs, we offer a low-cost vaccine clinic every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but which vaccines for dogs are considered the most essential?
From Puppyhood to the Golden Years
Puppies don’t have fully developed immune systems, and their early months are the most vulnerable. Because of the risk of contracting various contagious diseases, puppies should receive their first vaccines around 6-8 weeks old. Until they are 16 week, boosters are given every 3-4 weeks. Once fully immunized, puppies can enter public places and socialize with other pets.
Adult and senior dogs benefit from continued immunity to highly contagious diseases. Since their immune systems are generally weaker, it’s important to keep their vaccines current.
Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines are given as the result of exposure risk and disease severity, but they also limit diseases from spreading to humans. Core vaccines should be boostered around the first birthday, and then every three years.
Core vaccines for dogs include:
- Canine parvovirus (CPV)
- Canine distemper virus (CDV)
- Canine adenovirus (CAV)
- Rabies (mandated by law to prevent the spread of contagious fatal disease between people, pets and wildlife)
Non-core vaccines depend on a dog’s potential for exposure, and are typically administered at your dog’s annual wellness exam.
We’ll discuss your dog’s lifestyle in order to prevent the following:
- Canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV)
- Canine influenza virus
- Canine enteric coronavirus (CCV)
- Distemper-measles combination
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Leptospira
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme)
- Rattlesnake
Looking Ahead
Meeting your dog’s vaccination requirements is key to their long term health. Plus, you’re not only upholding the law (as in the case of the Rabies vaccine), but you’re creating flexibility if you need to quickly board your dog, or sign them up for a day program.
A Strong Immune System
Like humans, dogs need help to build and maintain a strong immune system. Vaccines for dogs are simply part of the pet care puzzle. Creating herd immunity protects other pets that, due to chemotherapy or autoimmune disease, are unable to receive vaccinations.
Preventing life-threatening or life-altering diseases from spreading unchecked is a priority. If you have additional questions about core or non-core vaccines for dogs, please give us a call at (951) 461-4100. Our staff is always here for you at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital.