Your dog is happiest when they feel safe and are healthy. Like humans, dogs can get sick easily due to a variety of viruses, bacteria, common colds, and more. The more your dog is out in public, the more likely they are to contract an illness.
Fortunately, dog vaccinations in Moline, IL are an essential part of your pet’s health care regimen! Vaccines are considered safe for most dogs, and can save your companion from needless stress and suffering. They are also the most effective way to prevent life-threatening illnesses and help ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life.
How Do Vaccines Work?
How Do Vaccines Work?Vaccines developed for dogs work similarly to vaccines developed for humans. A small dose of a virus that has been altered, or is inactive, is injected into your dog’s bloodstream, under its skin or into the muscle. Some vaccines can also be given orally or intranasally.
Once the vaccine is given, your dog’s immune system takes over and begins creating antibodies in order to protect itself. Creating antibodies for even a small amount of virus means that your dog’s body has the tools it needs to protect and defend itself if it ever is exposed to the virus again. With most vaccines, however, those antibodies will eventually grow weaker, which is why booster shots are required for most vaccines.
What are the Side Effects of Vaccinations?
When your dog’s immune system kicks into high gear to make antibodies, your dog may display some side effects. Side effects for vaccines are usually minimal. They can include:
- Swelling or redness at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Soreness at the injection site
- Cold-like symptoms
Most of these common side effects are no cause for concern. If you think your dog may be having an allergic reaction to a vaccine, contact your vet immediately.
What are the Benefits of Vaccinating My Dog?
The primary benefit of vaccinating your dog is protection from viruses and other serious diseases. Many vaccines prevent illnesses that do not yet have a treatment; therefore, prevention is the only way to ensure your dog doesn’t get sick.
In most places, it is illegal to withhold certain vaccinations from your dog. Vaccinating them in a timely manner, in accordance with local guidelines, ensures you won’t be fined or worse, have your pet taken away. Some diseases are easily spread to other dogs and humans alike; ensuring your pet is up-to-date on all its vaccinations is the best way to ensure your pet doesn’t spread illness.
What are Some Common Vaccinations for Dogs?
There’s a wide variety of dog vaccinations available in Moline, IL to keep your pet protected throughout their life from various diseases.
DHLPP
As puppies, dogs are given a variety of vaccines that are meant to set their immune system up for a healthy lifestyle. DHLP/P is the series of shots given to puppies when they are around six weeks old. The shots are administered over four visits, with three weeks in between each. This series protects against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza. Adult dogs are given the same vaccine series but at one-year intervals.
Rabies
Starting at 14-16 weeks old, dogs are legally required to get a rabies shot every year. Rabies is extremely deadly and easily transmitted through dog’s saliva. It attacks the central nervous system, and can cause your dog to grow violent and irritable. Due to the ease of transmission, rabies can spread to humans as well and is often fatal.
Bordetella
If your dog spends a great deal of time with other animals either at the dog park or when boarded, you may want to ask your vet about vaccinating them against kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a bacterial agent known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infection may result in inflammation of the upper respiratory system, which causes the notably loud coughing that characterizes kennel cough. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, sneezing, a runny nose, and a low-grade fever. Fortunately, despite kennel cough’s contagiousness, the condition is quite treatable with rest and the appropriate medication.
Leptospirosis and Lyme
Other common vaccines depend on your dog’s age and lifestyle. If you live in an area that has a great deal of wildlife and/or farm animals, your dog might benefit from the leptospirosis vaccine. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted via contaminated animal urine, often found in damp soil and standing water. If you live in a heavily wooded area or take your dog on hiking trips, consider vaccinating your dog against canine Lyme disease, which is transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks.
Canine Bivalent Influenza
Did you know there is a flu shot for dogs? Dogs who are candidates for the kennel cough vaccine may also need to be vaccinated against canine influenza. Our animal hospital offers protection of two strains of flu combined in one vaccination. This disease can be easily contracted via airborne transmission, or via contact with contaminated objects (toys, bowls, etc.). Canine influenza causes respiratory issues, and other symptoms such as fever and fatigue. Ask your veterinarian if your dog would benefit from the protection of the influenza vaccine.
What About the Cost of Dog Vaccinations?
Every dog is different and will therefore have different vaccine requirements. Not every dog needs every vaccine on the market. Discuss cost-effective vaccination schedules with your veterinarian that best reflect your pet’s lifestyle. This ensures your pet’s protection, while minimizing vaccination side effects.
While there are some risks to vaccinating your pet, mild symptoms and allergic reactions are rare. Vaccines can potentially be life-saving, and they can also prevent you, your family, and your neighbors’ dog from contracting a serious illness.
Our Veterinarians Can Help with Dog Vaccinations in Moline, IL
Vaccines can save your dog from the discomfort of being sick, and even save their life. They can also save you money in the long run on vet bills. Vaccines are a necessary part of your dog’s life. Preventing disease in your dog can help ensure they are happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your pet, be sure to contact our Moline, IL, animal hospital at (309) 524-5696.