Vaccinations help keep your pup healthy. Here’s what can happen without them.

Key takeaways:

• Vaccinations help keep animals free from disease and infection.

• The most important are called “core vaccines” and are necessary every three years.

• Some vaccinations are only required if risks are present.

Getting a new puppy is exciting. Learning its little personality and funny quirks and watching it grow and learn are among life’s great pleasures. That getting-to-know-you process also involves understanding how to keep your furry new friend happy and safe so you can both live a healthy life.

One of the most important parts of responsible pet ownership is getting your pup’s vaccinations on time. Immunizations help animals stay free of common ailments such as worms, parvo, distemper, and rabies, plus keep these deadly illnesses from spreading to other dogs. Additional vaccines can protect dogs that are at risk of geographical threats such as Lyme disease or rattlesnake bites.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that all dogs receive four core vaccinations no matter where they live. That list includes:

• Adenovirus

• Distemper

• Parvovirus

• Rabies

Core vaccinations were previously given annually, but the AAHA now recommends they be administered every three years. A veterinarian might suggest non-core vaccinations if any of the following “risky” conditions exist:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica only

• Bordetella bronchiseptica + canine parainfluenza virus

• Borrelia burgdorferi

• Canine Influenza Virus-H3N2

• Canine Influenza Virus-H3N8

• Crotalus atrox

• Leptospira

Vaccinations can save animals’ lives as well as reduce illnesses and vet visits. This guide will cover the four core vaccines, plus explain more about the possible illnesses and diseases pets face without proper immunization.

Core Vaccination #1: Rabies

Rabies vaccines are the only immunizations that are required by law. It is required because rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted through infected mammals’ saliva, usually by a bite. Any mammal can become infected with it, including:

• Bats

• Coyotes

• Dogs

• Foxes

• Humans

• Racoons

• Skunks

Rabies attacks the nervous system and causes brain inflammation. Any dog that has recently been in a fight and has open wounds is at risk of contracting it, and early signs include:

• Coughing

• Excessive salivating

• Irritability

• Malaise

• Muscle paralysis

• Photophobia, or avoidance of bright light

• Trouble swallowing

• Vomiting

A dog can be infected even if there are no fresh bite marks, however, as the infected animal’s saliva can enter through your pup’s nose, mouth, or eyes. The incubation period for rabies can be anywhere from a few days to several months, too, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Core Vaccination #2: Distemper

Distemper is one of the most dangerous animal diseases a dog can encounter. It is a highly contagious virus that is often lethal and attacks multiple body systems – including the nervous system – causing various, widespread symptoms. Many types of wild animals can contract distemper, including:

• Coyotes

• Ferrets

• Foxes

• Minks

• Raccoons

• Skunks

Distemper is spread through the air, so infected animals dispel it in their breath and saliva when they cough, sneeze, or bark. This means dogs can also pick it up from an infected animal’s water bowl, food, and toys. It can be spread through the placenta, as well, making vaccinations even more critical for breeding dogs.

Symptoms of canine distemper are mild to start, but become more severe as the virus travels through the dog’s body. Your pup may be experiencing distemper if it is suffering from:

• Coughing

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Hyperkeratosis (Hard Pad Disease)

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Nasal discharge

• Vomiting

• Watery pus or discharge from the eyes

Distemper is usually fatal, and causes permanent nervous system damage if survived. All dogs can get distemper, but puppies under four months are particularly susceptible. There is no cure, either, making the vaccination crucial.

Core Vaccination #3: Parvo

The Parvovirus, more often referred to as “parvo,” is a highly contagious, potentially fatal virus that primarily affects canids, such as:

• Coyotes

• Dogs

• Foxes

• Wolves

Unlike with rabies, humans cannot catch parvo. The virus attacks animals on a cellular level, particularly in the bone marrow and intestines. The latter’s lining is eventually affected, rendering the animal unable to properly absorb nutrients. The result is a lowered white blood cell count and failing immune system.

The most obvious sign of Parvo is bloody stool that smells far worse than usual. Other symptoms include:

• Dehydration

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Nausea and dry heaves

• Sepsis

• Vomiting

Some adult dogs can contract the parvovirus and pass it onto others without exhibiting symptoms. Puppies are most vulnerable, but unvaccinated dogs of any age can contract it.

Parvo is spread through contaminated fecal matter that enters through the mouth, and becomes active after five to seven days. It then stays active in the environment – including anywhere a dog lives, plays, and relieves itself – for several months, and can be spread through shoes, fur, paws, and other objects.

Core Vaccination #4: Adenovirus

The Adenovirus affects humans, dogs, and other animals’ respiratory systems. There are two types of it, but Adenovirus 1 is more serious than Adenovirus 2. The former attacks several body systems in dogs and causes canine hepatitis, an infectious disease that impacts the liver and can be fatal. The latter typically shows itself as mild respiratory troubles like coughing and sneezing.

More serious Adenovirus symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain

• Bleeding mouth and gums

• Cloudy eyes

• Convulsions

• Depression

• Diarrhea

• Discharge from the nose or eyes

• Edema (swelling) in the head and neck

• Fever

• Glaucoma

• Increased thirst

• Inflammation of the brain

• Loss of appetite

• Paralysis of limbs

• Tachycardia

• Tiny red dots on the skin

• Tonsillitis

• Vomiting

Adenovirus 1 is highly contagious and spread through infected feces, urine, and saliva. There is no cure for it, but vaccinations are successful in protecting against it.

Vaccinating your puppy is extremely important for its health and yours. Symptoms can be mild or not show up at all. Getting the recommended vaccines on time is thus important to keeping everyone – including your new four-legged friend – healthy and happy for years to come.

The Pet Professionals are Here to Help

Vaccines and routine pet care are two ways to keep your pup happy and healthy, and Scenthound is here to help with the second. Our convenient, affordable solution for routine dog care and grooming is revolutionizing how pet parents keep their fur family clean and healthy, and we can’t wait to help you.

Scenthound is the first wellness-focused, membership-based dog care franchise, and we’re proud to be disrupting an outdated industry. Traditional wellness options focus on breed-specific styling, but our services are centered around routine and preventive care for dogs in five core areas: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (SCENT). This means your pet regularly gets professional care in the areas it needs most!

Find your local Scenthound for help giving your pet the best life possible.