Which Dog Vaccines Are Absolutely Necessary
Vaccinations for dogs are a hotly debated topic. Some people feel strongly that their dog does not need any vaccinations at all, while others are adamant that every canine should receive a full set of shots by the time they’re two years old. The truth lies somewhere in between: there are some vaccines that you absolutely must give to your dog and others where it’s more of a personal preference. I’m going to break down those vaccines into three categories—necessary, recommended, and optional—and let you know which category each falls into so that you can decide what’s best for your pet.
Rabies vaccine
Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans, causing them to become aggressive and act violently. The rabies vaccine is a series of three shots given by your veterinarian, one month apart. Rabies vaccines are required in many states and for international travel. If you take your dog with you on any trips outside the country, it’s important to make sure they have their rabies vaccinations up-to-date since some countries require them before entering their borders.
Rabies vaccines may also be required if boarding your dog at an animal shelter or boarding facility during any time that they’re closed (such as winter holidays).
Kennel cough vaccine
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by multiple viruses and bacteria. The most common ones are the parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1), and Bordetella bronchiseptica virus. These germs cause a barking cough, fever, runny nose/eyes, difficulty breathing and lethargy. Kennel cough spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or its secretions (such as saliva or mucus), such as those expelled when it sneezes or coughs. It can even be spread via airborne droplets from an infected dog’s nose or mouth if the animal exhales while barking or coughing near another animal’s face—or yours! If left untreated kennel cough can progress into pneumonia which can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics to treat secondary infections associated with kennel cough such as pneumonia caused by bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica virus which causes severe upper respiratory symptoms similar to influenza in humans
Whether or not to vaccinate your dog is a tricky question (and it’s one that makes some dog owners really mad), but there’s no way around the fact that rabies and kennel cough are serious and potentially deadly for dogs, and vaccination can help you avoid getting stuck in a tough situation.
Whether or not to vaccinate your dog is a tricky question (and it’s one that makes some dog owners really mad), but there’s no way around the fact that rabies and kennel cough are serious and potentially deadly for dogs, and vaccination can help you avoid getting stuck in a tough situation.
The rabies vaccine is required by law in most states, so if you have a pup, you’ll have to get this done. The good news: It’s only one shot! For puppies younger than 16 weeks old or weighing less than 4 pounds, two doses are recommended instead of just one.
The kennel cough vaccine is recommended by most veterinarians because it helps prevent several strains of highly contagious respiratory diseases including Bordetella bronchiseptica (which causes canine “kennel cough”). The vaccine requires multiple doses over time—three initial shots then boosters every six months until your dog turns 1 year old—but after that they only need annual boosters.*
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to vaccinate your dog. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your vet. We hope that by providing this information we’ve helped remove some of the mystery from the process for you!
