Four Must-Have Vaccinations For The Outside Dog
As a pet owner, one of the most important things you can do to keep your pooch healthy is to make sure it is up-to-date on all its vaccinations. Though there are some vaccinations that every pet should have, like the rabies vaccine, there are a few vaccines specifically recommended for dogs that spend time outside. Check out some of the immunizations you should consider adding to your dog's vaccination schedule.
1. Lyme Disease
Dogs who frequent tick-inhabited areas should be inoculated against Lyme disease. Certain regions of the United States are more likely to have ticks that carry Lyme disease.
If your dog is bitten by a tick that has Lyme disease, it can take months for the initial symptoms to make their appearance. Symptoms of Lyme disease include loss of appetite, swelling of the joints, fever, and lethargy. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause kidney problems and issues with the nervous system.
2. Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is highly contagious; if your dog spends a great deal of time around other pooches, it is susceptible to this nasty virus. Coughing, sneezing, fever, nasal discharge, and rapid breathing are a few of the signs of canine influenza.
Fortunately, canine influenza is rarely fatal to dogs, but it can lead to other infections that are more lethal, such as pneumonia.
3. Bordatella
Bordatella is more commonly known as kennel cough. It is very contagious. Dogs who are in close proximity to other dogs should get this vaccination, especially if you don't know the vaccination status of the other dogs.
Once your dog is infected, it will experience persistent coughing and nasal discharge. Mild cases usually clear up on their own, but more severe cases can be deadly, especially if your dog is young, elderly, or has a compromised immune system.
4. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection spread by bacteria. It is most common in areas with a moist climate or a body of water, but even a puddle of water can infect your dog. The bacteria live in the water; once your dog enters the infected water, the bacteria penetrate the skin, eventually reaching the bloodstream. Technically, if your dog has any access to standing water, it is a good candidate for the Leptospirosis vaccine.
One the characteristics that make Leptospirosis especially problamatic is that it can be spread to other animals and humans. This means that an infected dog can spread the illness to a cat, dog, or even a child.
Fever is often one of the first signs of Leptospirosis. The infection eventually spreads to your dog's organ systems.
For more information about puppy and kitten vaccinations, talk with your local veterinarian.
Share