Vaccinations + Preventive Care
Vaccinating your dogs is crucial for protecting their health and preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Just like us, dogs can be susceptible to a variety of illnesses, some of which can be life-threatening. Vaccinations help bolster their immune systems, enabling them to fight off infections and stay healthy. Additionally, other common preventive care measures such as heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, and deworming are equally important. By ensuring that your dogs receive regular vaccinations and preventive care, you not only protect their well-being but also contribute to the overall health of the canine community. Regular preventive care is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership, ensuring that your good dogs can lead long, healthy lives.
Getting your dog's annual bloodwork done as an adult is hyper important for monitoring their overall health and detecting any underlying issues early on. This routine screening allows your veterinarian to assess various aspects of your dog's health, including organ function, blood cell counts, and metabolic indicators. As dogs age into their senior years, their risk of developing age-related health conditions increases, making regular bloodwork even more important. Transitioning to twice-yearly or more frequent blood tests can provide valuable insights into your dog's health status, enabling timely intervention and management of any emerging health concerns. By staying proactive with your dog's healthcare and prioritizing regular bloodwork, you can help ensure they enjoy a longer, healthier life by your side.
Note from Winter Fate: Regular bloodwork saved Deuce’s life and gave us 4 more beautiful years together. I started having his bloodwork done every 4 months, and then every 2 months once he was diagnosed with liver cancer in his last year. It allowed us to detect trends much quicker and handle things before they became a problem.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
"Core" vaccinations are those that are recommended for most dogs no matter what their lifestyle or relative disease risk is. Core vaccinations are DAP/DHP and Rabies.
This doesn’t mean the non-core vaccines aren’t important by any means - they could help save your dog’s life one day. Your veternarian can help you decide what vaccines are right for your dog.
Regular Preventive Care
Every month, your dog should receive heartworm prevention to protect against heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal if left untreated. Additionally, flea and tick prevention should be administered regularly to safeguard against flea infestations and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. These preventive measures help ensure your dog's continued well-being and comfort throughout the year.
The Vaccines + What They Protect Against
DAP/DHP (Distemper + Adenovirus/Hepatitis + Parvovirus):
Distemper: This viral disease attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems as well as the skin. Symptoms include lethargy, runny eyes and nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, thickened skin on the nose and footpads, coughing, difficulty breathing, seizures and paralysis.
Adenovirus type-2: The canine adenovirus type 2 vaccine defends against a potentially fatal form of liver disease as well as a type of kennel cough.
Parvovirus: Parvovirus results in vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow suppression and, in some cases, heart failure. With severe infections, death is likely without aggressive treatment.
This vaccine can sometimes contain Parainfluenza protection - please ask your veterinarian of what all it covers.
Rabies: The rabies vaccine protects dogs against the rabies virus, which is a deadly viral infection that affects the central nervous system. Rabies is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, and it poses a significant risk to both dogs and humans. Vaccination against rabies is crucial for preventing the spread of this disease and ensuring the health and safety of dogs and the communities they live in.
In LA County, your dog must be licensed after receiving this vaccine.
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health issues in dogs, including kidney and liver damage. Dogs can contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated water, soil, or the urine of infected animals. The vaccine provides protection against the most common strains of Leptospira bacteria, reducing the risk of infection and associated complications.
Bordetella: This vaccine protects against kennel cough. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread quickly in environments where dogs are in close quarters, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and grooming salons. The vaccine helps reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if a dog does contract the illness. Dogs who are stressed or regularly visit dog parks, daycares or boarding facilities especially are vulnerable to kennel cough and canine flu.
Parainfluenza: Parainfluenza is one of the viruses commonly associated with canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), often referred to as "kennel cough." While it can cause respiratory symptoms on its own, parainfluenza is usually one component of a broader complex of respiratory pathogens. Vaccination helps reduce the severity of symptoms and prevents the spread of the virus among dogs. Often paired with DAP/DHP.
Lyme: Lyme disease is a tick-borne ailment that can lead to swollen lymph nodes, arthritis, and in severe cases, kidney issues. Ticks typically need to be attached to a dog for 36 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, and not all infected dogs show visible symptoms.
The prevalence of Lyme disease varies by region, with higher occurrences in the Northeast, upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and along the Pacific coast. The most effective strategy against Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses is tick prevention. Veterinarians may recommend a vaccination regimen consisting of two initial doses given 2-4 weeks apart for dogs at high risk, followed by annual boosters to maintain protection.
Influenza: Canine influenza, or dog flu, is caused by two strains of the influenza virus: H3N8 and H3N. Symptoms of canine influenza (dog flu) resemble those of kennel cough and include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite. In severe cases, dogs may develop pneumonia, which can be accompanied by difficulty breathing and increased respiratory rate.
Rattlesnake Bite: The rattlesnake vaccine for dogs is a preventive measure against the effects of rattlesnake venom. While it doesn't entirely eliminate the need for emergency veterinary care, it can potentially buy time for your dog in case of a rattlesnake bite. The vaccine works by stimulating the dog's immune system to produce antibodies against rattlesnake venom, which can help neutralize the toxin and reduce the severity of symptoms. The vaccine is recommended for dogs living in “high-risk” geographical areas where rattlesnakes are prevalent, as well as for dogs that accompany their owners on hikes, camping trips, hunting excursions, or are in any way at risk of coming in contact with a rattlesnake. It takes roughly 30 days for the vaccine to become effective, so make sure to plan your dog’s vaccination + boosters ahead of any potential exposure.
However, it's essential to note that the vaccine is not a replacement for prompt medical treatment if a dog is bitten by a rattlesnake.
To find information on low-cost vaccine clinics for your dog in your area, you can:
Contact local animal shelters or rescue organizations: They may host or be aware of low-cost vaccine clinics in the area.
Check with your veterinarian: Some veterinary clinics offer discounted vaccine clinics at certain times or can provide information on clinics in the community.
Search online: Websites like the ASPCA, Humane Society, or local government websites may have directories or information on low-cost vaccine clinics in your area. Petco offers Low Cost Vaccine Clinics in a lot of their stores on a regular basis.
Look for community events: Sometimes, community events or fairs may host mobile vaccine clinics or partner with local organizations to provide low-cost vaccinations for pets.
Utilize social media: Local pet owner groups or community pages on platforms like Facebook may have recommendations or announcements about upcoming vaccine clinics.
Contact local animal control or public health departments: They may have resources or information on low-cost vaccination options for pets in your area.
The Good Boy Foundation is committed to providing valuable resources and education to empower pet parents in caring for their furry companions. However, it's important to note that the information provided on our website is intended for educational purposes only and should never replace the advice or treatment provided by a licensed veterinarian. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful guidance, we cannot be held responsible for any outcomes or consequences resulting from the application of this information. Pet parents are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to their pet's specific needs and circumstances.