Getting your puppy or dog vaccinated is the most effective way to protect them from catching infections and diseases that chip away at their quality of life. Vaccines contain altered or killed microorganisms that stimulate an immune system response which teaches the body how to fight the virus in the future. Our hospital offers all the vaccines your pet needs. To book a vaccination appointment please call us at 604-591-5304.
What vaccines are mandatory for my puppy or dog?
Core vaccines are essential because they protect your pet from severe diseases. These diseases spread easily among animals and some can even be passed on to humans. The core vaccines your pet must have are:
- Canine distemper virus
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
- Rabies
When should my puppy or dog be vaccinated?
The first few months of your pet’s life is a critical period in their development. Puppies should start their first series of vaccines when they are 6 to 12-weeks-old. They will continue to get vaccines until they are 3 or 4-months-old. When the puppy series is completed your veterinarian will recommend booster shots every 1-3 years as necessary.
Why is it important to maintain my dog’s vaccines?
When your pet is properly vaccinated their immunity lasts for a period of time. By boosting your pet’s vaccines, you avoid restarting the series in the future. When vaccines aren’t maintained each year your pet may need a two-dose series the following year to have effective immunity levels. Rabies protection is one of the main reasons why your pet may need revaccinations as the disease can be fatal in humans and pets.
What diseases can my puppy or dog develop without vaccines?
Not all vaccines are recommended for every pet because they have a low-risk lifestyle. If your veterinarian determines that your pet may be exposed to certain diseases, they recommend non-core vaccines along with the core ones. Here are some diseases your pet may develop and the symptoms they will experience without vaccines:
- Bordetella (Kennel cough): Runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing and lung infection
- Lyme disease: Joint pain, inflammation and fatal kidney damage
- Leptospirosis: Liver and kidney damage, fever, vomiting
- Canine influenza: Runny nose, cough, breathing problems
- Canine distemper virus: Seizures, fever, lung disease can be fatal
- Adenovirus 2: Pneumonia, respiratory disease can cause death
- Canine parvovirus: Vomiting, bloody diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, can be fatal
