Vaccinations for your dog

Vaccinations are simply injections of a small dose of a disease, which will prevent your dog from developing that very disease. These vaccinations work just like immunizations in children; it is required by health departments and is the right thing to do for your dog.

Two different types of vaccinations exist. They are a Killed Vaccine and a Modified Live Vaccine. A Modified Live Vaccine is a live disease being injected with a needle, while having been altered by the drug company to be unable to cause the disease it is protecting against. A Killed Vaccine is when the virus itself has been killed before any injection occurs.

Once the vaccinations are given, your dog's immune system will recognize the presence of a disease and then create barriers or (antibodies) to fight off that disease, should it ever appear. These barriers generally only last from six months to a year, this makes regular veterinary appointments very important for your dog.

A few of the more common diseases that affect dogs are often at the top of a vaccination list. These include: Canine Distemper, Rabies and Corona Virus.

Regular vaccinations will help to prevent your dog from contracting these diseases; however it will benefit you to still be aware of what they are. Canine Distemper is caused by a virus that attacks the body and can be very damaging to your dogs central nervous system. About 50 percent of dogs who contract this disease will have a fatal outcome. It mainly affects middle aged dogs. Puppies and older dogs are generally safe from contracting it.

Vaccinations for Rabies is the most common vaccine. The disease itself is the most well known in animal kingdom and can quickly affect humans through both saliva and bites. Aggression, excessive salivation and erratic behavior will follow the onset of rabies.

Another disease that is important to have vaccinations for is Corona Virus. This disease affects young dogs and is commonly confused with Parvo, which is a totally different type of disease. Corona Virus is contagious and is passed through feces ingested by another dog, which then causes trouble with the intestinal system. This disease is normally treatable before Parvo sets in.

There are many diseases that can affect, sicken, or even kill your precious family dog. Vaccinations are very important to both you and your dog's health and it is your responsibility as a dog owner to have regular visits with your veterinarian. For all the happiness he brings to you and your family, he deserves to be healthy.

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