Dog Vaccination - Vaccinations that are Essential for Your Dog's Health

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Highland Park Animal Hospital

What exactly are dog vaccinations?

Dog vaccinations are injections or intranasal liquids given to your dog to help their immune system fight off and prevent some common diseases that we see.

Dr. Glen Hudson
Highland Park Animal Hospital

How do vaccinations impact the health and well-being of my dog?

Vaccinations are very important in helping the well-being of your dog. They prevent some of the common contagious diseases we see in this area.

Are vaccinations required by law?

Currently, the only vaccination that is required by law in the state of Texas is the canine rabies vaccine.

Does my dog's lifestyle factor into what vaccinations my veterinarian will recommend?

Most definitely. Your dog's lifestyle influences our determination on what the appropriate vaccines are. The core vaccines that are recommended for really all dogs are rabies, distemper, and parvo vaccines, as well as bordetella. There are a few additional ones that we recommend. Lepto is a very common vaccine, as well as canine influenza and occasionally some other odd ones, such as Lyme disease or rattlesnake bites, commonly given to dogs in rural areas.

How soon should I get my dog vaccinated?

Traditionally, we like to see a dog for its first vaccination schedule roughly around the seven to the eight-week mark. It is a little variable depending on the breeder's situation and when they started on vaccines.

Do I need to avoid allowing my puppy to socialize with other dogs until they're fully vaccinated?

Ideally, we do like to prevent dogs from interacting with other unknown dogs until they have had their full puppy series of vaccines at around four months old. The big reason is that we don't want your puppy to get a disease from an unknown dog. It is very important for dogs to socialize with other dogs and get them to interact with each other and develop proper behavioral habits. So I always tell people that if you have a friend or family member who you completely trust when they say their dog is current on vaccines, it is acceptable and encouraged for your dog to interact with them.

Why is it important to avoid missing a dog vaccination?

It's very important to keep up with your vaccine schedule. Usually, vaccines are given every three to four weeks, starting at around seven to eight weeks old, depending on when we first see your dog. It is important to try and adhere to that every three to four weeks. Being late on vaccines exposes your dog to the risk of getting some of those diseases we vaccinate for.

What are the typical puppy and dog vaccination schedules?

Usually, our dogs get started on their first vaccination around seven to eight weeks old, and then we like to see them every three to four weeks until they are about four months old. This follows roughly the two-month, three-month, and four-month-old schedules.

What diseases are prevented with vaccinations?

The most common diseases we vaccinate dogs for are, of course, rabies, distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, leptospirosis, canine influenza, Lyme Disease, and Coronavirus.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (214) 833-9821, or you can email us at info@hpanimalhospital.com. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkAnimalHospital, https://www.instagram.com/hpanimalhospital/

Understanding Dog Kennel Cough

Dr. Glen Hudson
Highland Park Animal Hospital

What is kennel cough, and how can my dog get kennel cough?

Kennel cough is a term we use in veterinary medicine to help describe upper respiratory infections that dogs get from close proximity to each other, most often in boarding facilities or doggie daycares, and dog parks. Anytime dogs are within close proximity to each other.

Why can my dog get kennel cough if they've been vaccinated?

The term kennel cough is, as I said, a slang term for an upper respiratory infection a dog gets in close proximity to each other. There are many different infectious agents that can lead to kennel cough. Some of the more serious ones include distemper, canine influenza, parainfluenza, and somewhat bordetella, but we have vaccines for those, which are quite effective. Unfortunately, some other infectious agents cause upper respiratory infections for which there is no vaccine, such as mycoplasma, one of the most common bacterial upper respiratory infections in dogs for which there is no vaccine.

Why do some veterinarians give the kennel cough vaccine intranasally instead of giving an injection?

There are three different types of vaccines for bordetella: the injectable vaccine, oral vaccine, or intranasal. The intranasal vaccine is unique and differs from all other vaccines. The intranasal vaccine will stimulate an immune response where your dog would be protected within a few hours rather than the seven to 14 days typically needed to develop their immune response. This is really important. Unfortunately, because our lives get busy, sometimes dogs are not current on their kennel cough or bordetella vaccines at the time of arrival at a boarding facility. Instead of giving the oral or injectable form that wouldn't stimulate an immune response until long after the dog's gone home, give the intranasal form that protects them within the first day they're here.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough, and what should pet parents do if they notice these symptoms?

The most common symptom of kennel cough is coughing. Sometimes they will also be lethargic, have a fever, abnormal breathing, do not want to eat, and just generally not feel like themselves. Of course, if you notice any of these, I would urge you to seek out a veterinarian's exam to determine the best course of action.

What are the common treatments for kennel cough?

The most common treatment for kennel cough is an antibiotic. Even though some of those infections listed earlier are viral, studies have shown it's very common for them to have a secondary bacterial component. The virus will lower their immune system, and then they can get a secondary bacterial infection. If it's primarily viral in nature, it's just supportive care. Just like in people, we don't traditionally use antiviral therapy.

What happens if I do not treat my dog for kennel cough?

Anytime a dog has an upper respiratory infection, if you do not seek treatment, there are two potential outcomes. One of them could be, just like if you or I get a cold, we have the potential to get better on our own. The second possibility, which is more concerning, is that the upper respiratory infection can descend lower in the airway. This can lead to pneumonia, a more urgent condition than a traditional upper respiratory infection that often requires more aggressive treatment methods and hospitalization and, unfortunately, can sometimes even lead to some life-threatening complications.

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