What To Know About Dog Vaccinations in Loves Park, IL
As a dog owner, you know it is important to schedule vaccinations at the Animal Hospital of Loves Park in Loves Park, IL. However, new dog owners may be unsure of when and what vaccines to schedule.
If you are a new dog owner, you have come to the right place because our goal is to ensure your dog is up-to-date on its shots, from puppy vaccines to booster vaccines.
Reasons for Dog Vaccinations
There are several good reasons to stay on top of all pet vaccinations with your veterinarian.
1. Preventative Care
Preventative care is the first and most important reason to stay on track with your dog's vaccines. The best way to beat a disease is to prevent it in the first place. Vaccines are designed to protect your dog from diseases that can be picked up from other dogs to diseases that arise from other animal bites.
2. Social Settings
If you want your dog to enjoy social settings such as dog parks and daycares, you need to ensure they are updated on their vaccines. You not only need to protect your dog, but you need to protect other dogs as well.
3. Regular Outings
In addition to dog parks and daycares, your dog also needs to be vaccinated to enter areas such as grooming salons. This is essential to protecting your dog, other dogs, and those on staff. In fact, most dog-friendly places do not allow unvaccinated dogs into their indoor or outdoor establishments.
When To Schedule Puppy Vaccines
It is recommended to start scheduling puppy vaccinations at eight weeks, as well as two rounds of booster shots just four weeks apart. The final round of vaccinations occurs when they are 16 weeks or four months, and this round includes the rabies vaccine.
What Types of Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Your dog needs both core and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines are the usual shots given at appointments, and they include canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies.
However, non-core vaccines depend on your dog's exposure risk, and examples include vaccines against Leptospira bacteria and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Core Vaccines
Rabies
The rabies vaccine is a safe and essential shot that protects your pet from the deadly rabies virus. It also helps keep your family and community safe, since rabies can spread to people. Most pets are required by law to stay up to date on this vaccine.
Da2pp (Canine Distemper)
The distemper vaccine protects your dog against a serious and often deadly virus that affects the lungs, brain, and immune system. It’s a core vaccine that’s vital for keeping your dog healthy and preventing the spread of this contagious disease.
Bordetella
The bordetella vaccine helps protect dogs from “kennel cough,” a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly in places like boarding facilities, grooming salons, and dog parks. It’s often required for dogs that spend time around other dogs.
Non-Core Vaccines
Lyme
The Lyme vaccine helps protect dogs from Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can cause joint pain, fever, and serious long-term health issues. It’s especially recommended for dogs who spend time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are common.
Lepto
The leptospirosis vaccine protects dogs from a bacterial disease spread through water, soil, and wildlife urine. Lepto can cause serious kidney and liver damage and can also spread to people, so vaccination helps keep both pets and families safe.
Canine Influenza
The canine influenza vaccine helps protect dogs from “dog flu,” a contagious respiratory illness that can spread quickly in places like boarding, daycare, or dog parks. It reduces the risk of severe illness and helps keep outbreaks under control.
Should Dog Vaccines Be Updated?
Dogs over one year should receive a booster for their core vaccines, which includes rabies. After their one-year shots, they should continue receiving boosters at three-year intervals.
Schedule Pet Vaccinations With a Veterinarian
Whether you are scheduling puppy vaccines or adult boosters, staying on top of your dog's vaccinations is the best way to ensure they live a happy, healthy life.
When it is time to schedule your dog's vaccinations, contact the Animal Hospital of Loves Park in Loves Park, IL at 815-986-4445.