New Years Resolution: 
Update my Dog's vaccinations

Whether you just welcomed a new pet into the family or have a longtime loving friend, it is important to vaccinate your dog and to make sure these vaccinations are kept up to date.

Why vaccinate?
Many serious diseases of dogs can be prevented by vaccination. With over 50 million pet dogs in the United States alone, your dog is bound to come in contact with an infectious disease at some time. Even if you always keep your dog indoors, your dog can be exposes to viruses carried in the air, in dust or on clothing. Vaccination is inexpensive protection against costly treatment or even the premature death of your dog.

How do vaccines work?
Vaccines for dogs work just like vaccines for people. Researchers have been able to change viruses so tat they are no longer able to produce sickness and disease. When the safely altered virus is given to your dog, he responds by producing antibodies. These antibodies circulate in your dog's blood, protecting him from infection. Booster shots, or revaccination, should be given annually to continue this protection.

What about vaccinating puppies?
As soon as you get a new puppy, it should be vaccinated. Although puppies may receive some disease protection passed along from their mothers, this protection in unpredictable. Because of this, veterinarians recommend a series of vaccinations to guard a puppy through the early, most susceptible, months of life. As your veterinarian for a more specific vaccination puppy schedule.

What diseases can my dog be vaccinated against?
Distemper: This is considered to be the most important vaccination you can get to save your dog's life. It is very widespread and has a high fatality rate. Nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper during its lifetime.

Rabies: Rabies is a fatal infection of the nervous system that attacks all warm-blooded animals, including humans.  Rabies is a public health hazard and a personal risk to all pet owners. State laws often require a rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats but most veterinarians recommend one regardless of state law. Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Because there is no cure for rabies, vaccination is your pet's only protection.

Parvovirus: Since its devastating worldwide appearance in 1978, most dog owners have heard of parvo. Transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog's feces, parvo is highly contagious and epidemic. Effective Parvovirus vaccines are now available to protect your dog.

Canine Cough: Technically know as tracheobronchitis, this is an upper respiratory infection that shows up as a persistent dry, hacking cough. This disease may last several weeks and is highly contagious. There are 3 viruses which can bring on Canine cough. Effective vaccines for all three of these agents are available in combination with other vaccines. This means your dog can get the most protection with the fewest shots, a convenience for you and your pet.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis: This disease effects the dog's liver. Spread through an infected dog's urine, exposure can mean anything from mild infection to death. Puppies are the most at risk from this disease. The newer, even safer vaccines also offer protection against respiratory disease.

Leptospirosis: "Lepto" is a bacterial infection that affects a dog's kidneys. Disability or even death in severe cases may be possible. Lepto can reside as a low-level infection for months or years, infection other dogs while weakening yours. Annual vaccination is an effective means of controlling this disease.

Coronavirus: This is an intestinal infection resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and depression. Coronavirus can affect a high percentage of dogs, and can cause death in young puppies. It can also make a dog more susceptible to other intestinal diseases.

This New Years please check to make sure all of your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Most vaccinations require an annual booster. Next to you, a veterinarian is your dog's best friend. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it can save you money and maybe even your dog's life.