Though most people associate vaccinations with travel, for our dogs and cats, vaccines are an important part of keeping them safe. Whether you plan to take your dog with you on your adventures, or max out your time relaxing at home together, preventative healthcare via vaccinations saves you time and money. And, most importantly, dog vaccinations keeps your pet safe from potential dangers or illnesses. THRIVE Affordable Vet Care offers a variety of vaccine packages for your pet, including our Complete Care + Package which includes diagnostic screening for a full picture of your pet's health at an affordable cost!

Canine diseases don’t wait for you to go outdoors or on trips! Diseases preventable via dog vaccinations, such as Bordetella, influenza, Lyme, and leptospirosis are out in full force. Even when hanging out more at home, there’s no decrease in the likelihood that they may catch them. Your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, long outdoor walks, visits to the dog park, or camping increase exposure exponentially. Everyday interactions between dogs – even on short walks – can also be a potential source of infection.

As restrictions remain in place to keep veterinary staff safe during COVID-19, it’s important that you follow the regulations of your practice during your visit to the vet for the vaccinations. And your yearly vaccination check for your dog is also a great time for their checkup, identification of potential problems, and isolation of potentially contagious health conditions. Every vaccine package at THRIVE is paired with a nose-to-tail exam to ensure your pet receives a complete check-up.

The most important dog vaccination to maintain, for the health of both yourself and your pet, is the rabies vaccination. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and is nearly 100% fatal to you and your pet. To reduce disease exposure, it’s essential you do everything you can for your dog to keep them safe.

Another reason you should maintain your pet’s vaccinations is to avoid having to restart your vaccines in the future. If you aren’t careful about re-administering the vaccinations on a set schedule (usually annually), your pet can lose sufficient immunity and cost you more money in the long run. Your dog may have to restart the vaccination series and require a two-dose series next time to reach effective antibody levels. Saving money by avoiding vaccinations in the short term can end up costing you much more!

Here's a quick look at vaccines your veterinarian may recommend and how their associated diseases can spread.

Canine Distemper Virus

Fever, lung disease, seizures, can be fatal

Through the air: Aerosol and droplets

Adenovirus Type 1 (Adenovirus-1)

Uveitis, liver and kidney damage

Through the air: Aerosol, dropletsContact with fluid

Adenovirus Type 2 (Adenovirus-2)

Respiratory disease, pneumonia, can be fatal

Through the air: Aerosol, dropletsContact with fluid

Canine Parainfluenza

Cough, runny nose, lung infection

Through the air: Aerosol, droplets

Canine Parvovirus

Vomiting, bloody diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, can be fatal

Via nose or mouth when in contact with contaminated feces

Canine Coronavirus Disease (CCoV)

Diarrhea

Via nose or mouth when in contact with contaminated feces

Leptospirosis

Fever, vomiting, liver and kidney damage

Contact with infected tissue or urine, or indirectly through contaminated water

Bordetella (a.k.a. Kennel Cough)

Cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, lung infection

Through the air: Aerosol, dropletsContact with contaminated surfaces

Canine Influenza

Cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, lung infection

Through the air: Aerosol, dropletsContact with contaminated surfaces

Lyme Disease

Joint pain and inflammation, fatal kidney damage

Bites from an infected tick

Rabies

Nervous disease progressing to death

Bite from infected animal or contact with infected saliva

These diseases all spread through familiar and key methods. Aerosolized, nasal/oral contact, contaminated water, or a bite from an infected animal or insect. As you can see, it’s very easy for your pet to catch these diseases – that’s why dog vaccinations are so essential!

Aerosolized transmission is the largest concern for unvaccinated dogs. These spread when bacteria or viruses travel on microscopic respiratory droplets or dust particles. These particles are easily spread when your dog sneezes, coughs, or even pants heavily!

Simply walking and exercising outside can spread the disease. Book an appointment at a THRIVE clinic today to make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccination routine!

Do you have more questions about being a pet parent? Be sure to check out the THRIVE Guide for Pet Parents weekly to get the answers to your most popular questions. For specific questions and routine care, book an appointment at your local THRIVE. Our veterinarians are here to provide exceptional and essential care for your pet. Don't wait - book a nose-to-tail pet exam today!