Just like babies, everyone knows that puppies need to go to the vet and get their vaccinations so they will grow up to be healthy. Many people forget, however, that it's not just puppies who need vaccinations—adult dogs need to get vaccinations to keep some serious diseases at bay and keep them in good health.
Keep in mind that some vaccinations are required by law. If an emergency happens and you can't prove your dog is up-to-date on legally required vaccinations, the state can take your dog and you may be subject to fines and/or jail time.
What Vaccines Should Your Dog Get?
Core vaccines:
- Rabies
- Canine parvovirus
- Distemper
- Canine hepatitis
These vaccinations not only protect your dog, but any other animals (including humans) that your dog may meet at the dog park, doggy daycare, or when on a daily walk.
Recommended vaccines:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Borrelia burgdorferi
- Leptospira bacteria
Whether or not your dog will need any of these depends on your pet's health, location, and activities. Your veterinarian can talk to you about whether your dog might benefit from these vaccines.
How Often Should Dogs Get Vaccines?
Core vaccines generally require boosters one year after your puppy gets his first series of vaccinations. After that, he will need boosters every one to three years for the rest of his life.
Non-core vaccines usually require updating every six to twelve months, and again will depend on several factors that you should discuss with your vet.
Are Vaccines Risky?
Vaccines work for dogs the same way they work for humans: they stimulate the immune system so it will start producing antibodies that fight disease. If you remember the last time you got a vaccine, you probably had a few mild side effects: sore injection site, fatigue, runny nose, slight fever, etc. Dogs will usually experience the same type of symptoms after getting their vaccinations.
Generally, these mild side effects are nothing to worry about—they show the vaccine is doing its job. Just watch over your dog and let him rest, and he will more than likely be over it in no time.
Government regulations and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have very strict guidelines to ensure vaccines are safe before they become available for use. The risks for vaccine complications are very, very low compared to the risk of catching the diseases they're designed to prevent.
The Animal Doctors Can Help
The Animal Doctors is proud to be AAHA-accredited, which means we are among the top 15% of veterinary practices that adhere to strict standards of professionalism, patient care, cleanliness, and quality of veterinary medicine.
Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog, we can advise you on what courses of vaccinations your pet needs, and discuss with you a convenient schedule for vaccinations and boosters going forward.
At our office, state-of-the-art medicine goes hand in hand with old-fashioned values of friendliness, compassion, and personalized care. That is how our business has thrived for 40 years. Call us for an appointment; we service the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
