Your pup isn’t just a pet; he’s a member of your family! That means you go out of your way to make sure that he is as healthy and comfortable as possible. Like any responsible pet parent, you always fill his dog bowl up with a premium quality dry dog food or wet dog food (or maybe you even mix the two), you offer him tasty and health dog treats, you take him on him regular walks (while he’s wearing a properly fitted dog collar or dog harness, of course), you make sure that he has a comfy and supportive dog bed to sleep in, and he has plenty of interactive dog toys, puzzle toys for dogs, chew toys for dogs, and plush dog toys.
Of all of the care you offer your fur-baby, one of the most important things you can do to ensure he lives a long and happy life is address his healthcare needs. That means taking him to the vet; not only when he’s sick or injured, but when he’s healthy, too. Regular checkups are vital for your pup, and part of those visits involves immunizations. Just like humans, canines need vaccinations to protect them from serious illnesses. If you’re a new pet parent, you’re probably wondering what vaccines your pooch needs.
Core and Noncore Vaccinations
Canine vaccines are broken down into two groups: core and noncore. Core inoculations are considered essential for all canines, while noncore vaccines are administered according to the specific needs of a dog, including his age, where he lives, and his lifestyle. In other words, core vaccines are a must, no matter how old your dog is, where he lives, or how he lives, while noncore vaccines may not be necessary for all canines.
Which Core Vaccinations does your Dog Need?
The following core vaccinations are mandatory for all canines:
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
Which Noncore Vaccinations Might Your Dog Need?
Depending on your pups age, where he lives, and his lifestyle, in addition to the above-mentioned core vaccines, he might also need the following noncore vaccines:
- Bordetella
- Leptospira
- Lyme borreliosis
- Influenza (H3N8 and H3N2)
Your vet will let you know which non-core vaccines your pet needs at his well visits. Most send out reminders when dogs are due for both their core and noncore vaccines. If you have any questions about the inoculations that your pooch needs, make sure to talk to your vet. If you are concerned about any potential reactions your dog might have to vaccines, speak to your vet. In most cases, any side effects that are associated with vaccinations are very mild and can be easily attended to. Remember: not vaccinating your dog is never a good idea. Not only could you potentially risk getting in trouble with the law, but more importantly, you could be putting your furry friend, other animals, yourself, and other people in danger. Vaccinations are crucial for the overall health and well being of your pet!
