Dog Vaccines: What Diseases to Protect Him From?
Serious Diseases
All dogs should be immunized against the following serious diseases:
Parvovirus
Parvovirus causes acute haemorrhagic gastroenteritis and is highly contagious. This disease leads to major epidemics and many puppy deaths. Parvovirus is very resistant in the external environment, which facilitates contagion. This is why all dogs must be vaccinated.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that can also affect humans. Dogs are most often infected in water contaminated with rodent urine. If you have a hunting dog or if you often go to wet areas with your dog, it is essential to have your dog vaccinated against leptospirosis.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects all mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Although France is considered free from rabies, vaccination remains important. If you want to travel abroad with your dog, vaccination is mandatory. The more we vaccinate, the less likely it is that the disease will reappear in France. Rabies vaccination also protects your dog or cat when imported rabies cases occur in France. The rabies vaccine can be given from the age of 3 months.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is an infectious tracheobronchitis that affects dogs. The vaccine is recommended for dogs that live in communities, go to kennels, exhibitions, or canine clubs. Kennel cough is caused by several bacteria and viruses, including the parainfluenza virus.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a disease that affects dogs and humans. It is caused by parasites transmitted by flying insect bites called sandflies. In Europe, leishmaniasis spreads around the Mediterranean, including the south of France. It is a potentially life-threatening disease for which there is no definitive cure. Once the dog is sick, lifetime treatment is necessary to limit relapses. To protect dogs from this disease, sandfly bites should be avoided by applying repellents to dogs and their environment and bringing dogs indoors at night. Vaccination also limits the risk of developing this disease in dogs and is the best way to control it.
Importance of Vaccine Boosters
The goal of vaccine boosters is to maintain protection over time. Indeed, with time, the dog’s immunity decreases and may become insufficient. Booster vaccines help to re-stimulate the immune system so that protection remains effective.
Source: Robinson N. The vaccination consultation: a simple injection or a complex interaction. BSAVA Congress Proceedings 2012: 527.