What vaccines do dogs actually need?

Dogs, these lovely furry companions, once they enter our lives, quickly become indispensable members of the family. With their innocent smiles and warm company, they bring us endless joy and comfort. However, during a dog's growth, the threat of diseases lurks constantly, ready to shatter this beauty at any time. Vaccines, like a solid defense line for dogs, safeguard their health. So, what vaccines do dogs really need to receive?

Among the many vaccines, there is a category called core vaccines, which are of utmost importance for a dog's health and are almost necessary for all dogs. First and foremost is the rabies vaccine. Rabies is an extremely terrifying zoonotic disease with a mortality rate of nearly 100% once it develops. If a dog is infected with the rabies virus, not only is its own life in danger, but it also poses a serious threat to the people and animals around it. Vaccinating against rabies is the most effective way to prevent this disease. This is not only a responsibility towards the dog but also a strong safeguard for the public health and safety of the entire society. Just imagine how heartbreaking it would be if a lovely dog, due to not being vaccinated, became infected with rabies, turned manic, and lost its former gentleness. Timely vaccination can minimize this terrifying risk, allowing the dog to stay healthy and happy by our side.

The canine distemper vaccine is also an important member of the core vaccines. The canine distemper virus is highly contagious and extremely harmful to dogs. Dogs infected with canine distemper will experience a series of symptoms such as fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can also affect the nervous system, leading to convulsions and paralysis. Many puppies die prematurely due to canine distemper, which makes countless owners heartbroken. Vaccinating against canine distemper can effectively enhance a dog's immunity and resist the invasion of the virus. When seeing a dog successfully avoid the "clutches" of canine distemper and grow up healthily thanks to the protection of the vaccine, the owner is filled with relief.

The parvovirus vaccine is equally indispensable. The parvovirus mainly attacks a dog's gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Infected dogs will quickly become dehydrated and weak. If not treated in a timely manner, the mortality rate is quite high. Puppies are especially prone to parvovirus infection because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Vaccinating dogs against parvovirus is like putting on a solid "armor" for them, enabling them to have sufficient resistance when facing the parvovirus. Behind every dog that successfully defeats parvovirus, the vaccine is a great contributor. It protects the dog's life and also maintains the deep emotional bond between the owner and the dog.

In addition to the core vaccines, there are also some non-core vaccines. Although not all dogs must receive them, they are of great significance to a dog's health under specific circumstances. For example, the canine infectious hepatitis vaccine. The canine infectious hepatitis virus can cause lesions in multiple organs of dogs, such as the liver and eyes, seriously affecting their health. For dogs that often go to public places, have frequent contact with other dogs, or live in areas where this disease is prevalent, getting vaccinated against canine infectious hepatitis can add an extra layer of protection for them. When a dog is playing freely outdoors and interacting closely with its little friends, the vaccine can relieve the owner's worries and bring more peace of mind.

The canine parainfluenza vaccine is also a type of non-core vaccine. The canine parainfluenza virus often causes mixed infections with other respiratory pathogens, resulting in respiratory symptoms in dogs such as coughing and sneezing, which is what we commonly call "kennel cough". For dogs living in places where there are many dogs, such as kennels and pet grooming salons, getting vaccinated against canine parainfluenza can help reduce the risk of infection. Watching dogs play heartily in these places without worrying about getting sick from respiratory diseases makes the owners very happy.

The Lyme disease vaccine is also one of the non-core vaccines that can be considered. Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease, and in some areas where ticks are active, dogs have a high risk of getting Lyme disease. Infected dogs may experience symptoms such as joint pain, fever, and loss of appetite. Vaccinating against Lyme disease can, to some extent, prevent dogs from getting infected, allowing them to freely engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the beauty of nature without worrying about getting infected after being bitten by ticks.

As dog owners, we bear the heavy responsibility of protecting their health. Understanding the types of vaccines that dogs need and vaccinating them on time according to the veterinarian's advice is our bounden duty. Every time we take our dogs to get vaccinated, it is an investment in their health and a manifestation of our deep love for them. When we see our dogs growing up healthily and accompanying us full of vitality under the protection of vaccines, we will understand that these seemingly cumbersome vaccination processes are all for the dogs to have a healthy and happy life. Let's use love and scientific methods to escort our dogs' health, allowing them to accompany us through long and wonderful years and create more precious memories.