As temperatures rise and four-legged friends participate in more outdoor adventures, they are at higher risk of contracting certain diseases. Spring is therefore the ideal time to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, which is required by law, and recommendations for additional vaccines vary by geographic location, according to Camille Alander-Rivera, DVM, at Bond Vet in Boston, Massachusetts. Some vaccines to keep in mind this spring include those that protect against Lyme disease, leptospirosis, distemper, canine parvovirus (CPV), and kennel cough. In addition to protecting pets from the potentially devastating effects of these diseases, their vaccination protects veterinary professionals, pet owners and other members of the community from zoonotic infections.
“We want to make sure we reduce the severity of illnesses if our pets come into contact with them or prevent illnesses,” Alander-Rivera explained in a statement. dvm360® interview. “We certainly want to keep our pets healthy for their own well-being, for our well-being and for the well-being of the general public. » These diseases and the vaccinations that accompany them are as follows:
Rage
Rabies is a year-round concern, although spending more time outdoors can put dogs at higher risk of exposure to infected animals (e.g., raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats) that can scratch or bite them. Any time an animal comes into contact with another animal, it should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian, advised Kristin Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in an email. to dvm360®. Rabies is estimated to be responsible for 59,000 human deaths each year, with 99% of people contracting the potentially fatal disease from an infected dog.1
Puppies can be vaccinated against rabies from the age of 12 weeks. Most areas of the United States, depending on state and local laws, require puppies to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 to 6 months of age, with the next vaccine given 1 year later. After that, the rabies vaccine is usually given about every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine manufacturer, the age of the animal, and state or local laws.2
Lyme disease
Spread by infected ticks, Lyme disease has been reported throughout the United States; however, it is more common in the upper Midwest states, East Coast states, and Pacific Coast states, and it is spreading from year to year.3
The Lyme disease vaccine is often recommended for dogs living or traveling to areas known for this disease or with a high potential for exposure to ticks. The vaccine is first given as a series of 2 boosters, meaning 2 doses are given 2 to 4 weeks apart; depending on the formulation manufacturer, this series can begin around 8 to 9 weeks of age.4 When and how often dogs receive the booster vaccination will depend on the Lyme disease problem in the area and the pet’s tick bite risk.4
The vaccine does not prevent pets from getting Lyme disease, but it can lessen the severity if they do get it. One study found that compared to unvaccinated dogs exposed to Lyme disease, vaccinated dogs were less likely to develop lameness, depression, fever, and anorexia.5 Vaccination and year-round flea and tick prevention can serve as proactive measures, according to Alander-Rivera. These measures are essential because, although there is no evidence that dogs can transmit Lyme disease to humans, they can still bring infected ticks into the home.6
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread through the urine of infected rodents and other wildlife. It affects dogs exposed to contaminated soil or water. “Urine infected with the bacteria lingers in standing water, (including) puddles on the sidewalk, small ponds, small lakes, things like that,” Alander-Rivera said. “Even if you walk around urban areas and see stores with shared dog water bowls, bacteria can infect them too.”
This potentially fatal disease in dogs can also be transmitted to humans. The leptospirosis vaccine is a second generation formulation that protects against 4 types of disease7 and is usually administered annually to maintain optimal immunity.8
CPV, distemper and kennel cough
A potentially fatal disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract, CPV is spread primarily through exposure to infected dog feces, Zersen said. Distemper is also a potentially fatal illness caused by a virus attacking the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.9 Dogs are frequently infected through airborne exposure to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal, although it can also be transmitted through sharing food, water bowls and other equipment.9 Kennel cough is a respiratory illness associated with a dry, hacking cough, runny nose, and fever.9 and is transmitted from dog to dog through coughing and sneezing. Dogs often get it in places where they congregate, like dog parks or boarding facilities, Alander-Rivera said.
A 5-in-1 vaccine protects dogs from CPV, distemper and kennel cough as well as 2 types of adenovirus (hepatitis) and parainfluenza.ten This combination vaccine is given to puppies starting at 6 weeks of age, every 2 to 4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Dogs over 16 weeks of age who have never been vaccinated only receive one or two initial doses. Dogs receive booster doses every 1 to 3 years, as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer and veterinarian.ten
Educate customers
The best way to ensure compliance with vaccinations is to educate customers. “Knowledge is power,” Zersen remarked. “Sharing information about the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases is a great way for owners to gain the knowledge they need to make an informed decision.” »
Alander-Rivera added that veterinary professionals can remind their clients to make sure their pets do not drink from standing water and puddles or consume feces. If pet owners notice symptoms of illness, including decreased appetite, lethargy, loose stools, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing, they should consult their veterinarian for the best steps to take .
The references
- Rage. World Health Organization. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://www.who.int/health-topics/rabies
- McCalley L. Rabies vaccine for dogs. Excellent animal care. Accessed November 30, 2021. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://www.greatpetcare.com/pet-vaccinations/rabies-vaccine-for-dogs
- Lyme disease in dogs: symptoms and treatment. PetMD. Updated May 2, 2022. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_lyme_disease
- Brister J. Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs. Adopt pet insurance. July 22, 2019. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/lyme-disease-vaccine-dogs
- Vogt NA, Sargeant JM, MacKinnon MC, Versluis AM. Effectiveness of Borrelia burgdorferi vaccine in dogs in North America: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(1):23-36. doi:10.1111/jvim.15344
- Transmission of Lyme disease. Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention. January 20, 2023. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/transmission/index.html
- Leptospirosis: what every dog owner should know. Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl/client-education/guides-for-pet-owners/leptospirosis-what-every-dog-owner-should-know
- Weir M, Barnette C, Ward E. Leptospirosis in dogs. VCA Veterinary Hospitals. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/leptospirosis-in-dogs
- Cervical dementia. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper
- Stilwell N. What is DHPP (5 in 1 vaccine) for dogs? PetMD. June 12, 2019. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/what-5-1-vaccine-dogs