A disclaimer: Bedtime4dogs is not a veterinarian professional. Please consult your own veterinarian on what vaccines are right for your dog.

Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your pup. Vaccines can prevent many illnesses and help your canine companion live a long healthy life. But how do they do that? Vaccines help prepare a body’s immune system to fight a particular disease by introducing antigens to your dog. These antigens cause the dog’s immune system to be mildly stimulated and thus prepared for the next time the “real deal” comes your dog’s way.

When considering what vaccines to get your pup, always consult your veterinarian. The vaccines that are considered “core vaccines” by the ASPCA include canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. This highly contagious virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated stool, environments, or people. The virus is very serious, with dogs showing symptoms sometimes passing within 48-72 hours. Some of these symptoms include lethargy, fever or low body temperature, vomiting, and diarrhea.

To prevent Parvo, a puppy should receive at least three doses of the vaccine given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. Boosters are needed into adulthood as well to ensure continual protection.

Distemper

No, this vaccine will not make your dog have a better temperament! The distemper vaccine protects against the canine distemper virus (CDV).  CDV is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect dogs as well as other animals such as ferrets, skunks and raccoons. This disease is incurable and often fatal, manifesting in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system problems.

The distemper vaccines is typically given to puppies along with other routine vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. After the initial puppy vaccine boosters, additional distemper vaccine boosters should be given to adult dogs. 

Canine Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a worldwide, contagious disease that dogs can get. It is spread via infected saliva, urine and feces. It can lead to severe liver damage and left untreated, death.

Many vets will simply vaccinate your dog against ICH when they administer canine distemper vaccinations.

Rabies

Who can forget the movie, “Old Yeller”? In that movie a dog gets rabies and has to be euthanized. Rabies is a virus that can affect dogs, cats, wild animals, and even people. It is transmitted by biting and is deadly. Victims infected with rabies often develop a loss of coordination, an aversion to sunlight, drooling, and drastic behavior changes that make the animal more prone to aggression. There is no treatment for this virus.

Due to its incredibly serious nature, a rabies vaccine is so important for protection your pet.

Rabies vaccines for dogs are required by law in the U.S. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies at approximately 14 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Depending on your local regulations, re-vaccination should happen every one to three years.

All of these illnesses sound scary, but the important thing to know is that if you keep your dog up to date on their vaccinations, you will likely never have to worry about any of them! Vaccines are increasingly affordable, and you know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

If your dog gets nervous for their vet visit, consider our Eau de Bedtime-Canine Calming Scent. It can be sprayed on your dog's linens or toys on the ride over to veterinarian!