Dog Vaccinations
A good dog vaccinations protocol should be balanced on the risk factors for the individual animal. For instance a dog that likes to swim or hunt runs an increased risk for Leptospirosis (L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae) which is mostly spread by rats (mice, raccoons and opossums e.o). A toy-breed dog that lives mostly indoors clearly runs a much lower risk to get infected with Leptospira bacteria. The yearly vaccine should exist of at least the core vaccine: Canine Parvo Virus (CPV). This can be combined with other vaccines for dogs that are at an increased risk for Leptospirosis (swimming, area with rats) or Kennel Cough / Canine Para-Influenza Virus and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (dogs going to shows, animal shelters or pensions).
Not all vaccinations give protection for an equal period of time. The Canine Distemper vaccine and Rabies vaccine for instance give a three year protection, while the Leptospirosis vaccine only lasts for 6 months. Therefore a vaccination schedule should be based on the individual animal and the protection time of the caine vaccine.
A dog that has to go to a dog pension during the vacations or is taken to dog shows runs a higher risk of getting Kennel Cough. This is a contagious illness, characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. It can be caused by viral infections such as canine adenovirus type-1 , canine para-influenzavirus, or the canine respiratory coronavirus. It can be complicated by bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is so named because the infection can spread quickly among dogs, such as in the close quarters of a kennel. Since several combinations are marketed, it is possible to tailor the vaccination schedule for puppies and adult dogs to match their needs. Each dog needs different vaccine requirements. Your veterinarian can help you make the right decision. A.V. van Marrewijk, DVM
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