Dog vaccines are an essential part of your pet's health, and can protect your dog against serious diseases like rabies, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and canine distemper. Some vaccinations are only necessary for a particular lifestyle, health status or geographical location.

Core Vaccines

Often known as "core vaccines," those for canine distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered essential vaccines for dogs. These diseases are common, potentially deadly and often incurable. Laws have even been passed in the United States requiring dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and the other vaccines are highly recommended.

Why These Vaccines?

Canine distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis are contagious diseases with low survival rates for infected dogs. If a dog does survive the expensive treatment for these illnesses, he could face health problems for the rest of his life. Rabies is considered a public-health threat. Unfortunately, many owners fail to vaccinate their pets. If a dog has not been vaccinated and is scratched or bitten by a rabid animal, many health officials will recommend that the dog be euthanized or put into isolation for six months.

Noncore Vaccines

Other vaccines are available but may not be suitable for every dog. Diseases like Lyme disease, kennel cough, coronavirus and leptospirosis are considered noncore vaccines. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog's lifestyle and health in order to decide which, if any, of these vaccinations are right for her.

How to Choose a Noncore Vaccine

Geographic location and your dog's lifestyle will determine if your puppy needs to be vaccinated against diseases other than those covered by core vaccinations. For example, a dog that rarely goes outside and does not live in an area where Lyme disease is common (such as the Northeast United States) will most likely not need to be vaccinated against Lyme disease.

Vaccine Side Effects

Many owners are concerned about the side effects of vaccines or the effects of overvaccination, and may not want to vaccinate their dogs, even against the core diseases. Side effects of vaccinations are rare and are less likely to occur if your dog is healthy and vaccinated at the right time. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination schedule that will provide the best level of immunity for your pet.

Source:

Vaccines for dogs

Understanding dog vaccines

Vaccines recommendations