This article is intended to provide information on what vaccines should be given to dogs, at the age at which they are recommended and optional vaccinations.
For further information: Selection of the Vaccine for Dogs and Cats for dogs, the vaccinations that would be recommended for dogs are for the following diseases:- Distemper: also called Carrè's disease, it is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus. The most affected subjects are mainly young animals, which show symptoms such as: fever, depression of the sensory (of the sensory functions), laryngitis and tracheitis (inflammation of the larynx and trachea), cough and, sometimes, bronchopneumonia. Furthermore, vomiting and diarrhea (due to involvement of the digestive system), changes in behavior and convulsions, ataxia (impaired coordination of movements) and paresis (due to involvement of the nervous system) can also be observed;
- CAV-1 and CAV-2 infections: these are two types of Adenovirus which cause, respectively, infectious hepatitis in dogs and infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough (other pathogens also contribute to the latter).
Due to the close antigenic correlations (similarities) between the two viruses, vaccination against CAV-1 usually turns out to be protective also against CAV-2.- or L "infectious hepatitis (or Rubarth's disease) can be found in animals of all ages, although it is more severe in young ones. The disease manifests itself with fever, frequent yelping (often indicating severe abdominal pain in the dog), reluctance to move, vomiting and diarrhea, apathy (detachment, lack of response to stimuli), photophobia (intolerance to light) and, in puppies, death sudden.
- o Also caused by other viruses or bacteria (ex: the Parainfluenza virus type 2, for which there is a vaccine, or bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica), the infectious tracheobronchitis begins with a productive (with phlegm) or dry cough, possible empty swallowing and / or nasal discharge.
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: responsible for this pathology is a Parvovirus (CPV) which has a fecal-oral cycle (it is eliminated with feces, urine, vomit and enters the host through the oral route). Once ingested by the animal, it localizes in its intestine, causing vomiting, diarrhea and intestinal haemorrhage .
In dogs with the most severe forms, fever, septic shock and death can occur in 3-6 days.
Puppies that are born to unvaccinated mothers and become infected before 8 weeks of life can develop myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) which can lead to death.
Leptospirosis and Vaccine
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by several leptospires, including Leptospira canicolto and Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae.
Dogs at risk of contracting Leptospirosis are generally subjects that can come into contact with infected dogs and / or with rats, as the disease is transmitted by bites, mating, or by ingestion of tank animals (rats), water and food. contaminated.
These dogs should receive two vaccinations, starting at 3 months of age, and done 3 weeks apart.
Afterwards, six-monthly reminders are recommended (every 6 months).
It should be remembered that all types of leptospires that affect mammals are potential pathogens also for humans (zoonosis), so the right precautions must be taken.
Leishmaniasis and Vaccine
Leishmaniasis is a widespread disease in Mediterranean countries, caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum.
The parasite is transmitted from an infected dog to an uninfected dog through bites of sand flies (a type of gnat called pappatacio).
Not all infected dogs show signs of infection; however, where this occurs (ie fever, hair and weight loss, skin inflammation), active infection can be fatal.
Infected dogs play a key role in the accidental transmission of the parasite to humans (rare but still possible).
Vaccination does not offer absolute protection; therefore, it represents a "possible complementary measure to the use of traditional preventive means (such as sprays, collars and other external repellents which aim to avoid the sting of the sand flies or sand flies responsible for the transmission of leishmaniasis).
Coronavirus and Vaccine
Coronavirus causes mild gastro-intestinal viral disease, often only in puppies, so some authors believe vaccination is not indicated in adult dogs.
Anger and Vaccine
Rabies is a lethal viral disease that affects almost all mammals (including humans) caused by a Lyssavirus.
In Italy, vaccination against this virus is mandatory only in areas at risk and dictated by local ordinances.
The rabies vaccine is generally done when the dog is 3-4 months old; after that, an annual reminder is needed.
