Yes, it is highly recommended that you vaccinate your dog. Vaccinations are an essential part of your dog’s health care routine, as they protect against potentially deadly diseases.
Vaccines work by introducing a small, safe amount of a disease-causing organism into your dog’s body. This helps your dog’s immune system recognize and fight off the disease if they are ever exposed to it in the future.
There are several core vaccines that are recommended for all dogs, including:
· Rabies vaccine: Protects against rabies, a viral disease that is fatal if left untreated.
· Distemper vaccine: Protects against distemper, a contagious virus that can cause respiratory and neurological problems.
· Parvovirus vaccine: Protects against parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
· Adenovirus-2 vaccine: Protects against adenovirus, a virus that can cause respiratory and liver infections.
Other vaccines may be recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. For example, if your dog spends a lot of time around other dogs, the Bordetella vaccine may be recommended to protect against kennel cough.
Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s vaccination needs and schedule. Vaccinations are typically given in a series of shots when your dog is a puppy, and then as boosters throughout their life to maintain immunity. By keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations, you can help protect their health and the health of other animals they come into contact with.