Dog Vaccines

Rabies is a virus that affects the neurologic system including the brain, and can also infect people. It is transmitted by infected animals via saliva, often through a bite wound. Bats, raccoons, and skunks are the most common carriers of Rabies in Virginia. In 2021, there were 297 cases of rabies confirmed in Virginia, with 21 of those cases being in pets. Rabies is a 100% fatal disease that is not treatable once an animal is showing symptoms. Because Rabies has no successful treatment in people either, this is the one vaccine that is required by law for dogs in the United States.

Distemper is a virus that is common in many areas of the United States, and is often found in wildlife populations. It can be spread by most bodily fluids, such as nasal secretions through a sneeze or in saliva through a bite wound. 50% of infections in dogs result in death. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, pneumonia with nasal discharge, and seizures. Distemper is sometimes called “hard pad disease”, as it can cause thickening of the paw pads and the top of the nose. Unfortunately, there is no proven treatment for canine distemper yet. Thankfully, preventative vaccination is very highly effective against this disease.

Parvovirus causes severe diarrhea that leads to life-threatening dehydration. Other symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and inappetence. Many dogs die from parvovirus unless they are hospitalized for supportive care with IV fluids and antibiotics. Parvo is seen across the United States and is most common in young puppies. It is transmitted by contaminated feces from an infected dog, or by touching a surface in the environment that has been previously contaminated. This virus can survive in the environment for months before infecting another dog. Because parvo is seen most frequently in very young dogs, it is important to start vaccinating them as early as 7 or 8 weeks of age.

Adenovirus type 1 is a virus that causes canine infectious hepatitis. It is transmitted by contact with contaminated secretions (feces, urine, saliva) of an infected animal. It most often causes liver failure, but can also target the lungs, kidneys, and eyes. This is another disease that is not seen frequently anymore because of the efficacy of vaccines.

Bordetella is one of the most common causes of respiratory disease in dogs. It is very easily spread through close contact with other infected dogs, and can spread quickly in areas with a high population such as shelters and boarding facilities. Because of this, the Bordetella vaccine is typically required for boarding and grooming. The most common symptoms are coughing and sneezing. Severe cases can sometimes progress to pneumonia and will require more aggressive treatment.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria often found in standing water, such as ponds and puddles. It is transmitted in the urine of infected pets and wildlife. While Leptospirosis can affect many organs, it most severely targets the kidneys and liver. It can cause death, especially if not treated aggressively. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that pets can transfer this bacteria to people. This is all the more reason to vaccinate your pet against leptospirosis if they are at risk for exposure to this disease.

Lyme Disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia, which is carried by deer ticks. These ticks can be as small as a poppy seed and difficult to find on your pet, even on short-haired dogs. Lyme disease is very common in the New England States and we see it frequently here in Northern Virginia. While many dogs are able to fight off and eliminate the disease successfully, some cases progress to cause arthritis or kidney disease. The most important line of defense against Lyme disease is to keep your pet on a tick preventative, but dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors will also benefit from the vaccine.