Many canine diseases can now be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your dog. At Dublin Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of a vaccination schedule for your canine. Below are the most important diseases for which vaccines are currently available:

Canine Distemper is a widespread, often fatal disease. All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, starting with distemper-measles vaccination at 6-9 weeks of age.

Canine adenovirus type-1 and type-2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively. Hepatitis cause by adenovirus type-1 may cause severe kidney damage or death. Adenovirus type-2 is an important factor in kennel cough.

Canine Bordetella (B. bronchiseptica) may contribute to kennel cough. This bacterial infection can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type-2 infection, parainfluenza, and other respiratory problems.

Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease is easily spread to other pets and to humans.

Canine parainfluenza is another cause of kennel cough. Although parainfluenza is often a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, it can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs.

Canine parvovirus infection is a disease of widespread distribution which may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of varying ages. Parvovirus is especially dangerous for puppies.

Rabies, on of the world's most publicized and feared diseases, is almost always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.

Canine coronavirus infection is a highly contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages. Especially in young puppies, dehydration from coronavirus infection can be life-threatening.

Protect your dog from infectious diseases by keeping vaccinations up to date. Vaccinations stimulate your dog's system to develop immunity. Because they prevent disease but do not cure disease, they must be administered before your dog is exposed and infected. Your dog's vaccination schedule depends on several factors: the age and health of your dog, and conditions in your dog's environment. At Dublin Animal Hospital, we would be happy to help you plan a vaccination schedule so that your dog's vaccinations are up to date.

Puppies should receive their first vaccinations between six and ten weeks of age. They also need to have additional vaccinations about three weeks after the first set. Puppy shots are not effective for life, so it is important to keep up with vaccinations throughout your dog's life.

Adult dogs need to receive booster vaccinations every year.