Dogs, like humans, can be protected through a series of vaccines. These vaccines ward off dangerous infections diseases like rabies and distemper.
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Types
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Vaccines are separated into two categories: those that are core (or necessary) and those that are non-core (optional).
Core Vaccines
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Core vaccines, those that are necessary to adequately protect your dog, include shots for rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Speak with your veterinarian regarding other vaccines that will be necessary to protect your pet based on your lifestyle and where you live.
Noncore
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Non-core vaccines are optional but offer protection against certain diseases that are lifestyle or geographically specific. Core vaccines include lyme, bordetella, leptospirosis and coronavirus.
Parvovirus and Hepatitis
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Parvovirus and hepatitis shots are necessary when your dog is less than a year old. These shots have low incidents of adverse side affects.
The parvovirus is a highly contagious infections disease that is spread through contact with feces contaminated with the virus. The vaccine can ward off the disease for 20 months, and sometimes throughout the entire life of the dog.
Hepatitis is a serious disease of the liver that is spread through body fluids. Shots for this virus are very effective in preventing the disease.
Rabies
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Rabies is a well-known and dangerous virus that affects the nervous system. It is contracted when an infected animal, such as a squirrel, bites a non-infected animal. Your dog should be protected through regular vaccinations. Once administered, your pet has a very low chance of contracting the disease, even if bitten.
Distemper
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It is important that your dog receives a periodic distemper shot. Distemper, a virus that is similar to the measles in humans, is transmitted through the air. This mode of transfer makes it highly contagious. A distemper shot as a puppy, followed by annual boosters, can prevent your dog from contracting the disease.
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