DOG VACCINES – Core vaccines & Non-core vaccines

I have created a “My Dog Health Record” with fillable (PDF boxes) for dog owners to keep track of their dog vaccines and other important health information.

MY DOG HEALTH RECORD - CLICK HERE

Part 1 - Core Vaccines (for Dogs) 

*Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs regardless of their lifestyle or location in the world.

Core vaccines protect against:

1. Rabies virus

2. Canine Distemper (DAP)

3. Canine Parvovirus

4. Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

The Core Vaccines listed below are considered essential to all dogs

1. Rabies virus

This dog vaccine protects against rabies virus (a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of dogs, and which is fatal).

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 12-16 weeks (3 to 4 months old puppy) followed by a booster every 1 year. This vaccine is then administered every 1 to 3 years (depending on laws in your area).

2. Canine Distemper (DAP)

This vaccine prevents canine distemper virus, a contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 6-8 weeks of age (2 month old puppy) followed with a booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age (4 month old puppy). This is then followed by a booster at 1 year old, and then every 3 years.

3. Canine Parvovirus

This vaccine protects against a highly contagious virus that causes severe gastrointestinal disease in dogs.

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 6-8 weeks (2 month old puppy) followed with a booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks (4 month old puppy) with another booster at 1 year old. This dog vaccine is then administered every 3 years.

4. Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

This vaccine protects your dog against canine hepatitis, a virus that can cause severe liver damage.

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 6-8 weeks (2 month old puppy) followed with a booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks (4 month old puppy) and a booster at 1 year old.

This dog vaccine is then administered every 3 years.

Part 2 - Non Core Vaccines (for Dogs) 

*Non-core vaccines are given to certain dogs based on their lifestyle, health status, and environment.

*These vaccines protect against diseases that may be less common or less severe for dogs.

*Non-core dogs vaccines are generally not required by law, but may be recommended or required in specific situations (i.e., a dog boarding facility may require specific dog vaccines to meet their own business requirements).

Non-core vaccines protect against:

1. Bordetella (Kennel cough)

2. Leptospirosis

3. Heartworm

4. Lyme disease

5. Canine Influenza

The Non-Core Vaccines listed below are considered optional for dogs

(Your veterinarian is the best guide in selecting vaccines specific to your dog)

1. Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel cough)

This vaccine protects against kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection in dogs. (This vaccine is crucial if your dog is boarding at a kennel or visiting other dogs who are showing signs of kennel cough).

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 6-8 weeks (2 month old puppy) followed with a booster 2 to 4 weeks later (1 month puppy), then a booster every 6 months (for high-risk dogs) to 12 months (1 year) depending on exposure risk and the health of your dog.

2. Canine Influenza (H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine flu)

This vaccine protects dogs against canine influenza virus, which can cause severe respiratory illness. (This vaccine is crucial if your dog is boarding at a kennel or visiting other dogs).

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 6-8 weeks (2 month old puppy) followed with a booster 2-4 weeks later. This dog vaccine is then administered every 1 year.

3. Heartworm

Heartworm prevention is considered a non-core treatment and is given to a puppy or adult dog on a monthly basis for life. You can ask your veterinarian to perform a routine heartworm test to determine if your dog has heartworm. If Heartworm is detected, your veterinarian would advise on the best treatment for your dog.

4. Leptospirosis

This vaccine protects dogs against a bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney damage. This is a zoonotic disease (meaning that it can infect humans).

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 12 weeks (3 month old puppy) followed with a booster 2 to 4 weeks later. This dog vaccine is then administered every 1 year.

5. Lyme Disease

This dog vaccine prevents tick-born illness like Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks (who carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria).

Dosage Frequency:

1rst dose at 12 weeks (3 month old puppy) followed with a booster every 2-4 weeks. This dog vaccine is then administered every 1 year (before tick season).

5. Parainfluenza

This vaccine prevents a respiratory infection that contributes to kennel cough.

(This vaccine is crucial if your dog is boarding at a kennel or visiting other dogs).

Dosage Frequency (similar to Bordetella):

1rst dose at 6-8 weeks (2 month old puppy) followed with a booster every 6 months to 12 months (1 year old), depending on exposure risk.

(This vaccine is often included in combination vaccines).

*It is important to note that dog vaccination needs can vary based on a dog's age, health status, lifestyle, and geographic location.

*Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.

I have created a “My Dog Health Record” with fillable (PDF boxes) for dog owners to keep track of their dog vaccines and other important health information.

MY DOG HEALTH RECORD - CLICK HERE

DOG CARE – Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

There are various reasons why dogs eat grass (see part 1 below).

 And there are several methods dog owners can use to modify this           behavior (see part 2 below).

Part 1: Reasons Dogs Eat Grass

1. Ancestral Behavior

Many dogs eat grass as a result of behaviors passed down from wild ancestors in their genes who grazed on various plants during their lifetime, including grass.

2. Dog Diet lacks Certain Nutrients

Dogs who eat grass may be looking for certain nutrients missing from their current diet, especially if their diet does not provide them with enough fiber.

3. Nausea Relief

Some dogs eat grass to induce vomiting while trying to overcome an illness. The grass eating may help dogs clear their stomachs of discomfort.

4. Boredom or Anxiety

Dogs may chew on grass out of boredom or as a way to cope with stress. Grass chewing can also be entertaining to some dogs.

5. Taste and Texture

Some dogs simply enjoy chewing grass because they find the taste and texture appealing to them.

6. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs might eat grass to get attention from the people around them. This behavior could get worse if the dog owner shows a negative reaction when catching their dog eating grass.

Part 2: Best Methods to Resolve Dogs Eating Grass

1. Take a Look at Your Dog’s Diet

Is your dog’s diet balanced with all the nutrients required for good health? Always research your dog food to ensure that it provides your dog with all essential nutrients. Consider adding fiber supplements to your dog’s diet (with your veterinarian’s approval).

When introducing high-fiber foods or other dog food, follow these steps:

-Introduce the new food gradually (in small amounts) to avoid indigestion.

-Evaluate how your dog responds to their new diet. Make adjustments, if needed.

2. Monitor your Dog’s Health

If your dog persists in chewing grass despite all your efforts, talk with your veterinarian to rule out any disease that your dog may be carrying without your knowledge. It is also important to protect your dog against parasites that they could pick up from eating grass. (Your veterinarian can test your dog for parasites and provide the best treatments).

3. Increase Dog Exercise and Stimulation

Provide your dog with various physical and mental activities to prevent boredom.

When planning your dog’s daily schedule, make sure that you include plenty of playtime, dog walks, and access to toys that are entertaining to your dog.

4. Always use Positive Reinforcement

Avoid scolding your dog for eating grass, as this can increase their anxiety. Instead, refocus your dog’s attention in a positive way. Always reward your dog with treats or affection when they stay off the grass.

5. Train your Dog to follow the “Leave it” Command

Train your dog to obey the “Leave it” command (see video posted on this blog). Reward your dog with their preferred treats or gestures of affection when they stay off the grass.

6. Create a Calm Environment at Home

Create a calm and safe home surrounded with objects loved by your dog.

7. Grow your Own Safe Grass at Home

If your dog insists on eating grass (even after ruling out health problems and training your dog to follow the “Leave it” command), then you can limit access to grass areas, especially public places that are often treated with harsh chemicals.

You can also grow your own dog-friendly grass inside your home to ensure that your dog only eats unpolluted and safe grass at all times.

As well, you can offer your dog safe plants to chew on or safe chew toys to satisfy their need to chew.

Copyrights 2024 ©

www.dogcareresources.com