Vaccinating Your Dog Can Protect Them From These 3 Illnesses

Dogs can be vaccinated from only six weeks old, and it's recommended that you don't let your dog walk around outside until they have been fully vaccinated, as they will be at risk of contracting a range of illnesses that vaccinations can protect them from. If you have an older dog that's not been vaccinated, fear not. Your dog doesn't need to be a puppy to be vaccinated and can be vaccinated at any age. All dogs will also require annual booster shots to ensure they stay protected from illnesses that can be devastating to their health. Read on to learn about three illnesses your dog will be protected from when you have them vaccinated.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is highly contagious, and your dog can contract his illness by simply breathing in water droplets in the air that have been created from the breath of an infected animal. Kennel cough is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the respiratory system and can severely damage your dog's lungs. A vet can try to eradicate the infection with strong antibiotics, but treatment is not always successful. Signs of kennel cough include a noisy, hacking cough and clear or cloudy discharge from the nose and eyes.

Distemper

Distemper can be fatal in dogs, and if your dog contract distemper, your vet will only be able to keep your dog comfortable and hydrated in the hopes their immune system will manage to overcome this viral illness. Your dog can develop this illness if they are in contact with an infected dog, and the virus will quickly attack their respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and nervous system. Signs of distemper in dogs include severe vomiting, lethargy and seizures. Some dogs will also experience paralysis, which can lead to loss of control over their bowel and bladder.

Infectious Hepatitis

Infectious hepatitis is a virus that your dog can get if they come into contact with the bodily fluids of a dog that has the illness. If treated promptly, this illness can respond well to antibiotics. However, your dog may need a blood transfusion to clear the virus from their system if treatment is delayed, and infectious hepatitis can be fatal in some dogs. Signs of this illness include a significant increase in thirst, abdominal swelling and yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

These are just a few of the illnesses that you can protect your dog from by having them vaccinated. If you'd like information on the vaccination schedule for dogs, speak with your vet.

For more info about pet vaccinations, contact a local professional.