Vaccinations Every Dog Needs in Pewaukee, WI

As a responsible dog owner, you know just how important it is to make sure your furry friend as all her shots up to date. But if you’ve never owned a dog before, or if it’s been a while since you have, then you might be a little out of the loop when it comes to knowing which shots your dog needs and when.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the most common shots your dog needs during the first two years of life and beyond. From there, you can call your vet in Pewaukee, WI to schedule an appointment or reach out for more information instead.

Common Dog Vaccinations

Here are the most common dog vaccinations for your reference:

Rabies

The rabies vaccination is the most crucial of the shots your dog will need throughout her life, and it is required by law in the State of Wisconsin and most of the United States. Additionally, many landlords, homeowners’ associations, cities and towns require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and require proof of vaccination every year as well.

Rabies vaccines can be given as early as 12 weeks of age. Dogs must receive a booster rabies shot every year, unless your dog is given the three-year rabies shot instead. Your vet will let you know which type your dog has received.

Kennel Cough

There are many different types of bacteria and viruses in Pewaukee, WI that can cause kennel cough, but most of them can be vaccinated against. Both canine influenza and Bordetella are known to cause kennel cough, among some other pathogens. Kennel cough is highly contagious, especially in close quarters, which is where it gets its common name. Dogs who suffer from kennel cough have a loud, “goose honk” type of cough and often vomit from it as well.

It is possible to begin vaccinating against kennel cough as early as 6 weeks, although some vets will recommend waiting a little longer if you have no plans to board your puppy.

Distemper

Distemper is a very dangerous dog disease that most commonly affects puppies and senior dogs. It can, however, infect any dog, and it is a highly potentially fatal disease. Distemper is extremely contagious as well, and it can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or exposure to shared food bowls, leashes, and even shared human contact (although humans cannot contract the disease).

Distemper vaccinations can be given as early as six weeks. If a dog becomes sick with distemper, the disease can cause vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, fever, coughing, and usually death.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus, usually just referred to as parvo, is one of the most contagious and deadly diseases for dogs and especially for puppies. Puppies who are less than four months old are extremely susceptible to parvo and should never be allowed to interact with dogs that you are not completely certain have been vaccinated against parvo.

Parvo causes extreme diarrhea and vomiting, which leads to severe dehydration. This condition is usually fatal within a few days and most dogs are incapable of recovering from parvo. Vaccinations can be given as early as six weeks in most situations.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis in dogs is similar in symptoms to hepatitis in humans, although the two cannot be transmitted between each other. Canine hepatitis is extremely contagious to other dogs, however, and is usually rampant in locations where many dogs are kept in close quarters and aren’t vaccinated early or often enough.

Canine hepatitis causes liver pain and swelling and can cause long-term liver damage as well. If left untreated, it can sometimes become severe and lead to death. Dogs will never be completely cured from hepatitis, but flare-ups can be managed. Dog vaccinations, however, can prevent it entirely and can be given as early as 10 weeks.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can affect both humans and dogs as well as many other animals in Pewaukee, WI, although it can only be transmitted through the bite of a carrier tick. This disease is very dangerous for dogs and can cause long-term, ongoing health problems even in dogs that have recovered from it. Some of these issues include heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, and neurological problems.

Dog vaccinations for Lyme disease can begin as early as 10 weeks. Depending on where you live, Lyme disease vaccinations may be much more strongly suggested than they are in locations where these ticks aren’t as common.

Staying Up to Date

Now that you know more about what shots to expect throughout your dog’s life, you should be better prepared to bring home your new family member. Remember to speak with your veterinarian at Pewaukee Veterinary Services at (262) 347-0787 if you have any questions or concerns about which shots your dog needs, and always work with a trusted vet to get your dog’s shots up to date.

Staying on top of dog vaccinations is crucial in providing quality care and a healthy life for your dog. A vaccinated dog is a happy dog!