There’s nothing more joyful than welcoming a new puppy into your home. You are doubtlessly looking forward to years of love and companionship. The first step in that direction, according to our veterinarian at Alum Rock Animal Hospital in San Jose, is a full course of puppy vaccinations. Puppy vaccinations are the greatest assurance of sustained good health for your four-legged friend. Here are the diseases and ailments that pet vaccines protect against:
Rabies – This disease is caused by the bite of an infected animal and is almost always fatal if your pet is not treated within hours of the attack. If your pet is infected with rabies, it can easily transmit the disease to other pets and humans. The rabies vaccine is the most important pet vaccine and is required by law in the state of California.
Distemper – Distemper is an airborne disease, and there is no cure. Thankfully, distemper is easy to catch. Pet vaccines for distemper are very important, and it is in your best interest to vaccinate your pet against distemper as early as possible.
Hepatitis – A vicious liver disease, hepatitis is the result of a highly communicable virus. While some pets get a mild and survivable form, serious cases can result in death. There’s no cure for canine hepatitis, though symptoms can be treated.
Coronavirus – It only sounds like COVID-19. The form of coronavirus in pets affects your dog’s gastrointestinal system. While it is rarely fatal, it will certainly make your dog sick.
Kennel Cough – This ailment received its name from the fact that it’s highly contagious and often caught when your pet is near other dogs. The disease results in jagged coughing spells and general discomfort. It is not usually fatal.
Leptospirosis – This bacterial condition is among the few that can be passed from animal to human. Sometimes, your puppy will not show any symptoms. Serious cases can result in severe discomfort and liver failure.
Parvovirus – Parvovirus tends to strike young dogs, especially those four months old or younger. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. There’s no cure, but your dog’s immune system can sometimes fight it off. Puppy vaccinations are your best bet for protecting your dog from parvovirus.
Lyme Disease – This tick-borne ailment can affect your pet’s heart, kidneys, joints, and other areas of the body. It can also lead to a neurological breakdown.
Canine Parainfluenza – This affects your pet much like the flu affects you. It is also a common factor contributing to kennel cough.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica – The bacterial infection that causes coughing and vomiting can lead to seizure and death. Bordetella bronchiseptica is also a leading cause of kennel cough.
Pet Vaccines in San Jose
As you can tell by the descriptions of these diseases and ailments, you do not want your dog to fall victim to any of them. If you are in San Jose or elsewhere in the surrounding areas, contact Alum Rock Animal Hospital to set up a course of puppy vaccinations as soon as possible.