Why You Should Vaccinate Your Dog

Trust me, I know how expensive the vet can be and how much of a hassle it can be to get your dog through those doors. Nevertheless, vaccinating your dog is not up for debate! It needs to be done.

As always, keep in mind that I am not a vet or dog trainer. I am a self-proclaimed doggy expert with a lot of personal experience. Please consult your veterinarian or the sources I will have linked below with any questions or concerns. Now… let’s get into why this is so important.

Vaccines can protect your dog from an array of illnesses that they are susceptible to. Most states, towns or cities require your dog to at least have a rabies vaccine. Rabies can be contracted from a wild animal in your neighborhood. Even if you think you’re always watching your dog in your yard or on a walk… you really never know. Rabies can be dangerous because it can be passed onto other pets as well as humans, and can often be fatal to your pup.

Vaccines may seem expensive, but they act as a safety measure to prevent further expensive treatment that would be needed if your dog actually contracted one of the illnesses prevented by vaccines. The distemper vaccine prevents canine influenza (doggie flu) and parvovirus (frequently referred to as just parvo). Parvo is an incredibly dangerous and highly contagious gastrointestinal virus. It spreads through dog populations like wildfire, makes dogs extremely ill, and can cause death. The treatment for parvo once contracted is very pricey and involves multiple vet visits. Your best option is to get the vaccine so you don’t have to worry!

The last common vaccine that you should get your dog is Bordetella. Bordetella essentially prevents kennel cough, which is the doggie version of a cold. Kennel cough treatment is also expensive and spreads easily. Bordetella vaccines are especially important for people who board their dogs, take them to doggie daycare, go to the dog park, or frequently have playdates. However, every dog should get the Bordetella vaccine because even if you do not partake in any of those activities, you may drop your dog off at the groomer or even take them to the vet and risk exposure.

How Often Should You Vaccinate Your Dog?

Most vaccines are required every 6 months or once a year. It really depends on your vet. Scooby just got a 2-year rabies shot, meaning he does not need to get another rabies shot until 2 years from now. It also depends on what programs your dog is a part of and what their requirements are. For example, Bordetella typically is good for a year, but at the doggie daycare, I used to work at we required it to be updated every 6 months which is documentation. Always check your vet records, they usually have listed on them when your dog’s next vaccine is. Also, speak to your vet. These are the common vaccines, but if your dog has other health risks or issues, there may be more vaccines that could benefit them.

Pro-Tip

Check out shelters and rescues in your area. The shelter my girlfriend and I got Scooby from have vaccine clinics every couple of months. At these clinics, you can get your dog vaccinated for a fraction of the price that it would be at the vet (and your giving money directly to the shelter so it is kind of a win-win in my book) Due to COVID restrictions, shelters may not be having vaccine clinics right now but you should definitely still look into it!

For more information on the benefits of vaccinating your dog, visit the American Kennel Club or American Veterinary Medical Association, and always talk to your vet with any specific questions or concerns!