Vaccine Information
#1 - Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) (Kennel Cough)
Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), more familiarly known as "kennel cough," is a highly contagious illness affecting the respiratory tract in dogs. All breeds and ages are susceptible. As the name "kennel cough" suggests, dogs at particular risk are those exposed to settings where multiple dogs are typically gathered or housed, such as kennels, shelters, and daycare facilities.
Several different types of bacteria and viruses can contribute to CIRDC, and dogs can be infected by two or more of these organisms at the same time. A few of the more commonly involved organisms include Bordetella bronchiseptica (a bacterium) as well as canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type2.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#2 – Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. All dogs are at risk of canine distemper. Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper virus.
In addition to dogs, canine distemper virus can infect ferrets as well as a wide range of other mammals, especially carnivores. These include several wildlife species such as wild canines (e.g., foxes and wolves), raccoons, and skunks. Cats also may become infected but are unlikely to get sick. The good news is that canine distemper can be prevented in dogs—and ferrets—through vaccination.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#3 – Rabies
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. Rabies remains a major concern worldwide, killing tens of thousands of people every year. Almost all of these deaths are due to rabies transmitted by dogs in countries where dog vaccination programs are not sufficiently developed to stop the spread of the virus.
In the United States, it's not unusual for one to two people to die annually. Among animals, there were 3,579 reported cases of rabies in the U.S. in 2022. You can help prevent rabies infections by vaccinating your animals and keeping them away from wildlife that can spread the disease. Rabies is 100% preventable. Your local veterinary plays a key role in controlling rabies.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#4 – Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus infection is a highly contagious disease caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). There are several strains of CPV-2, and all produce similar signs. The disease they cause is commonly called “parvo.” The virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids like coyotes, wolves, and foxes. In puppies, the virus also can damage the heart muscle.
All dogs are susceptible to canine parvovirus, although some dogs are at greater risk than others. These include puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, and certain breeds, such as: Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Bull terrier breeds, German shepherds, & English springer spaniels.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
