Vaccinations Archives - Canine Journal

Dog being given shot by vet (caption: Dog Vaccination Guide)

Which Dog Vaccinations Are Necessary?

Vaccines are an important component of a dog’s health and wellness. Although dog vaccines are developed in different ways and come in various formulations, they all serve the same purpose: to protect dogs from diseases that can cause serious illness and even be fatal. There are many vaccines available for dogs, so you may be wondering which vaccines your dog actually needs. Plus, different vaccines have different vaccination schedules, making it a little confusing to know what vaccines your dog needs and when. No one wants to put their dog through discomfort, and you may question whether all of these vaccinations are really necessary. We’ll help you learn about core (required) and non-core (not required) vaccinations.

Black puppy getting rabies vaccine at the vet

Puppy Vaccine Schedule: What Shots Do Puppies Need?

Having a new puppy is such an exciting and memorable time, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you’re a first-timer. There’s so much you need to know to raise your little furry friend right and keep her healthy. One of the most important things you can do for your new family member is to get your puppy fully vaccinated. Puppies’ immune systems aren’t fully mature, making them highly susceptible to contracting a variety of infectious diseases and suffering from serious symptoms. So, routine vaccines are a crucial part of your puppy’s health care. We’ll explain which vaccinations are required and recommended, when your puppy needs them, how much they cost, and much more.

Dog being held up by vet (Caption: Dog Checkups Guide)

The Importance Of An Annual Dog Checkup

If you have a dog, then they may be like a child: you spoil them rotten and care for them deeply. Since your pet is that important to you, then their health should be just as important. We don’t mean just taking them out on walks, feeding them a balanced diet, and pampering good dogs with toys and treats, although those are all important too. We mean being proactive and taking them to the vet regularly for checkups.

jack russell visiting the vet with owner

How Often Should I Take My Dog To The Vet? (Plus A Puppy Vet Visit Schedule)

Veterinarians typically recommend that healthy adult dogs get a comprehensive wellness examination once a year. However, this guideline differs for puppies under one year of age and elderly dogs. How often should you take puppies and senior dogs to the vet? And is once a year enough for your adult dog? We’ll explain when you should take your dog to a vet, what a routine checkup involves, how much you can expect to pay, and more.

Dog with cone on head (Caption: Common Dog Health Issues)

Common Dog Health Issues You Must Know

No two dogs are alike. Likewise, no two dog breeds are alike, especially when it comes to their health. Dog health problems range from infections to cancers, and it’s up to you as pet parents to keep your companions happy and healthy by understanding some common dog illnesses and diseases. See below for the most common types of dog health issues, and make sure to take immediate action if you think something serious is wrong with your dog.

Small wire hair dog coughing (Caption: What Is Kennel Cough?)

What Is Kennel Cough? Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Is your dog coughing more than usual? Is he making a hacking sound (like he has a hairball stuck in his throat)? Has he recently spent time around other pups? If so, he could have kennel cough — also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis. In most cases, kennel cough isn’t serious and will clear up without treatment. However, in some dogs, the disease can be more severe. Learn more about the symptoms, when you should seek veterinary care, and how you can reduce your dog’s risk of contracting this highly contagious illness.

Sick grey dog laying down (Caption: Distemper in Dogs)

Distemper In Dogs And Cats: Signs, Treatment, Prevention & More

Although they are caused by two entirely different viruses, canine and feline distemper are highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases that are 100% preventable. That’s why it’s so important to get your pets vaccinated as young as possible. Find out how you can prevent your furry friends from contracting these terrible diseases.

Terrier with water bottle on head and thermometer in mouth (Caption; Dog Flu Symptoms & Treatment)

Dog Flu Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, And Prevention

If you haven’t heard, a canine flu outbreak is spreading across the nation leaving plenty of pups feeling down in the dumps. But what is all the bark about, what are the symptoms and can you catch it from your dog? Learn more about this contagious outbreak.

Dog with surgical mask on (caption: Parvo In Dogs)

Parvo In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & More

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that’s particularly prevalent in puppies. Parvo can cause severe symptoms that often lead to death if left untreated. Read on to learn more about this disease, its symptoms, how to treat it and prevent it from spreading to others.

Dog barking aggressively and drooling (Caption: Rabies Symptoms In Dogs)

Rabies Symptoms In Dogs: Signs It’s Time To See A Vet

When most of us think about rabies, we picture an animal foaming at the mouth and acting aggressive or erratic. But there are many other signs of rabies in dogs. Learn more about rabies symptoms in dogs, what to do if your dog gets bitten by an infected animal, and how you can easily prevent this devastating disease.

Man carrying a puppy (caption: Bringing Home A New Puppy)

Bringing A Puppy Home: Your Complete Guide

There are many things to think about when you look at bringing a new puppy into your family. From how to pick out the right puppy to what you will need to prepare for your puppy’s arrival, there is so much to plan for! The planning doesn’t stop after your newest family member comes home either. The life of a new puppy owner is almost as hectic as the life of a new parent. Fortunately for a puppy owner, the baby phase is much shorter and much less expensive than having a human child.

Dog drinking creek water (caption: Leptospirosis In Dogs)

Leptospirosis In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & More

If you were a pup parent several years ago, you might recall leptospirosis hitting the news locally, regionally, or even nationally. Dogs contracted this disease from simply swimming in local streams and rivers and becoming seriously ill and even dying. It became a popular news topic for a fleeting moment. While the news hasn’t focused on this disease as much lately, it can still be a very real threat to your dog, depending on where your dog roams. What do you need to do to prevent your dog from getting sick? And if he does, what are the symptoms? We give you all the information you need to know about this disease that can become severe quickly…