Why Are Noncore Vaccines Important for Your Dog?

There are certain vaccines—known as core vaccines—that every dog is required to get from a very young age. They are legally required for any dog owner, and they prevent many serious diseases, such as rabies. But there are other vaccines available for your dog that aren't included in a core vaccination schedule. Still, these vaccines can help to prevent serious illnesses in your pet, so it's important that you speak to your vet about which vaccinations your dog may benefit from. Keep reading to learn more about some noncore vaccines that you should consider getting for your dog, and, if you'd like to have your dog vaccinated, contact us and ask about pet vaccinations in Nocatee, FL.

Lyme Disease Vaccine

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through tick bites. Unfortunately, ticks can be found in abundance throughout Florida at any time of year, so it's important for dogs in this state to be vaccinated against Lyme disease. Symptoms of this illness include swelling of the joints, stiffness in the muscles, and loss of appetite. Treatment can be difficult, and many dogs will suffer from flare-ups for years after contracting the disease.

You can also protect your dog from Lyme disease by applying tick repellents as often as necessary. However, if your dog spends a great deal of time outdoors, we still strongly recommend that they get the Lyme disease vaccine for additional protection.

Canine Flu Vaccine

The canine flu has similar symptoms to the flu virus that human contract. While not serious or life-threatening, this illness is extremely contagious among dogs. If you want to save your dog from the potential discomfort of coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and fever, the influenza vaccine can do that.

This vaccine is especially important if your dog spends any time at facilities where other dogs are frequently seen. This includes kennels and boarding facilities, dog groomers, and dog parks. The canine flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours and spreads quickly, so the vaccine is the best way to protect your dog from catching it.

Leptospirosis Vaccine

Leptospirosis used to be relatively uncommon, but it has become much more commonplace in recent years. With cases popping up more frequently, it's becoming more important than ever to vaccinate your dog against leptospirosis. This bacterial infection is typically contracted from drinking water that has been contaminated by wildlife or farm animals with the illness. It's a very serious sickness that can lead to liver failure, renal failure, and even death.

Additionally, this illness can be passed from animals to humans. So, by protecting your dog from it, you're also protecting your entire family.

Bordetella Vaccine

Bordetella, or kennel cough, is another highly contagious illness among canines. It can live on surfaces or be transmitted through spores in the air. As its nickname implies, this sickness is common in kennels, where it spreads quickly between canine residents. So, if your dog spends any time in such facilities or other places where dogs are frequently seen, you should seriously consider this noncore vaccine.

If your dog needs any vaccinations—core or noncore—contact Forever Vets Animal Hospital pet vaccinations hospital in Nocatee, FL, to schedule an appointment today. Call us at (904) 686-2779.

Serving Jacksonville, Orlando, Nocatee, St. Johns, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and more.