Wondering If You Should Vaccinate Your Dog? Facts You Should Know

In recent years, many people across the United States have begun to question and take issue with the idea of routine vaccinations. While much of this controversy and drama has to do with vaccinations in humans, some people also wonder whether or not dogs should be vaccinated as much as they are. If you are one of those people with questions regarding vaccinating your dog, it is important that you get to know some of the important facts to know about dog vaccinations. This will help you to make the best and most informed decision possible about your dog's health.

Only One Vaccination Is Universally Required By Law

There are many different vaccinations that veterinarians can give to your dog. However, only one is universally required by law in the United States: Every dog that a person owns must have up-to-date rabies vaccines at all times.

Rabies is a serious illness that can be transmitted to dogs from bites from other infected animals. It is a lethal condition that can be transmitted between species and can even be transmitted to humans through bites. Because rabies is a risk to humans as well as animals, this is a vaccine that cannot be skipped under any circumstances. However, other vaccinations, while recommended, are not mandatory.

Dogs Can Pick Up Illnesses Without Direct Contact With Other Dogs

If you only own one dog and they do not come into contact with other dogs regularly, you may think that the optional vaccinations are not important for your dog or that you would like to keep their health care as natural as possible. However, the problem is that many of the canine illnesses that can be prevented through vaccinations can be picked up without any significant contact with other animals.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious canine illness and can be transmitted by contact with infected feces. This means that if your dog sniffs infected feces on a walk or you step in it and track any remnant back to your yard or home, your beloved pooch could be infected. Parvovirus can survive on surfaces like shoes, rugs, or virtually any object for a period of months.

Other illnesses that can be prevented through dog vaccinations are also often transmitted through contact with saliva, urine, and feces. Any time you or your dog leave the house, they could, therefore, be exposed to serious illnesses that could potentially be prevented through vaccinations.

Knowing this information, you can better decide if vaccinating your dog is the right choice for you and your pet. To learn more about dog vaccinations, contact an animal hospital like 1st Pet Veterinary Centers.