Core vaccinations in dogs | The core of optimal prophylaxis

Core vaccinations in dogs. In our article about vaccinations in dogs and cats you learned why you should vaccinate your pet and that there are core and non-core vaccinations. Now let's take a closer look at what these core components are and why they are one of the most important building blocks of good health prevention.

They are called core vaccinations for a reason

If you are wondering if your (hopefully) vaccinated dog has received these core vaccinations so far, the answer is yes! The first vaccination a puppy receives usually contains several of the three core components in the dog. These are pathogens that can cause serious to fatal diseases. Your dog can catch them anywhere and at any time. So you see that an optimal vaccination prophylaxis can save your dog's life in an emergency.

Two of the three core vaccinations are against viral diseases, one against a bacterial infection.

A relative of measles: the distemper virus

Let's start with the canine distemper virus, a relative of the measles virus in humans. It is usually included in a combination vaccine with hepatitis contagiosa canis and parvovirus viruses. The canine distemper virus affects the lungs, the intestines, but also the brain. Therefore, non-vaccinated animals that survive the disease can often keep neurological symptoms - a consequence of brain damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the animals show chewing disorders, epileptic seizures and other symptoms. Since the virus does not survive long in the environment, it is mainly transmitted through direct contact with other animals.

The youngest of the bunch: the parvovirus

The parvovirus is a relatively young virus. It was created around 1970 through mutation of a cat virus. That is why it can jump back and forth between the two animal species. The dangerous thing is that a single gram of faeces from an infected animal is enough to infect a million dogs! When the disease breaks out, affected dogs suffer from bloody diarrhoea and severe dehydration, among other things.

The outsider: The bacterium Leptospira

Finally, one must not forget Leptospira: small, spiral-shaped bacteria that settle in many organs and can cause great damage there. They occur in both humans and (wild) animals. The infection occurs via the contaminated environment, for example if your dog bathes in a puddle in which leptospires cavort.

What about rabies?

Rabies is no longer one of the core vaccinations since 2021. The reason for this is that Germany has been considered rabies-free for a long time. Vaccination is therefore only necessary if you want to travel abroad with your dog.

However, dogs vaccinated against rabies are protected against forced killing. If your four-legged friend has contact with other animals suspected of being infected with rabies, veterinary authorities have the right to have your animal put to sleep. Vaccinated dogs are protected from this measure and only have to be quarantined in suspected cases.

Small effort, big effect

Vaccinations are important to maintain the long-term health of all dogs and the people around them. Now you know which pathogens you should protect your four-legged friend against, namely the distemper virus, the parvovirus and the bacterium Leptospira.

The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.