Why Dogs Can Still Get Mild Illness Even When Vaccinated
Certain vaccinations are necessary for your dog. There are diseases out there from which dogs can be protected if they receive the correct vaccination. One of those is rabies, a deadly disease that is preventable with a vaccine.
“Vaccines work primarily by stimulating the immune system’s production of antibodies that identify and destroy these agents—before they can cause disease,” according to the article, “Vaccinations” at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “This helps prevent or lessen the severity of future disease.”
Some of the diseases that vaccinations protect against include rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and Lyme disease, the article said.
Vaccinations are very effective, but there are occasions when they don’t work as expected. They should be “given as recommended, at the appropriate time points,” the AVMA article said. “After a pet has been fully vaccinated, only rarely will their immune system fail to fight off the disease. It’s important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to reduce the possibility of a gap in protection.”
There are times that even after a dog has been vaccinated, he develops the illness from which the vaccination he took was supposed to provide protection.
According to the article, “Vaccination Failures in Dogs” at VCA Animal Hospitals, “The most common cause of vaccine inactivation is warming during shipping and handling. Temperature control is critical in maintaining potency. If the vaccine gets too warm during shipment to the distributor or storage at the distributor, it is inactivated.”
If a vaccine is handled incorrectly, the opposite can happen. “The vaccine can become virulent (poisonous) or cause the infection it is intended to prevent,” the VCA article said.
Vaccine failures can occur, sometimes when puppies and dogs are exposed to bacteria and viruses in places that are unsanitary, the VCA article said.
Spring Means Allergy and Injury Season for Dogs
March means spring is just around the corner. It’s also allergy season, which can affect you and your dog. Warmer weather also means more outdoor activities. From swimming to running, when there’s more exercise, the chance for injury can increase. Being safe is extremely important.
“As pet owners, it is crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable about common pet injuries and the importance of pet vaccinations,” according to the article, “Preparing for Springtime Injuries and the Importance of Pet Vaccinations” at Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital.
The article points to some of the common injuries that pets experience in the spring, including:
• Allergies and insect bites. Along with the many allergies suffered by pets in the spring, it is also the time to be careful of insect bites. Common allergies can come from pollen and grass. Be careful of insect bites from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• Poisons. If ingested, the following can be toxic to pets: poisonous plants such as lilies and tulips, onions, garlic, chocolate, and gum.
• Injuries sustained from activities outdoors: From running to jumping, it’s important for dogs to get their exercise. “Supervising your pet while outdoors and ensuring they aren’t overexerting themselves will help minimize the risk of accidents,” the article said.
If you do think your dog has allergies due to the spring season, it is important to check in with your vet, according to the article, “Springtime Safety Tips” at ASPCA.
Keep your dog out of danger during spring. “While most dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous,” the ASPCA article said. Always keep your pet safely secured in a crate or with a seatbelt inside the vehicle.
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