There are three types of vaccines for dogs; Core, Non Core, Not Recommended.
Core vaccines are those that are considered vital to all dogs by the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Task Force. They based their guidelines on the risk of exposure, severity of the disease and how transmissible they are to humans.
The CORE VACCINES are:
1. Parvovirus (CPV-2)
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problem.
2. Distemper (CDV)
Canine distemper is a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems, as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eye. Despite extensive vaccination in many regions, it remains a major disease of dogs, and is the leading cause of infectious disease death in dogs.
3. Hepatitis (CAV-2)
Canine hepatitis is a disease of the liver and other body organs caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). The virus is found worldwide and is spread by body fluids including nasal discharge and urine.
4. Rabies
Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats and humans. Though preventable, there is good reason that the word “rabies” evokes fear in people. The disease has been reported in every state except Hawaii, and everywhere throughout the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Annually, rabies causes the deaths of more than 50,000 humans and millions of animals worldwide. Once symptoms appear, the disease results in fatality.
However, the 2010 international Vaccination Guidelines Group recommendation generally considers the rabies vaccine a non-core vaccine, except in areas where the disease is endemic or where required by law. It is still considered a Core Vaccine because of the severity of the disease and the ease with which it spreads between dogs and to humans. In this case, it is absolutely better safe than sorry!
NON CORE VACCINATIONS Include:
1. Measles
2. Respiratory Disease from Canine Anedovirus-2(CAV-2)
3. Parainfluenza
4. Bordetella
5. Leptospirosis
6. Coronavirus
7. Lyme
NOT RECOMMENDED VACCINES Include:
1. Coronavirus
Since Coronavirus is rarely fatal and tends to respond well to treatment, vaccination is not recommended)
2. Adenovirus -1
Adenovirus-2 is already a Core Vaccination and will protect against both Adenovirus cough and hepatitis.
3. Giardia
Although this seems like a good idea because it is so easily transmissible between dogs in parks, on the street, at the vet, at doggy daycare, etc. it is not recommended because there is not sufficient data that supports the routine use of the vaccine. It is more widely supported as a treatment of Giardia rather than a means of preventing it.
4. Rattlesnake Envenomation & Dental Disease Vaccines are still too new to be considered either Core, Non Core or Not Recommended.
Deciding which vaccines are best for your dog can be an overwhelming task. With the help of this article, you now have a better understanding of the core, non-core and not recommended vaccinations available. Vaccinating your pup is essential to keeping them healthy and safe from life-threatening diseases like Parvovirus and Rabies. Remember that while Core vaccinations may vary depending on location or lifestyle, they should always include protection against Canine parvovirus (CPV-2), Distemper virus (CDV) and Hepatitis (CAV-2). While Non Core vaccinations such as Measles, Respiratory Disease from CAV-2, Bordetella etc., may provide additional protection according to individual needs; Not Recommended Vaccines such as Coronavirus & Adenovirus -1 should generally only be used if there is risk of exposure in certain areas. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian about what type of vaccine schedule would work best for your pet!
