What is Lyme disease and how does its vaccine work for dogs?
Lyme is an infectious tick-borne (blood-sucking small bugs) disease. Like in humans, it is spread by infectious tick bites in dogs. Its most common sign is expanding red patch on the skin that appears after about a week it occurred. Vaccines produce antibodies to fight against disease. Antibodies bind the bacteria in tick’s gut during the blood meal thereby sterilizing the tick’ gut thus preventing the transmission of bacteria into the canine’s body.
Does my dog need Lyme vaccine?
In endemic regions, even if the dog is Lyme disease negative, Lyme disease positive without clinical symptoms or positive with clinical symptoms, it should be vaccinated. Though no vaccine is completely risk free but when comparing the risks against its benefits, it is highly recommended to vaccinate your adoring pet to protect from Lyme disease. Because the chances of re-infection are high, as a responsible master, you should consider giving Lyme vaccine to your four-legged companion.
How often should dog get Lyme vaccine?
Lyme disease vaccines are not covered under the category of core vaccines for dog. It is primarily recommended for those dogs that either live or frequently visit areas with high tick exposure. Vaccine for Lyme disease has shorter period of immunity and low efficiency. Around twenty percent of vaccinated dogs may eventually get infected with the disease. In other words, about eighty percent Lyme vaccines are effective. Some scientific studies specify that efficiency of Lyme vaccine for dogs lasts only for approximately six months. Veterinarians update themselves with all latest research so always keep in touch with your vet and if advised by them vaccinate your dog to give it protection against substantial exposure of the disease.
What vaccines do dogs need yearly?
All dogs need vaccines that protect them against most serious and common ailments. The core vaccines for dogs are rabies, hepatitis, parvovirus and distemper. The frequency of any vaccine largely depends upon the age of your pretty pet. For example, as a small little puppy, frequency of vaccination is far more than that requires it in adult age because by that age its immune system has developed enough to keep at bay potentially dangerous ailments.
Veterinarian is the right person to determine the schedule for your dear pet’s vaccination. Beside, your pet’s age, he would advise you on the basis its medical history, type of vaccine, its lifestyle and environment. Local laws also play a role to settle on vaccine regularity. Like some states require twelve-monthly rabies vaccination whereas other requires it only after every three years. If your veterinarian has advised to administer any non-core vaccine, it should be received yearly to be more effective or as recommended by them.
How much Lyme vaccine is required for my dog?
How much Lyme vaccine is required for your dear pet largely depends on the prevalence of the disease in your area. It also depends on which vaccine’s brand you have chosen. The series of Lyme vaccine starts as early as when your pet is just eight to nine weeks old. Some veterinarians advise series of two boosters in the gap of six months and annually thereafter. Dogs that have urinary protein issues or are sick, vaccination for Lyme disease is not recommended for such dogs.
Can dogs still get Lyme disease even if vaccinated?
Lyme disease may cause rash, fever, arthritis and even facial paralysis depending on the stage of infection. Sometimes, from immune system, bacteria hide themselves in tissues that increase the risk of re- infection. A very heavy exposure to disease may take precedence over vicinal protection.
To wrap up, if your dog spends most of the time outdoor, especially in wooden or forested areas then it has more chances of Lyme disease exposure as compared to dogs who stay mostly indoor. To reduce the severity of Lyme disease, vaccinate your beloved pooch as advised by your veterinarian and have a nice time with your darling pet!
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