What Dog Vaccinations Are Required in California?
In California, rabies is the only legally required dog vaccination. This is due to the fact that unvaccinated dogs can transmit diseases to humans through bites, and it is important for public safety that all dogs are vaccinated against this deadly virus. However, there are several other vaccinations that are necessary for a dog’s health, even though they are not legally required. Puppies should receive a series of “core” vaccinations beginning at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. These vaccinations protect puppies from common illnesses such as parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis. It is also important to keep up with regular booster shots throughout your pet’s life in order to maintain their immunity against these diseases. If you or someone you know has been bitten by an unvaccinated dog, it is important to seek medical attention and contact a Fresno dog bite attorney right away.
Are you looking for the laws on necessary dog vaccinations in California? This guide has all the information you need to learn what is legally required.
What Are Vaccines?
Vaccines are an important part of keeping our pets healthy and safe. They are made up of killed or weakened organisms that cause certain diseases, and they stimulate the immune system to create antibodies against the disease-causing virus or bacteria. At Broadway Pet Hospital, we use ULTRA Duramune vaccines to reduce reactions and discomfort after vaccination. Vaccines contain antigens that look like disease-causing organisms to the immune system, stimulating it to fight off the real disease if exposed.
It is important to tailor a pet’s vaccination protocol according to their age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle. Core vaccines are usually recommended for healthy pets, but other vaccines may be necessary depending on your pet’s individual needs. It is also important to keep up with regular booster shots in order to maintain immunity against certain diseases. Vaccinations can help protect your pet from serious illnesses and even save their life!
Canine (Dog) Vaccination Guidelines
Canine vaccination is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and safe. Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies and dogs with an unknown vaccination history, including vaccines for canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV), and rabies. For dogs older than 16 weeks of age, two doses of vaccine containing modified live virus (MLV) CPV, CDV, and CAV-2 given 3-4 weeks apart are recommended. California law requires all dogs over 3 months of age to receive a rabies vaccine and wear the accompanying license on their collar. In addition to core vaccines, non-core vaccines such as parainfluenza virus (CPiV), canine influenza virus H3N8, canine influenza virus H3N2 distemper-measles combination vaccine, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Borrelia burgdorferi can be considered based on
So What Are the Most Important Vaccines for Dogs?
Vaccines are an important part of keeping your dog healthy and safe. Core vaccines for dogs include rabies and DHPP, which protect against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. California law requires all dogs over 3 months of age to receive the rabies vaccine and wear the accompanying license on their collar at all times. Veterinarians also recommend that puppies receive a set of core vaccinations to ensure they are protected from these illnesses.
In addition to core vaccines, there are also non-core vaccines available depending on your pet’s risk factors. These may include immunizations for Bordetella Bronchiseptica, canine influenza virus, Lyme disease and more. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about what lifestyle vaccines may be necessary for your pet based on their lifestyle and environment. Vaccinations can help keep your pet healthy and safe from preventable diseases – so make sure you talk to your vet today!
Rabies
Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be passed from dogs to humans, usually through a bite from an infected animal. Symptoms of rabies include fever, aggression, paralysis, and foaming at the mouth. The rabies vaccine for dogs is required by law in California and should be administered to puppies at 12 weeks of age and then boosted annually or triennially. Most states regulate the administration of rabies vaccinations to domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, and ferrets. The required frequency of rabies vaccinations varies from state to state and may be prescribed by a specific interval or refer to the label of the vaccine used.
In order to protect both humans and animals from contracting rabies, it is important that all pet owners ensure their pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations. Some states have adopted statewide mandated vaccinations for dogs and cats against rabies while others delegate that decision to local governments. It is important for pet owners to research their local laws regarding rabies vaccinations and ensure their pet is compliant.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It is spread through feces and commonly affects puppies, although any dog can become infected. Symptoms of parvo include dehydration, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, secondary infections, endotoxemia, shock and death. To prevent infection, puppies should receive the parvo vaccine at 8 weeks of age with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks and then annually or triennially.
Adenovirus type 1 causes hepatitis in dogs which can result in swelling and cell damage in the liver, hemorrhage and death. Adenovirus type 2 is a relative of the hepatitis virus and can cause hacking coughs, airways inflammation, pink eye, white foaming discharge in the mouth after coughing and nasal discharge. Vaccines for both adenovirus types are available; type 2 is often preferred and given as part of the DHPP combo vaccine with boosters at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is a contagious canine influenza virus that can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs. These symptoms include dry cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever, runny nose and eyes, pneumonia, reduced appetite, lethargy, and conjunctivitis. Treatment for parainfluenza typically involves antibiotics and antiviral drugs to help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Vaccination against parainfluenza is recommended for puppies at 8-16 weeks of age with boosters given annually or triennially.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of parainfluenza in order to seek treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, this virus can cause serious health complications such as pneumonia or even death in some cases. It is also important to keep your pet away from other animals if they are showing any signs of illness so that they do not spread the virus to other animals.
Adenovirus & Hepatitis
Adenovirus is a virus that can cause hepatitis in dogs. Adenovirus type 1 and 2 are the two main types of adenovirus that can affect dogs, with type 1 being the most common. Symptoms of adenovirus type 1 include abdominal distention, lack of appetite, pale color, lethargy, fever, and tonsillitis. Type 2 can cause hacking cough, airways inflammation, pink eye, white foaming discharge in the mouth after coughing, and nasal discharge. Vaccines for both types of adenovirus are available to protect your dog from the virus; however type 2 is often preferred. Vaccines should be given at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 14-16 weeks of age with a final booster at 1 year of age followed by annual or triennial boosters.
Parvovirus is another highly contagious disease that affects dogs and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of parvo include dehydration, leth argy, diarrhea, vomiting, secondary infections, endotoxemia, shock and death. To prevent infection, puppies should receive the parvo vaccine at 8 weeks of age with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks and then annually or triennially.
In California, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies. In addition to rabies vaccination, it is also recommended that dogs be vaccinated against adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Vaccines for these diseases should be given at the appropriate age with boosters given annually or triennially.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of an infected animal. It is most commonly found in warm climates and areas with high humidity, and can be contracted by humans as well as animals. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, and general pain. In severe cases it can lead to kidney damage or even death if left untreated.
The best way to protect your pet from leptospirosis is to get them vaccinated. The leptospirosis vaccine is recommended for dogs who spend time outdoors around bodies of water where leptospirosis has been detected and is usually given as part of the DHLPP combo vaccine at 12 weeks and then annually as a single vaccine. Vaccination will help reduce the risk of your pet contracting this serious disease and will also help protect other animals in your area from becoming infected. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of vaccinating your pet against leptospirosis.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a serious and potentially fatal tick-borne illness that can affect both humans and animals. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to pets through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease in pets can include fever, joint pain, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term health complications such as kidney failure or even death.
The best way to protect your pet from Lyme disease is to vaccinate them against it. The vaccine should be given as early as 8 weeks of age with annual boosters following the second shot. Additionally, it’s important to regularly check your pet for ticks if they frequent areas where ticks are common. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately and take them to the vet for further evaluation and treatment if necessary. Taking these precautions can help keep your pet safe from this dangerous illness.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is a contagious illness similar to the flu in humans, causing fever, chills, loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting/diarrhea. The canine flu vaccine is bivalent and covers two common strains of the virus (H3N8 and H3N2). It can be given to puppies as early as 8 weeks of age with a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually to maintain immunity. California law requires all dogs over 3 months of age to receive a rabies vaccine and wear the accompanying license on their collar.
In addition to the rabies vaccine, veterinarians recommend that puppies receive a set of core vaccinations including immunizations for parvovirus, distemper virus, adenovirus-2 and Leptospira. Non-core vaccines are available to prevent other illnesses such as parainfluenza, Bordetella Bronchiseptica, canine influenza virus and Lyme disease. These vaccines should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine which ones are best for your pet.
