The Distemper Parvo Vaccine (A Big Shot ! Why it Matters)

Vaccinations are a key part of dog ownership. They prevent your pooch from contracting serious diseases and other issues that may otherwise cut their lives short. One of the most important vaccinations your dog can receive is the Distemper Parvo vaccine, mainly because it contains a ton of protective power.

The Importance of Vaccinations

As a rule of thumb, getting your dog is properly vaccinated is one of the most essential elements of dog ownership, if not the most important. By providing your pooch with the correct amount of vaccinations doled out at recommended intervals, you will give him a significantly better chance of living a long, healthy, and loveable life. Your local veterinarian will be able to work with you to ensure your pooch is on a healthy vaccination path, whether he’s a new pup or an older rescue dog.

What Makes the Distemper Parvo Vaccine so Crucial?

The Distemper Parvo vaccine is so vital because it’s a combination vaccine designed to protect your dog from a wide host of serious diseases. This vaccine is commonly referred to as a canine distemper vaccination, so don’t feel like you’re missing out on something if your vet uses this term for the shot. It should also be noted that this particular vaccine could be administered in conjunction with other essential vaccines, such as rabies and Bordetella.

The biggest disease the vaccine protects dogs from is canine distemper; a horrid, highly contagious disease that is often fatal. It is spread via airborne virus as well as direct contact with various respiratory secretions coming from an infected dog or even another infected wild animal. It chiefly affects puppies and younger dogs.

The disease is vicious because it aggressively attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The results of this aggression can lead to issues ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to more extreme issues such as pneumonia, severe brain damage, and death. Distemper has also been known to affect different organs, which can cause even worse issues.

Parvo virus may not be as familiar sounding to novice dog owners as distemper, but it is nonetheless a brutal condition. It is a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted through any object or animal - including humans - that comes in contact with the feces of an infected dog. It is also a hearty virus, possessing the ability to survive in the environment for months.

The effects of parvo can be excruciating. The virus attacks by rapidly dividing cells within a dog’s body, particularly along his intestinal tract. The virus also attacks white blood cells and heart muscle, the latter of which could cause a lifetime of cardiac-related issues.

Administering the Distemper Parvo Vaccination

It almost goes without saying that the Distemper Parvo vaccine is crucial for your dog’s overall health. However, there is more to giving your pooch this critical means of protection than merely administering a shot. This is especially true in instances where it is administered along with other vaccines.

It is always important to work with your veterinarian to properly administer these shots. Your vet will be able to weigh certain key metrics regarding your dog to provide him with the most effective vaccine possible. Your dog's age and lifestyle in particular play a vital role in helping your vet determine what vaccines in addition to Distemper Parvo should be administered.

Can I Give the Distemper Parvo Shot at Home?

There are combination vaccinations available without a prescription that will allow you to administer the Distemper Parvo vaccine your dog, provided that you feel comfortable with giving your buddy a shot. If you choose to go this route, it is wise to talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s shot history beforehand so you can avoid over-vaccination. You should also keep in mind these at-home combos do not include rabies - this particular shot is required to be given by a practicing vet.

Don’t Delay on This Shot!

You are the prime mover behind getting your dog the Distemper Parvo virus. All you need to do is take a look at one or two videos of a dog suffering from the disease to provide you with sufficient enough reason to get the shot taken care of post-haste. Better yet, forego watching the videos and just take care of business as an act of love for your four-legged friend.