-Health conditions & Diseases-

🩺 Vaccinations – Essential Protection for Your Dog

Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting your dog from serious and often life-threatening diseases.
If you plan to travel abroad with your dog, a valid vaccination record is required, and you must follow the specific import regulations of each country.

1. 🗣️ Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex)

What is it?
A highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. It leads to a harsh, dry, “honking” cough.
Where does it occur?
Common in kennels, dog daycare centers, training schools, and dog shows.
Protection:
Vaccination is strongly recommended, especially for dogs with frequent contact with others.
If infected:
Keep your dog rested in a warm, draft-free environment and separate from other dogs until fully recovered.

2. 🦠 Distemper

What is it?
A potentially fatal viral disease affecting the lungs, digestive tract, eyes, and nervous system.
Symptoms:
Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and neurological signs such as twitching or seizures.
Protection:
A complete primary vaccination series and annual boosters are essential.
Treatment:
Supportive care only — no antiviral cure exists. Prevention is key.

3. ⚠️ Parvovirus (Parvovirosis)

What is it?

A highly contagious and often fatal viral infection, especially dangerous for puppies (mortality rate up to 80%).
Symptoms:
Severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration.
Protection:
Vaccination is absolutely critical, particularly in young dogs.

4. 🧬 Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus Type 1)

What is it?
A viral liver infection with a high risk of spreading.
Long-term effects:
Can lead to lasting kidney or eye problems.
Protection:
Vaccination is effective and often given in combination with distemper and parvovirus vaccines.

5. 🦇 Rabies

What is it?

A deadly zoonotic disease (transmissible to humans). Fatal in nearly all cases once symptoms appear.

Risk:
In Germany, mainly carried by wildlife; in other countries, exposure risk is significantly higher.
Legal requirement:
A rabies vaccination is mandatory for entering many countries.
Protection:
Regular vaccination is a must for international travel and general safety.

6. 💧 Leptospirosis

What is it?

A bacterial infection often contracted through contaminated water sources like puddles or ponds.

Symptoms:
Range from mild flu-like signs to severe liver and kidney failure.
Protection:
Available as a combination or standalone vaccine. Helps prevent severe disease progression.

✅ A Note for Dog Owners
In addition to core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, rabies), many owners choose to vaccinate against kennel cough — especially if their dog stays in kennels, visits dog shows, or attends group training classes.
Tip: Always speak with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable vaccination plan for your dog’s lifestyle and needs.