Puppies and adult dogs need shots (vaccines) to prevent them from getting sick. Vaccines are made to wake up the ‘immune system’, which is like a personal army of soldiers that protect the body from tiny creatures called ‘viruses’ and ‘bacteria’ that spread illness. Some of these illnesses also affect people.

Your own veterinarian can suggest what vaccines are needed to protect your dog based on where you live, and your dog’s age and lifestyle. Here are some that they may recommend:

Rabies: Most countries require that dogs get a Rabies vaccine because it is deadly to both animals and humans. Animals who catch Rabies will either die, or are put to sleep. Any person who has been around an animal with Rabies will need to get some painful shots. If a person gets sick from Rabies, they will need a long hospitalization – and may not recover.

Distemper: This is a serious illness for dogs, but does not make humans sick. It can look like a really bad cold, upset stomach, or seizures. Some forms of Distemper can be hard to treat and the dog may not survive.

Parvovirus: Often called ‘Parvo’, it will also not make a human sick, but can hang around in the environment for years and spread to many dogs. Parvo causes a very upset stomach, with diarrhea, and can be deadly without medical treatment.

Leptospirosis: This illnessis is spread by urine from sick animals, especially in damp areas. Humans can catch Leptospirosis, and it causes kidney failure - which is very serious. A sick dog or person would need to be hospitalized in order to survive.

Bordetella: Otherwise known as‘Kennel Cough’, it is like a doggie cold. People don’t catch this and it is usually not deadly to dogs. But, you know how it feels to have a cold – and your dog may cough and sneeze and keep you up at night.

Canine Influenza: This is a more serious type of ‘doggie cold’. It can make a dog really sick and possibly get pneumonia. Canine Influenza has caused some dogs to die and requires more treatment than Kennel Cough.

A Note on Vaccine Reactions: Some people are concerned about vaccines causing an allergic reaction in their dog. Less than 1% of dogs have a reaction, so it is a low risk compared to the protection from a vaccine. If your dog ever gets sick after a vaccine, you need to call your veterinarian and let them know right away.

Keeping your dog current on the right vaccines is an important part of owning a dog – and can help them stay healthy and happy for years to come.

Dr. Gail

Jadon R., Little Rock 
 
Dear Dr. Gail, sometimes our dog Lulu barks for no reason. My mom says she hears things that we don't, but what could she be hearing and why does she always shake her head after she barks? I think she's barking at ghosts.
 
Dear Jason:
 
I do not know much about ghosts, but I can give you some ideas about Lulu!
 
Your mother is right in that dogs do have very sensitive hearing.  Their ear is shaped differently than ours inside so that noises are much louder to them.  Many dogs can even hear the sound of a car door slamming from a block away.  
 
When Lulu barks, she probably hears something unusual in the distance and is alerting you.  She is being protective of your house and wants to be sure that you are safe. 
 
You didn’t tell me how old Lulu is, but sometimes dogs bark because they are becoming deaf or confused, just like what can happen with very old people. 
 
Headshaking after barking could mean that her ears are bothering her.  She may have an ear infection, and should have them checked out by your veterinarian.    
 
Dr. Gail

By Dr. Gail Cutler
 
With Valentine’s Day coming up, it is time to remind everyone that chocolate is dangerous for dogs.   Both dogs and cats have a lower tolerance for one of the common components in chocolate.   In fact, cats have an even lower tolerance, but they don't seem to have the same sweet tooth as dogs.
 
The component in chocolate that causes problems is called 'theobromine'.  In people, it is readily digested, but in animals it is much slower and the side effects can last for up to 72 hours. There is also caffeine in chocolate, which can have bad effects on animals.
 
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in animals can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, heart problems, and possible death in severe cases.  
 
Medical treatment for chocolate toxicity includes making the animal vomit within two hours of ingestion, providing coating for the stomach, intravenous fluids, and monitoring for seizures or heart problems.   
 
The amount of toxicity depends on the type and quantity of chocolate that is eaten.    Milk chocolate is the least dangerous.  Semisweet chocolate and dark chocolate can cause more problems.  And, baker’s chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder is the most concentrated.  Meaning, chocolate brownies are the worst!
 
If your pet has accidentally eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.  Tell them how much your dog weighs, how much and what kind of chocolate it ate, and when it ate it.  This will be important information for them to make recommendations on what needs to be done.
 
The best thing to do is to keep your Valentine’s Day candies up and out of reach of your pets.   Everyone likes chocolate, but it is a sweet that is meant for you, and is not good for your dog.