Lifestyle vaccines

Non-core vaccines are not necessary for all dogs but will add extra protection for dogs that engage in activities or live in regions of the country that lead to high exposure to the disease. In these cases it may be beneficial for your dog to be vaccinated to prevent these potentially severe diseases. Work with your veterinarian to develop an individualized vaccination plan for your dog.

Bordetella 

Bordetella is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Sometimes bordetella is referred to as kennel cough because it is the most common cause, even though other bacteria and viruses may be responsible for respiratory disease and coughing in dogs. Bordetella is caused by a bacterium, Bordetella bronchiseptica. 

Bordetella is spread via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing by an infected dog or by physical contact with infected dogs. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at higher risk of infection. Dogs are at highest risk when in spaces with high numbers of other dogs, such as in animal shelters, dog training centers, groomers, dog parks, or kennels. 

Signs of bordetella include a persistent cough, which can be loud or “honking.” Dogs may also have a runny nose, and a decreased appetite.

Treatment of Bordetella

For most dogs, bordetella will be like a mild cold, and the respiratory signs will resolve on their own. Other dogs may require antibiotics, cough suppressants or other supportive care. Most dogs improve within a few weeks although some might develop pneumonia as a result of bordetella.

Prevention of Bordetella

There is a vaccine that offers protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. It can be given either intra-nasally, orally, or via injection. Because Bordetella is so contagious, veterinarians recommend vaccination for dogs that are often in contact with a lot of other dogs such as in boarding kennels, grooming facilities, dog parks, or daycare. 

Canine Flu/Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by two specific viruses, H3N8 and H3N2. Canine influenza has not been observed in humans, but both viruses mutated from other animals to dogs (H3N8 from horses and H3N2 from birds). 

There is no “flu” season for dogs, it can be contracted year-round. It is spread through the air and from contact with contaminated surfaces. It is a fairly robust virus that can also live on skin, clothing, and other surfaces for 12-48 hours. Dogs can be contagious for over three weeks. Infected dogs can be asymptomatic and spread the flu to other dogs.

Signs of canine influenza include a persistent cough, fever, runny nose, decreased appetite, and lethargy. It can be similar in presentation to other respiratory diseases, such as kennel cough. Most dogs will have mild symptoms, although brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, older dogs, and dogs with underlying heart or respiratory conditions will be at greater risk. Canine influenza is fatal in 1-5% of cases.

If your dog has signs of canine influenza, your veterinarian may take a nasal swab and test to confirm it is the flu. In some states, cases of dog influenza are tracked by the government to monitor its spread.

Treatment of Canine Influenza

There is no cure for canine influenza so treatment is primarily supportive care and may include subcutaneous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics. Your dog will likely be quarantined, and any disinfection protocols that may be necessary can be advised by your veterinarian. 

Prevention of Canine Influenza

The canine influenza vaccine can reduce the likelihood that your dog will be infected with the flu, but if your dog does become infected, being previously vaccinated with the bivalent vaccine  (meaning the vaccine stimulates an immune response to both H3N8 and H3N2) can reduce the severity of disease. Vaccination is primarily recommended for dogs who are at high risk of exposure through frequent contact with many other dogs such as at daycare, boarding and grooming facilities. Canine influenza can also be prevented in kennels, animal shelters, and veterinary boarding facilities through routine disinfection and quarantine protocols.

Leptospirosis/Leptospira bacteria

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is zoonotic (meaning it can spread from other animals to humans). Dogs are typically infected when they encounter soil, puddles or other bodies of water contaminated by wildlife urine. They can also be infected by being bitten by an infected animal, by consuming an infected carcass, or from other contact with contaminated surfaces. Mothers can pass leptospirosis to their pups. Dogs who live in wooded areas or on farms, or who regularly swim in lakes or streams are at a higher risk of contracting leptospirosis. Infections appear to be most common in the fall season.

Leptospirosis can be life-threatening. Signs include fever, muscle pain, lethargy, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and kidney and/or liver failure. In some dogs leptospirosis can cause edema (fluid retention), respiratory problems, or bleeding disorders. 

If your dog has signs of leptospirosis, your veterinarian will likely perform several tests, including blood work, urine tests, x-rays, and/or an ultrasound. They may also perform a titer test, which checks your dog’s blood for antibodies to leptospirosis bacteria.

Treatment for leptospirosis

Treatment for leptospirosis is supportive care (e.g., fluids, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics) and may require hospitalization, a gastric tube for feeding, or even a blood transfusion. 

Leptospirosis is very serious; dogs may experience permanent liver or kidney damage, even if they otherwise recover. At home recovery involves rest, quarantine, and careful handling of your dog’s waste products (e.g., urine). Owners should wear gloves and a mask when caring for and cleaning up after their dog, disinfecting soiled areas carefully. Humans and other animals in the home may need to be tested for Leptospira bacteria as well.

Prevention of leptospirosis infection

There is a vaccine for some strains of Leptospira; your veterinarian can advise you as to whether vaccination is appropriate for your dog. If your dog lives in a high-risk area, frequently enjoys water activities, or has contact with wildlife they may need a yearly vaccination. Attempts should be made to reduce your dog’s exposure to potentially infectious areas.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by tick bites, most commonly from deer ticks. Once infected, lyme disease travels through the bloodstream, affecting multiple organs. Although dogs and humans can both get lyme disease, you cannot get lyme disease directly from your dog but you could both be infected if the same tick bites you and your dog.

The most common symptoms of lyme disease in dogs are generalized pain, lameness, swollen joints, and fever. If lyme spreads throughout the body, multiple organs can be affected, leading to kidney damage, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, increased drinking, increased urination, and lethargy.

If your dog has symptoms of lyme disease, your veterinarian may conduct several tests, including an antibody test that can confirm exposure to the bacteria. A blood or urine test may be done to assess organ function and make sure your dog is not experiencing any loss in kidney function. Dogs with lyme disease are typically placed on antibiotics for an extended period of time.

Prevention of Lyme Disease

There are several things you can do to help protect your dog from getting lyme disease.  Try to avoid areas where ticks are prevalent - such as areas with thick brush, tall grasses, and trees. Ticks cannot jump, but must crawl onto their victims, so avoiding contact is critical. Get into a routine of checking your dog for ticks after outdoor walks, and learn how to properly remove ticks if your dog is bitten. Removing ticks promptly can prevent infection. 

Dogs should be placed on routine preventatives for parasites (including ticks). Your veterinarian can advise you as to what is the best product for your dog. There is also a vaccine available for lyme disease. There are two initial injections, spaced two to four weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster. Your veterinarian can help you make a decision about vaccination based on your dog’s health, environment, and lifestyle.

References and Further Resources

All about vaccines

Dog Immunology Basics with Dr. Trisha Rettig, PhD

World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)

Canine Influenza

DogFlu.com

Dubovi E. J. (2010). Canine influenza. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 40(6), 1063–1071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.07.005

Voorhees, I., Glaser, A. L., Toohey-Kurth, K., Newbury, S., Dalziel, B. D., Dubovi, E. J., Poulsen, K., Leutenegger, C., Willgert, K., Brisbane-Cohen, L., Richardson-Lopez, J., Holmes, E. C., & Parrish, C. R. (2017). Spread of Canine Influenza A(H3N2) Virus, United States. Emerging infectious diseases, 23(12), 1950–1957. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2312.170246

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis in dogs and cats: new challenges from an old bacteria

Nogueira Paz, L., Silva Dias, C., Santos Almeida, D., et al. (2021) Multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis of acute leptospirosis in dogs naturally infected by Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae: A prospective study. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101664.

Lyme Disease

Marconi, R.,Garcia-Tapia, D.,  Hoevers, J. et al. (2020). VANGUARD®crLyme: A next generation Lyme disease vaccine that prevents B. burgdorferi infection in dogs. Vaccine: X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvacx.2020.100079.