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Diseases That Still Kill

There is a modern myth: "vaccinated dogs today no longer get sick from distemper or parvovirus." False. Diseases still exist, and in Italy every year thousands of dogs die from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The reasons:

  • Puppies without vaccinations.
  • Adult dogs with missed boosters.
  • Irregular breeding.
  • International movements (imported dogs).

Knowing the vaccination schedule is essential for your dog's survival.

The 4 "core" vaccines (mandatory according to WSAVA)

WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) classifies vaccines into three categories:

  • Core: essential for every dog.
  • Non-core: optional depending on lifestyle.
  • Not recommended: rare, specific cases.

The 4 core vaccines for all dogs:

1. Distemper (CDV)

Disease: deadly virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Mortality: high, especially in puppies (50-90%).

Symptoms: fever, nasal and ocular discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures in advanced stages.

Spread: still present in Italy.

2. Parvovirus (CPV)

Disease: violent gastrointestinal virus.

Mortality: high in puppies (40-80%).

Symptoms: sudden vomiting, bloody diarrhea, rapid dehydration, death in 24-72 hours.

Particularity: the virus survives in the environment for months (soil, objects). Even indoor dogs can get infected.

3. Infectious Hepatitis (HCC / CAV-1)

Disease: virus affecting the liver, eyes, kidneys.

Mortality: variable.

Symptoms: fever, weakness, jaundice, "blue eye" (corneal edema).

4. Rabies

Disease: neurological virus always fatal once developed.

Zoonosis: transmissible to humans.

Legal obligation:

  • In Italy: mandatory for dogs entering/leaving the country.
  • EU movements: passport with rabies vaccination in order required.
  • Some regions: always mandatory.

The Basic Schedule

6-8 weeks (first vaccination):

  • Puppy receives "primer" vaccination (distemper, parvo, hepatitis).
  • Often given by the breeder before delivery.

8-10 weeks:

  • First booster + leptospirosis (in endemic areas).

12 weeks:

  • Second booster + rabies.

16 weeks:

  • Third booster (to complete immunity).

6-12 months:

  • First annual booster.

Adult:

  • Boosters according to protocol (see below).

The Boosters: Every Year or Every 3?

Historically, boosters every year. Today, WSAVA recommends:

Core vaccines (distemper, parvo, hepatitis):

  • Every 3 years in adult dogs.
  • Antibody titer (blood test) to verify immunity still active.

Non-core vaccines (leptospirosis, kennel cough, leishmania):

  • Annual.
  • Shorter duration of immunity.

Rabies:

  • Three-year (in some countries annual for show dogs).

The "Non-core" Vaccines

To be evaluated based on lifestyle:

Leptospirosis:

  • For dogs that drink/play in puddles, streams.
  • Areas with the presence of rodents (vector).
  • Annual.

Kennel cough (parainfluenza + Bordetella):

  • For dogs that visit kennels, parks, agility.
  • Annual.

Leishmaniasis:

  • For dogs in central-southern Italy (endemic areas).
  • Combined with anti-parasitic repellents.
  • Annual.

Borrelia (Lyme):

  • For dogs in areas with endemic ticks (Friuli, Trentino, some alpine areas).
  • Annual.

Canine coronavirus:

  • Generally not recommended (immunity from the disease very mild).

When NOT to Vaccinate

Situations in which to postpone:

  • Feverish dog or in acute illness.
  • Dog on corticosteroid treatment (immunosuppressed).
  • Pregnant dog.
  • Very stressed dog (post-trauma).

In these cases: wait for resolution, then vaccinate.

The Risks of Vaccination

Mild side effects (common):

  • Lethargy for 24-48 hours.
  • Slight fever.
  • Brief reduction in appetite.
  • Swelling at the injection site.

Rare side effects (severe):

  • Allergic reactions (hives, anaphylaxis).
  • Vaccine-associated sarcoma (extremely rare in dogs).
  • Autoimmune reactions.

Real risk of not vaccinating: much higher than the risk of vaccination itself.

The Costs

Primary vaccinations (puppy):

  • 3 sessions: 150-250 € total.
  • Includes visit, vaccine, microchip.

Annual:

  • Visit + boosters: 50-100 €/year.

Antibody titer (alternative to mandatory boosters):

  • 60-120 € for the test.
  • Measures antibody levels, decides if a booster is needed.

The Vaccination Booklet

Essential document:

  • All vaccinations with dates and batches.
  • Veterinary visits.
  • Microchip.

Always keep the original. Copy for:

  • Travel.
  • Boarding.
  • Enrollment in dog training courses.

European passport:

  • Mandatory for EU travel.
  • Includes rabies.
  • Issued by the veterinarian.

Myths to Dispel

Myth 1: "Indoor dogs don't need vaccinations."

False: viruses can be transmitted through shoes, objects, brief outings.

Myth 2: "Vaccinations cause autism in dogs."

False: no scientific evidence. Only the human anti-vax movement translated.

Myth 3: "Vaccines last forever."

False: some do (rabies with a three-year dose), others do not (kennel cough).

Myth 4: "More vaccines together are dangerous."

False: combination vaccines are safe and standard.

Myth 5: "One initial vaccination is enough."

False: at least 3 primary sessions are needed for complete immunity.

The Truth

Vaccinations have transformed veterinary medicine in the last 50 years. Dogs that 50 years ago died by the hundreds from distemper and parvovirus now live long lives.

Not vaccinating is a choice:

  • Selfish (risk to all dogs you meet).
  • Dangerous (for your dog).
  • Sometimes illegal (movements).

Vaccinating correctly is:

  • One of the most important decisions for your dog's health.
  • Low cost (50-100 €/year).
  • A lifelong investment.

Discuss the best protocol for your dog with your veterinarian. But do not skip it. Ever.

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