Spike has all his vaccinations, mostly because he is out all the time - obedience and agility classes, groomers, and the dog park.
I would point out that kennel cough is HIGHLY contagious (similar to distemper in cats), and can be carried on people and other dogs, even if they are immunized. For example, if you are at the pet store and an infected dog coughs, sneezes, etc. on you, in rare cases you can carry the virus home on your clothes. Also, even if your dog does not go to dog parks, I am assuming you walk them and that occasionally they encounter other dogs on your walk. Even if the dog they encounter has been vaccinated, if that dog has encountered an infected dog, they may still carry the virus.
Vaccinations do a great deal to prevent the spread of disease by limiting the number of animals that become infected. In addition, they help keep you animal healthy. Although kennel cough is typically treatable and curable, it can develop into pneumonia and have long term effects on your dogs respiratory system. |