TThe vaccines barn dogs need

To keep your best barn buddy in good health, start with these four immunizations, then consider other conditions and diseases that pose a risk.

To keep your best barn buddy in good hehealth, start with these four immuninizations, then consider other condititions and diseases that pose a risk.

great barn dog is typically an independent, self-sufficient sort of fellow. He sees every trail ride as an adventure and is usually able to keep himself out of trouble in a busy barn environment.

That said, he still needs some help from you to stay safe and healthy. Routine veterinary care is just as important for your barn dog as it is for your horse. And vaccinations are a key part of a preventive care program.

One widely relied-upon source of canine vaccination recommendations is the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The only veterinary association devoted to companion animals, AAHA has developed a set of accreditation standards that are used by more than 3,200 veterinary clinics, encompassing more than 50,000 individual veterinary professionals.

As part of their mission, AAHA periodically reviews and revises its list of recommended vaccines for dogs. The latest update to these guidelines was done in 2011 and included some significant changes, particularly concerning vaccination intervals. Here’s a quick look at the “core” vaccines the AAHA recommends every dog have.