Dog Vaccinations : Everything You Must Know About
Dog vaccinations play a critical role in protecting your dog from many dangerous and even fatal diseases. While state law requires all dogs are vaccinated for rabies, there are a number of other vaccinations that can protect your dog from serious diseases that are easily preventable.Everyone loves their dogs and wants them to be merry, cheerful, zealous, and enthusiastic. We take care of them for their growth and development too. Our foremost responsibility is their good health. The last thing we wish them to fall ill. Dog Vaccinations help in protecting them from many hazardous and fatal diseases.
The series of injections start in the infant stage and extend through adulthood. The law states that all dogs should be vaccinated and attain certification. The type and number of vaccines depend on the lifestyle and age of the dog. Keeping a proper record of vaccinations is the safest for everyone as some animal diseases are transferrable to humans.
Dog Vaccinations
Dog vaccinations are a safety measure for your dog that provides strong immunity against diseases that affect animals and humans. Effective vaccines contain the agent of microorganism that causes the disease. It speeds up the immune system that can attack the foreign agent and remember it for the future.
Your dog must be calm and relaxed during the procedure. The minimum time required to build immunity is around seven days. Therefore, if your dog is already suffering from any health issue, vaccines will not be effective. Vaccines do not work as a cure but rather as prevention.
Importance of Dog Vaccinations
For a healthy lifestyle and proper development, you should schedule at least one yearly veterinary appointment for your dog. A general check-up is mandatory and factors like age, medical history, lifestyle, and habits of your dog will decide the suitable vaccination program. In addition, some dogs need annual vaccinations, while some may need them once every three years.
When a person takes on the decision of owning a dog, they are instantly assuming the role of their pet’s sole provider. This is a role that involves quite a few different responsibilities. Just a few of the important things that must be provided to your pet on a regular basis includes feeding, bathing, exercise, fun, and training. However, this is not all. A dog also looks to their owner to provide them with everything that is needed to obtain and maintain optimum health. This is a responsibility that is done through routine check-ups at the veterinarian, and making sure they receive the essential vaccinations required to keep them healthy and disease free.
The time that a puppy turns 6 weeks old is when they should get their first vaccination. They will also need to receive a second ‘booster’ vaccination when they are around 12 weeks old. These injections help to make sure that your dog remains free of any risk of acquiring several different diseases. The main diseases vaccinations provide protection for include Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and Dog Influenza.
Kinds of Dog vaccines
Dog vaccines are of two types, firstly Core vaccines are necessary for every dog, irrespective of age, environment, habits, breed, or situation. It prevents them from contracting diseases that have a global distribution and the need for non-core vaccines depends on the environment in which the animal lives, like geographic location, environment, and lifestyle.
Every dog owner would appreciate a healthy and active dog. In some cases, core vaccines are helpful, while non-core vaccines also work in others. However, consultation is necessary before making any decisions.
What Are The Core Dog Vaccinations?
Core puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations are considered vital to all canines based on a universal risk of exposure, the severity of disease, and the risk of transmission to other dogs, as well as other animal species including human beings.
The American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Task Force considers the following dog vaccinations to be core:
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Rabies
Non core – vaccines include
- Bordetella
- Canine Influenza (dog flu)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme vaccine
Although these vaccines are not considered Core, they are very important for most dogs who may be exposed to these infectious diseases. At your dog’s next appointment, we will be happy to review which of the above make the most sense for your dog and make the appropriate recommendations.
Rabies vaccinations are required by law in most states. Owners must periodically have their dogs and puppies vaccinated against rabies, but the specific time frames for puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations vary by state. In PA, puppy rabies vaccine is generally given at 12 weeks, and the rabies vaccination is good for one year. Rabies should then be repeated 12-14 months after the first vaccine and every 3 years after that. For example, a puppy would receive the rabies vaccine at 12 weeks, 1 year and then again annually..
When to Start Dog Vaccinations?
The first round of vaccinations is given at around six to eight weeks and then every three weeks until approximately four months. The final dose cannot be before the dog turns sixteen weeks old. That may make the antibodies present in the breast milk interfere with the vaccinations.
To check the need for vaccination, you can conduct a titer test. It is an affordable test that will measure the number of antibodies present in the dog, revealing the need for an immunity booster. The professional can guide you better in this.
Frequency of Vaccines
A puppy will usually be vaccinated three times in six months, and after that, it could be yearly or even once every three years. It depends on the condition of your dog and whether they can be treated with core vaccines every three years or even longer. Each animal is a unique being.
It is safer to take your dog to a Vet and have a vaccination protocol prescribed catering to its specific requirements. Good communication and annual visits are crucial elements for a healthy dog.
Vaccination Schedule
Puppy Vaccinations Schedule:
DHPP, Bordetella in 6 to 7 weeks.
Bordetella, DHPP, Leptospirosis in 9 to 10 weeks.
Leptospirosis, DHPP, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease in 12 to 13 weeks.
Rabies, DHPP, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease in 15 to 17 weeks.
One should maintain a vaccine schedule that successfully combats many preventable health issues. Following a puppy vaccine schedule is a responsible step for puppy care. Your puppy deserves to be healthy and happy. Keeping them away from the risk of attaining one of the terrible diseases is your foremost priority.
Dog Vaccinations Schedule:
Once your puppy is grown, begin implementing an adult dog vaccination schedule with the advice of your Vet. It contains periodic boosters. In the first one-year visit, doctors recommend boosters for DHPP, Leptospirosis, Rabies vaccines, Canine Influenza, and Lyme for your pet. Effective Period for Each Vaccination:
- DHPP – 3 years
- Rabies – 3 years
- Leptospirosis – 1 year
- Canine Influenza – 1 year
- Lyme Disease – 1 year
- Bordetella – 1 year
Due to vaccines, there is stimulation in the immune system that may also cause some ill effects. The most common of these occur within the first few hours following vaccination and include allergic reactions, the sensitivity of the vaccinated area, and fever. These symptoms last only for a day or two. There is a probability that the pet may suffer from an immune disease or tumors at the injection site.
If you see your pet experiencing any of the following symptoms for more than two days, take them to their doctor immediately: Weakness, Breathing difficulties, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, and Diarrhoea.
Some Not-So-Common Side Effects Are:
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Reproductive system issues
- Temporary limping
These side effects are considered less risky in comparison to potentially exposing your dog to some diseases if they remain unvaccinated. Vaccines are an essential aspect and have played a key role in preventing transmitting diseases and fostering early detection and treatment of medical issues.
Prevention And Price of Dog Shots
Following is the list of diseases that are preventable through vaccines:
Canine Distemper
It attacks the nervous system and may cause paralysis. Dogs at an early age are more vulnerable. It is not as common now as it was before because of the proper availability of vaccines. However, ensure that your dog gets all its vaccines as in the low-rate areas, outbreaks can still occur.
Prevention from dog vaccines
Canine adenovirus (hepatitis)
Affects the liver, eyes, and kidneys. It is a non-communicable disease but quite dangerous for dogs.
Canine parvovirus
This is one of the most deadly and common viruses in the world. The eradication is quite impossible as each species has a different version. Maternal antibodies can interfere with the vaccine if you do not know the correct age of your dog. Therefore, you should determine the exact and appropriate age before vaccination.
Parainfluenza virus
This mild respiratory infection is highly contagious by nasal secretion. Since it is not fatal but you can cure your dog through vaccination from this and other related issues.
Bordetella bronchiseptica or kennel cough
A disease caused by a virus that results in a harsh cough that is highly contagious too. A very young or aged dog is more at risk of infection. The vaccination for kennel cough should be in annual shots.
Canine leptospirosis
This bacterium collides with the organs functioning. It is for puppies who live in appropriate geographic locations and are likely to catch the infection.
Coronavirus
Canine Coronavirus (CCV) causes intestinal disease in dogs. It is highly contagious and produces mild gastroenteritis. Puppies are most at risk of developing serious complications with this virus. It is spread through the feces of infected dogs. Clinical signs include diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Rabies
It has no specific cure. Moreover, the infected animal is the prime carrier. It is a hazardous and highly contagious disease and can also be fatal to dogs and parents. The dog vaccination is in 5 to 7 shots, each costing around 400 INR.
Lyme disease
The vaccination for Lyme disease is effective from six months to one year. Dogs receive two doses that cost 2000 INR per dose.
DHPP
This vaccine costs approximately 700 INR each. The dog needs the vaccine every 6, 12, and 16 weeks.
Special 9-in-1 Vaccine
9 in 1 is an economical annual booster. It offers 9-way protection, including four lepto strains. It is an easy and affordable vaccine to fight against various diseases in a single shot. The vaccine covers almost all the canine problems. This includes:
- Canine distemper
- Infectious hepatitis
- Adenovirus type 2
- L. icterohaemorrhagiae
- Parvovirus (CPV)
- Leptospira canicola
- L. grippotyphosa
- Parainfluenza
- L. Pomona
Purpose and Importance of Pet Vaccination
- Colostrumconfers young pets with immunity during their initial days of birth. As they grow older, they need to be vaccinated to maintain optimum immunity.
- Vaccinations help enhance their immunity by:
- Protecting from life-threatening diseases
- Forming antibodies and boosting immunity
- Protecting from diseases such as leptospirosis (that spread from animals to humans), and
- Avoiding expensive treatments.
- Veterinarians opine that over years vaccinations have drastically reducedmany fatal infections. However, administration of the right vaccine at the right time is very important. A veterinarian will help determine the best vaccination regimen for your pet.
The Importance of Vaccinating Your Dogs
To ensure that you understand the importance of vaccines for your dog, you must first understand its benefits. Here are a few such benefits:
Prevention of serious diseases
Prevention is better than a cure. There are vaccines available and have been tested that can prevent diseases for your dog. When the dogs are still in the puppy stage, they are more susceptible to illnesses because their immune system is still developing. Therefore it is best to start the vaccination when they are still very young.
Vaccinations will help in creating additional antibodies that help in warding off diseases. The entire vaccination cycle must be completed.
It is the law
While many states in India have guidelines that requires all dogs are vaccinated against rabies, there are a number of other vaccinations that can protect your dog from diseases that are easily preventable. Even if your dog is an indoor pet and you believe that there is no exposure to the outside world, the law requires that the dog be vaccinated. There may come a time when your dog sneaks outside, or you may want to leave your dog in a kennel. At such times and when you choose to leave your dog in doggy care facilities when you go to work, you are required to keep the vaccination up-to-date.
Safety of other pets
Socialising is an essential factor in having a dog. For this, you will take your dog to the park to meet other dogs, and arrange play dates in the neighbourhood. If your dog has not been vaccinated, the likelihood of passing on diseases to other dogs is high. Unvaccinated dogs could even spread diseases to human beings.
Safety of humans
As a dog lover, you will be making sure that your dog stays healthy and safe. Do not forget that you need to stay safe, too. An unvaccinated dog can spread diseases among the family members, including children. Diseases like Rabies and Leptospirosis are commonly spread because of unvaccinated dogs.
Saves money
Owning a dog can be an expensive proposition. It is a dearly loved family member and will require as much medical attention as any of your other family members. Vet consultations, medical emergencies, regular check-ups are all expensive. While vaccines are not cheap, they do help in preventing diseases that will cost so much more. This is especially true if your dog contracts a disease that could so easily have been prevented by a vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Vaccination
What if The Dog Misses a Vaccine?
Vaccine depends on the time when your dog received the first vaccine. For effective results, maternal antibodies should not be present in their animal. A booster is not required if your dog is over a year old. In case, it skipped any of the vaccines, two booster shots are for security.
If Dogs Have Previously Had a Severe Allergic Reaction to a Vaccine?
Here, calculate the risks with your veterinarian that depend on the environment in which your dog is developing. Take steps to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction with the advice of your Vet, manage disease risk, and choose wisely to limit vaccinations.
Can I Vaccinate a Pregnant or Lactating Dog?
Despite several tests, avoid administering any medication to lactating dogs. There are alternatives available that you can give to your dog on the advice.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
