Dog Vaccines- Everything You Need to Know

Vaccines play a significant role in preparing the body for any diseases. Although the immune system is already packed with its own supply of antibodies that will fight any diseases, getting your pet dog vaccinated is just one of the preventive steps you need to take to make sure that your canine pal is always healthy.

Vaccines provide your pet dogs an acquired immunity in preparation for a particular disease. If this is highly recommended for us humans, then the same goes for our pets as well. So, if you are unsure of what vaccines your pet dog must have, we have gathered a basic list of what your dog should get and when to get it.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), there are to two types of vaccines you can get your pup. These are the core vaccines and the non-core vaccines. Core Vaccines are those that should be given to every dog, while non-core vaccines are those given to your pets should the need arise.

Check out the list below and see which ones you haven’t given your canine companion yet.

I. Core vaccines

Rabies

Rabies vaccines are a must for your dogs. This vaccine can be a lifesaver for both you and your pet. Rabies vaccines must be given to 12-week old puppies and comes with booster shots every year and every three years.

DA22P (for Distemper)

This particular vaccine is a combination of vaccines that protects your pet dogs from several serious illnesses, the most common of which is distemper. Distemper is a viral disease that affects both the immune and neurological systems and can prove to be very fatal. Think of the vaccine as the 3 in 1 or 5 in 1 shots we get from our own doctors.

This vaccine also protects your pet from adenovirus-2, parvovirus and parainfluenza . The vaccines should be given around 6 to 8 weeks old and given every three to four weeks until the puppy is 14 to 16 weeks old. Like the rabies shot, it should be given every year, then every three years.

II. Non-core vaccines

Bordatella (Kennel Cough)

The bordatella vaccine protects against a highly contagious bacteria that causes respiratory tract infections in dogs. This semi core vaccine is oftentimes given with the DA2PP vaccines. The vaccine is boosted every years, especially for dogs who spend most of their times in daycare, kennels and boarding facilities.

[adsense]

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is an emerging disease that affects canines at some parts of the country. The disease is normally contracted by dogs who stay in kennels and even daycare. Getting the vaccine protects your pet dog against a highly contagious respiratory disease that has about a five percent mortality rate.

Visit your local veterinarian on whether you should be getting the vaccine, especially if your area is known to have this disease.

Lyme Vaccine

Lyme disease can be contracted from ticks. The lyme vaccine provides about 85 to 90 percent protection against the disease. However, not all dogs have a good response to this particular vaccine. Recommended to be taken every six to nine months, it is important that you have you dog checked first before giving them a shot.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis, a disease mostly unknown to the general public, is caused by a bacterial infection spread through the urine of wildlife. An infection can cause serious liver and/or kidney damage and is potentially transmissible to people. Ask your local vet it they are able to supply this kind of vaccine in your area and whether your pet dog is at risk or not.

Crotalid (rattlesnake) Venom Toxoid

Rattlesnake vaccine must be administered to dogs who have strong chances of being exposed to western diamondback rattlesnakes. Two doses must be given after 4 months of age and then annually. Even with the vaccine, the vet recommends that your pet dog should receive immediate medical treatment after being bitten.