Vaccinating your pet dog is as important as vaccinating your own self. Pet dog owners must vaccinate their dogs periodically for protecting them against any life-risking illness. Many dog owners are unaware of how vital it is to vaccinate their dogs. For this, we should know the importance of the pet dog vaccine and the dog vaccination schedule. This is the most important part of pet care.
Pet dog vaccine and its importance
Just like a human body, pet dog vaccine is also important to develop their immune system. The antigens in vaccines prepare antibodies in the dog’s bodies. This will strengthen your dog’s immune system as it will recognize any foreign disease and help your dog fight against that. In this way your dog will be able to ward off any disease or minimize its risks and effects in the long run.
What are the core pet dog vaccines?
A puppy as small as 10 to 15 days are exposed to the risk of any fatal disease till the time they are vaccinated. It’s mother milk keeps them safe till they are vaccinated. It is crucial you vaccinate your puppy the time you bring it home to lessen the risk of disease exposure, its severity, and the possibility of transmission from dogs to dogs and dogs to humans. You should consult a veterinary for your puppy’s core vaccination and its schedule. To sort a few, the following are the main vaccinations required for puppy and shouldn’t be avoided under any circumstances.
- The Canine Anti Rabies
- Canine Parvo Virus
- Canine Distemper
- Hepatitis
The other vaccinations required throughout the year are:
- Canine Corona Virus
- Canine Influenza
- Bordetella (Kennel cough vaccine)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme Vaccine (transmitted by ticks and fleas)
The second set of vaccination, although, are not as important as the first ones. It is imperative that you vaccinate your dogs with these after consulting with the vet. Your dog’s health history, age, breed, and other factors will determine the required shots and their intervals.Your dog’s lifestyle will determine the doses required for Canine influenza and Lyme disease.
Dog vaccination schedule
Rabies vaccine is considered the most important vaccine for a dog. Anti-rabies determine the dog’s protection level as well as the protection of its owners. As a dog owner you must periodically get this shot for your dog, be it a puppy or a full-grown dog. Your puppy’s anti-rabies must be given at 12 weeks. This is then good to go for the next one year. It should be given at 12-14 months and should be continued every yearly. Puppy vaccine must include:
- 6-10 weeks: DHPP, Kennel Cough
- 11-14 weeks: DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease, Rabies
- 15-16 weeks: DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease
An adult dog’s yearly vaccine must include anti-rabies, canine distemper, and Corona Virus. This, however, is subjected to dog’s health record. Never inject vaccine shots without knowing your dog’s medical history and a proper vet consultation. You should also administer your dog’s vaccine according to the dog’s age, medical history, eating habits, and lifestyle.
Are there any side effects of pet dog vaccine?
Of course, any vaccination will have its own set of side effects for a day. However, it totally depends on your dog’s health and immune system on how it will react to a vaccine. A healthy dog is less prone to showing any symptoms after vaccination as compared to a weak-immune dog.The most common side-effects are:
- Swelling on the injected part
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Sluggishness
If your dog shows serious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing issues, rush to a vet for immediate medication. Avoid giving vaccines if your dog has vomited a day or two before the date of vaccination or is passing loose stools. Do not bathe your dog for one week after they are injected with any vaccines. Check for symptoms, if any, and consult your vet before your dog vaccination. Always maintain a dog vaccination passport to check your dog’s vaccine history. Schedule it with your vet every year to keep you dog fir and healthy.