What vaccinations does my dog need, and how often should they be administered?
Vaccines are created to aid in safeguarding your dog from a range of illnesses that can result in serious symptoms or death. It is important to know what vaccines and boosters your puppy or adult dog will need, taking into consideration their health, age, location, and legal requirements to protect them and others.
How many vaccines are necessary for dogs and which ones are essential? Your vet can assist you in determining the most beneficial shots and other measures to keep your pet healthy. In the end, similar to humans, each dog is unique!
In this blog, let’s provide you with an overview of dog vaccinations and tips on how to save money when getting your pet vaccinated.
Which vaccines are recommended for dogs?
When it comes to vaccinations for your dog, there are two main types: from the heart and the furthest concealment.
In a rather straightforward manner, those vaccines that are essential for dogs are considered to be a must for staying safe. while those that are optional are prescribed by a vet depending on the risk level of a specific disease.
Core vaccines include:
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
- Rabies
Non-core vaccines include:
- Canine Parainfluenza
- Canine Influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
- Bordetella
How does a dog vaccine schedule look like?
Your vet will also be of help in vaccinating your dog (pup or grown dog) in this process. Despite this, I would like to present you with a typical schedule you can rely on.
- The DAP or DHP vaccine may be advised by your vet for your puppy at 6 to 8 weeks old as a preventive measure for distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. Alternatively, your veterinarian may suggest the DHPP vaccine, which protects against parainfluenza. If you go to the vet for your puppies and he suggests that they get additional vaccines, they may also get shots for Bordetella and parainfluenza to provide additional protection.
- A prospective puppy may be further inoculated with the DAP vaccine at the age of 10 or 12 weeks. Some other vaccines that are not considered compulsory can be also given at this point, for instance, Lyme and leptospirosis.
- Your puppy may get rabies shots between 16 and 14 weeks old. It would be given with a little delay, however, this depends on the regulations in your area.
- When your puppy is 16 weeks old, the last portion of the DAP vaccine should be given by the vet. Should there be additional vaccines for aphthous diseases such as leptospirosis, lyme, and influenza of canine, they can be given during this visit.
- The adult dogs might get a yearly shot or every three years but it depends on the kind of vaccine. An example in this case is that your dog requires either a yearly booster shot or a 3-year booster shot based on the rabies vaccination brand and local rules and regulations. DAP vaccination may involve several booster shots at least 3 years after the first vaccinations and 1 year after the initial set of vaccines. If your dog has non-core vaccines, they may be subjected to yearly boosters for those kinds of vaccines as well.
Is it likely that my pet will feel sick after being vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated can cause a slight increase in body temperature as it activates the body’s defense mechanisms. This is typically observed following the first dose of vaccines, but can also occur following subsequent doses. It’s normal if your pet seems a bit tired after their appointment, so there’s no need to worry. Most of the time, pets feel and act completely normal!
Allergic or negative reactions to a vaccine are rare, but possible, just like with any other medication. Symptoms of an allergic response can involve swelling near the nose or mouth, diarrhea, or sometimes vomiting.
However, there is excessive misinformation as well as unfounded rumors around the vaccine which can be found on the internet nowadays. Use information files from credible sources.
It would be wise to consult your trusted veterinarian for any questions regarding vaccination and the general state of health of your pet if they occur.