Dog Vaccinations - Do You Have the Facts?

By: Neven Zeremski

Vaccinations are essential to prevent your dog from suffering life-threatening illnesses. These include rabies, distemper, and hepatitis. Not only does vaccinating your dog protect him from these diseases but it also stops them spreading among the canine population. Some of the diseases your dog will be vaccinated against are zoonotic, which means they can spread from animals to humans. This is all the more reason to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are complete and up-to-date, as it is not just affecting his well-being but potentially yours too.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding vaccinations in humans and animals. Over the past 10 years or so, some scientists have publically said that they think vaccinations could be harmful. However, the quality of vaccinations has improved considerably. Studies are proving more and more conclusively that actually vaccinations are healthy and are in the best interest of your pet’s health.

When you get a new puppy or a dog, your vet will assess which vaccines are necessary for him and which aren’t. Your dog’s breed, weight and health will be taken into account, as will any travel plans you have. Every dog is slightly different when it comes to vaccinations and each country carries its own health risks for your pet, so if you think you might be traveling with your dog at some point it is important to inform your vet.

If you have bought or adopted an older dog, you may be unsure which vaccines they have and haven’t had. If this is the case, your vet can run tests to establish which diseases your pet is protected against and which they may need further vaccinations against.

Types of vaccine
There are two main types of vaccinations: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. The core vaccines are given to all dogs and protect them from the most common and serious diseases. In the US, these vaccinations include rabies, distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus. Non-core vaccinations are not given to all dogs. They depend on the kind of lifestyle your dog has and will only be administered by your vet if they think your dog is at risk of catching one of these diseases. Vaccinations in this category include: leptospirosis, kennel cough and Lyme disease.

How Often Should You Get Your Pet Vaccinated?
The frequency of vaccination depends on the individual vaccinations themselves. If you have a puppy, your dog will be given core vaccinations at a certain age and then a booster shot one year later. Vaccinations are especially important for young dogs, even if you don’t let them outside much, as their immune systems are weaker and they are more susceptible to life-threatening viruses. After its booster injections, vets usually recommend that your pet receive the vaccinations again every three years. Rabies is the one exception and the frequency of this vaccination will depend on which state you live in – some require a vaccination every year while others are happy with a vaccination every three years. Your vet, who will also advise you how often to vaccinate your pet, will direct non-core vaccinations.

Remember that even if you don’t have to take your dog to be vaccinated for another three years, it is still important that he receives regular health checks at the vet.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

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