Pet Dogs Information

When a new puppy is brought home, it is most important to give him proper vaccinations so as to develop his immune system against deadly diseases. He should be readily taken to a veterinarian. Vaccinations make it possible for the immune system to detect and respond to various infections and diseases, before the deadly diseases can take a toll on him.

Majority of the dog vaccinations are normally administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection which helps the pup or the dog to fight various lethal and incurable diseases. Thus, it becomes extremely necessary on the part of the owner to vaccinate the pet with necessary vaccination shots and jabs at the proper time. Go through this article to know about the various important dog vaccines and their schedule.

Types of Dog Vaccines :::

Normally there are two kinds of dog vaccines - Core Vaccines and Non-Core Vaccines.

1) Core Vaccines (These are recommended for all Dogs)

•  Rabies Vaccine ::

Since rabies is an incurable and lethal disease which can even inflict humans, we are legally bound to vaccinate the pup or the dog against this lethal disease. A rabies vaccine is administered to a dog when he is between 16-18 weeks of age. An additional shot is given after one year, after which boosters need to be given every three years.

• Distemper Combination Vaccine ::

This vaccine covers a wide range of diseases like Distemper Virus, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and Parainfluenza Virus in a single shot. This vaccination should be given to the puppy after 6-8 weeks of age. A booster is required to be given every 3-4 weeks, till the puppies are 16 weeks old.

2) Non-Core Vaccines (Depend on Risk Factors)

• Bordetella Vaccine (Kennel Cough Vaccine) ::

Kennel Cough Vaccine fights against the bacteria called Bordetella Bronchiseptica which causes kennel cough in dogs. This vaccine is required to be given to the puppies that come in large contact with other dogs (during grooming or training classes). This vaccine can be taken either annually or half yearly which depends on the requirement and the level of risk the pup is prone to.

• Lyme Disease Vaccine ::

Lyme disease is a disease caused by a spirochete called Borrelia Burgdorferri. The tics carry the bacteria which may spread the disease in dogs through tick-bites and it might subjest the dogs to various cardiac, kidney and neurological disorders. It is necessary to give two shots of this vaccine three weeks apart and then boostered annually to resist the disease.

We should also always make sure that our pet is properly vaccinated, before the pup or the dog mingles with other dogs. The pet should be taken regularly to a veterinarian for regular health check-ups. If we give him all the necessary vaccines at the right time and it will help him enjoy a long and healthy life.

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