Vaccinations for Dogs

When your dog was a puppy, he received protection against infectious diseases from antibodies passed in his mother's milk. But these antibodies soon dissipated, leaving him vulnerable. Fortunately, effective vaccines are available that can protect your dog against many diseases.

Vaccines contain live or killed viruses that don't cause the illness, but stimulate an animal's immune system to protect him from the real thing. Vaccines are available that protect against canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus, bordatella, parainfluenza, leptospirosis and coronavirus.Veterinarians recommend that puppies receive their first set of shots at six to eight weeks.

Depending on the area of the country you live in, you may also want to have your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease. This tick-borne illness is common in pets and people in the Northeastern United States, especially in Connecticut, where it was first identified. And if your dog is boarded at a kennel or goes to dog shows, your veterinarian may recommend a vaccination against kennel cough. This vaccination is usually given 2 weeks prior to boarding.

The ASPCA recommends a five-in-one vaccination that protects dogs against several infectious diseases, including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. For complete protection against this killer, you'll need to bring your dog back every 3 to 4 weeks for a booster, until he is 4 months old. From then on, a booster should be given for all breeds once a year.

Another important part of protecting your puppy as he develops immunity to the infectious diseases is to decrease his exposure to the microbes that can cause infections. This may mean avoiding contact with other dogs, avoiding areas frequented by other pets and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your puppy.

Vaccination against rabies also is important. In many parts of the country, it is mandatory, since rabies can be transmitted from animals to humans. This fatal viral disease can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal, so it is crucial that animals who are allowed outdoors are protected. Even pets who remain inside-such as indoors-only cats-should be vaccinated, in the event they escape from the house and come in contact with a rabid animal. Veterinarians recommend that puppies receive their first rabies shot at three to four months of age. This will vary depending on the laws of the state in which you live.

Revaccination schedules vary according to the manufacturer, so ask your veterinarian if you will need to bring your pet in for a booster. This could be annually, or in some instances, every three years.

In some cases, vaccines may cause adverse reactions - including allergic reactions that will require immediate veterinary attention. Other signs can include listlessness, loss of appetite and mild fever. You may also notice a small swelling at the site of the vaccination. This will usually disappear within a short time. If you notice these or other signs, the ASPCA recommends that you contact your veterinarian.

Ani-Med Pet Care Information: http://www.animed.org/dogs_vaccinations.htm