Vaccinations for dogs

There has been a lot of debate over the last few years as to whether vaccinations help or hurt a pets immune system. This is a decision that each pet owner has to make for themselves.

I believe in vaccinations so I am going to give you the vaccination schedule for dogs in this blog.

A puppy should be started on vaccinations when they are 8 weeks old. The initial vaccination is to protect against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus and corona virus. Some vets recommend a vaccination that includes leptospirosis while others include this only for hunting breeds.

A booster needs to be given every 2-3 weeks until the puppy is 4 months old. At that time the puppy gets the final DHPPC booster and their rabies vaccination.

If you adopt an adult dog and it has either never had vaccinations or you do not know it's history, then the safest thing to do is have it vaccinated with the DHPPC and the rabies vaccination and booster the DHPPC in 2-3 weeks.

Once you puppy or dog has received it's final vaccinations it will need to vaccinated with DHPPC and rabies every year thereafter.

Of all the diseases dogs are vaccinated against the parvovirus is the most commonly seen by veterinarians. If you talk to many dog owners, you will always find they either had a dog who contracted parvo or they know someone who's dog had it.

Below I have listed all the diseases with their descriptions and symptoms.

• D = Distemper:
Distemper is a nasty virus that is highly contagious, occurs world wide, and at one time was the leading cause of death in puppies. Young puppies are more susceptible to the virus then adult dogs. You may see signs of an upper respiratory infection with a high fever, the dog may also have neurological signs. This disease is often fatal.

• H = Hepatitis or Adenovirus-2:
This is spread by contact with the urine and feces of infected animals. The virus causes liver and kidney damage, animals that survive may have chronic illness. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.

• L = Leptospirosis:
This disease affects the liver and kidneys and is deadly. Animals with this disease are contagious to other animals and humans. A positive dog should be isolated and the caregiver should wear protective clothing and gloves. The disease is spread through contact with urine of infected animals. Dogs with leptospirosis may show signs of lethargy, dehydration, jaundice, and fever.

• P = Parainfluenza:
This is a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. Dogs usually contract the disease through contact with nasal secretions of infected dogs.

• P = Parvovirus:
This virus attacks the intestinal tract and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo is highly contagious, dogs contract the virus through contact with an infected animals stools. Without treatment dogs become dehydrated and weak and often die. This virus is very common and puppies who are not properly vaccinated are often afflicted. Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers seem to be at greater risk for parvo.

• C = Corona virus:
This virus attacks the intestinal system similar to parvovirus. Infected dogs suffer from vomiting and diarrhea and dehydration. Keep your pet vaccinated and your yard clean to protect your pet.