PetopiaAdoption of a dog is a heart-warming experience that is full of love, faithfulness, and countless happy times. However, in the same breath as the happiness that comes with keeping a pet, there is the burden of taking care of your animal to keep it healthy and safe. Timely vaccinations will help to prevent your dog against dangerous diseases in one of the best possible ways.
Dog vaccinations are not a mere formality but rather a preventive measure to life threatening diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. In case you have a small puppy or a grown-up dog, alike, vaccinations play a vital role in the development of their immunity and minimizing the chances of contraction.
This blog will discuss all that you should be aware of dog vaccinations, be it core and non-core vaccines, vaccination schedule, vaccination costs and even myths related to vaccinating your four legged friend so that they can have the good life you have.
Why Are Vaccinations Important for Dogs?
Like human beings, dogs are susceptible to various infectious diseases which may compromise their health and quality of life. Other diseases include rabies or parvovirus which in case not controlled can be fatal and can be transmitted fast. Vaccinations are a preventive coating and the immune system of your dog is ready to combat the dangerous pathogens before they can cause severe damage.
In addition to keeping your own pet safe, it is also important to keep other dogs and even humans safe by means of vaccinations. Animals can cause diseases such as rabies which can spread to human beings and timely vaccinations can be a concern of pet and human health. Certain vaccinations are even required in numerous areas and indicate the force behind the significance of vaccinations to the community.
There is no denying that by making sure that your dog is vaccinated properly, you not only provide them with a healthier life but also a safer environment for all pets and people surrounding them.
Related Blog: Pet Vaccinations: Complete Guide for New Pet Owners
Types of Dog Vaccines
Not all Dog Vaccines are the same; some of them are necessary in every pet, and some are optional based on lifestyle, breed or location. Generally, there are two major vaccine types namely, core vaccines and non-core vaccines.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Core Vaccines – These are obligatory to all the dogs irrespective of their places of residence. They cover very contagious diseases which are likely to kill.
- Non-Core Vaccines – These are optional, and recommended depending on the risk factors associated with your dog, like contact with other animals, or traveling.
On the one hand, core vaccinations cannot be negotiated, but on the other hand, the non-core vaccinations should not be disregarded. As an example, dog which often goes to the boarding facilities or dog parks may require protection against kennel cough. On the same note, domesticated pets residing in places where ticks are common might also be vaccinated against Lyme disease.
The veterinarian is important in the process of coming up with the right mix of your dog. They will be able to prescribe an individualized vaccination schedule by considering such aspects as age, environment, medical history, and daily routine. This will make sure that your pet receives the required protection but not shot unnecessarily.
Core Vaccinations Every Dog Needs
Core vaccinations are central to the occasion that they insure the dogs against the most serious and prevalent diseases. These diseases are highly infectious, fatal or dangerous to both human beings and pets. These are regarded as compulsory no matter where you live or the level of activity your dog has.
The fundamental vaccines that your dog needs are as follows:
- Rabies Vaccine -Prevents a fatal viral disease (rabies) that can be transmitted to humans. This vaccine is a legal necessity in most countries.
- Canine Distemper Vaccine – Protects against distemper which is a serious virus that can infect the respiratory, the gastrointestinal and central nervous system.
- Canine Parvovirus Vaccine (Parvo) – It is used to protect against parvovirus which is a highly contagious infection that causes serious vomiting, diarrhea in dogs and in most cases death.
- Canine Adenovirus Vaccine (Hepatitis) – Used to prevent infectious canine hepatitis which is a viral disease that may cause damage to liver, kidneys and eyes.
They are typically administered as just one vaccine referred to as DHPP or DA2PP vaccine ( Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza ) and therefore the dogs receive complete protection in an easy and safe way.
Non-Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Non-core vaccines do not apply to all dogs unlike core vaccines. Rather they are suggested according to the lifestyle, environment of your dog, as well as the exposure. These vaccines are not mandatory, but they can be equally vital in ensuring that your pet is safe in case he or she is prone to meeting some diseases.
As an illustration, a dog that is kept in the kennel, dog parks or even in grooming facilities may be prone to diseases such as kennel cough. In the same way, dogs, in rural/forested locations may be at a greater risk of catching diseases transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes.
The following are typical non-core dog vaccinations:
- Bordetella Vaccine – Prevents canine cough, which is a communicable pneumonia disease prevalent in shelters and daycare.
- Leptospirosis Vaccine – Prevents a bacterial infection that is capable of destroying the liver and kidney and can be transmitted between dogs and humans.
- Lyme Disease Vaccine – Vaccination against Lyme disease an infection that is caused by ticks.
- Canine Influenza Vaccine (Dog Flu) – protects against the strains of canine flu that are transmitted fast in overcrowded dogs.
- Parainfluenza Vaccine – Core vaccine, but uses additional protection against respiratory infections.
The type of vaccines required by your dog will be determined by your vet depending on the frequency of your travels, exposure to wildlife, or boarding.
Dog Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination of your dog is not only a matter of the type of shots which they get, but when they get it. Disease infection is also especially sensitive to puppies during the first months of their lives; therefore, vaccination is very important. Late or missed doses may leave some gaps in protection, and expose your dog to infection.
Veterinarians tend to have a system of vaccination that begins at a puppy a few weeks old and is repeated by boosting the immunity during the rest of life. Adult dogs which have not received the initial vaccines can also receive a catch-up plan to guarantee complete coverage.
The following is a rough timeline of vaccination that many vets would advocate:
- 6-8 Weeks – DHPP ( Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) first dose.
- 10-12 Weeks – Second dose of DHPP and optional non-core vaccinations (such as Bordetella or Leptospirosis when necessary).
- 12-16 Weeks – Rabies vaccine (legal in most areas) + third dose of DHPP.
- 12-16 weeks and more – Non-core vaccines that require lifestyle (Lyme, Influenza, etc).
- 1 Year – Booster vaccination of Rabies and DHPP.
- Regularly (1-3 Years) (Lifelong) – Rabies, DHPP and non-core vaccines: Boosters on the veterinary recommendation.
This time can be slightly different based on the health of your dog, his breed and the rules of your area. It is always advisable to follow the advice of your vet particularly to keep your pet well covered.
Cost of Dog Vaccinations in India
Vaccination is a necessity among the most significant and yet cost-effective investments to make in the health of your dog. Though price may fluctuate, based on the city, veterinary clinic and the kind of vaccine, they are mostly affordable to most owners of pets in India. When you know the rough costs you can budget and prevent unforeseen costs when visiting the vet.
Average prices of puppy vaccination are a little higher because it has several doses in the first year. Subsequently, booster vaccinations either once a year or once every three years reduce the predictability of costs. Non-core vaccines will increase the budget, although it might be worth considering when you think your dog has a greater exposure risk.
The approximate costs in India (can differ depending on the area/clinic):
- Rabies Vaccine – ₹300 to ₹500 per dose.
- DHPP / 7-in-1 Vaccine – ₹700 to ₹1,200 per dose.
- Bordetella Vaccine– ₹500 to ₹800 per dose.
- Leptospirosis Vaccine– ₹500 to ₹1000 per dose.
- Vaccine against Lyme Disease– ₹800 to ₹1500 per dose.
- Canine Influenza Vaccine– ₹800 to ₹1200 per dose.
Note: There are also clinics which will do a puppy vaccination package that incorporates all the primary shots and boosters within the first year which may be cost effective in the long term.
Myths About Dog Vaccinations
In regard to dog vaccinations, confusion and indecisiveness in the minds of pet owners are common due to the misinformation. These myths have the potential of exposing dogs to an unnecessary risk since when they are not vaccinated early enough or not at all, they become susceptible to dangerous diseases. By removing these myths, you can be certain that your pet is getting the care it rightly deserves.
The following are some of the myths that surround dog vaccinations:
- “Vaccines are optional.” – All dogs must have basic vaccines such as rabies and DHPP, failure of which they may die.
- “Once a puppy is vaccinated, dogs do not require any further inoculations” – Immunity may weaken with time and that is why there is need to take booster inoculations to ensure protection.
- “Vaccines make dogs sick.”– Although there can be light side effects such as transient lethargy, there are very serious side effects, which are very rare in comparison to the advantages.
- “Indoor dogs don’t need vaccines.”– Even the dogs which remain inside the house can be infected by the virus either by the human or another domestic animal or by pests such as the mosquitoes and ticks.
- “Natural immunity is enough.” – Natural immunity without vaccination is unsafe and exposes the dogs to preventable illnesses.
This division of fact and fiction allows dog owners to make a well-informed choice and ensure that their pets are not endangered in the long run.
Tips for Dog Owners to Manage Vaccination Schedules
It might seem difficult to follow the vaccination schedule of your dog but it can be done easily and without any stress as long as you have the right strategy. The best way to keep your pet protected to the end of its life is by keeping it organized so that it never misses a vital dose.
The following are a few useful tips in the management of the vaccination plan of your dog:
- Keep a Vaccination Record – Have a copy or an electronic record of all vaccinations that have been taken and their expiration dates.
- Make Appointments – yours or ours – Use your phone calendar or apps to set reminders of the next booster shots.
- Stick to Vet Recommendations – You should never change schedule without consulting your veterinarian because they will customize your schedule to suit your dogs health and lifestyle.
- Combine Check-ups and Vaccinations – Can you schedule routine visitation with your vet at the same time as your dog is due a vaccine, so you can save time and have your dog attended to properly.
- Don’t Delay Boosters – Delays can decrease the effectiveness of vaccines; attempt to not delay as much as possible.
- Enquire About Packages – There are clinics that have discounted vaccination packages, particularly to puppies and it becomes easier to keep track of them.
- Watch for Side Effects – Keep an eye on your dog and treat minor side effects such as sleepiness or injection site swelling and report to your vet about anything out of the ordinary.
Planning is an easy process, but it can be very effective in ensuring that your dog is always vaccinated.
Related Blog: Does Pet Health Insurance Cover Vaccinations? A Complete Guide
FAQs About Dog Vaccinations
The owners of the dogs usually have numerous questions regarding the vaccines, namely, when, whether and why. The answers to some of the most frequently asked questions are as follows:
Q1. At what age should dogs get their first vaccine?
The initial vaccination of the puppies should be at the age of 6-8 years. This is where maternal antibodies begin to wear off thus exposing them to infections. Vaccination at an early age contributes to immunization at such a critical period.
Q2. Are annual boosters necessary?
Yes, to keep the immunity boosters every year or a few times (annually or triannually) are essential. Although a number of vaccines have a span of several years, there are those that need yearly vaccination. Depending on the needs of your dog, your vet will advise you on the appropriate schedule.
Q3. Can vaccines be given at home?
It’s not advisable. A qualified veterinarian is supposed to administer vaccinations and he or she can adjust the right dosage, safe handling of the vaccines and keep an eye on your dog in case of any immediate reactions.
Q4. Do vaccines guarantee 100% protection?
Any vaccine will not provide a hundred percent guarantee of protection but will significantly decrease the chances of infection and in the majority of cases prevent serious disease or fatal outcomes. Although a vaccinated dog may have a disease, the symptoms are not normally severe and easy to treat.
Q5. What if I adopt an unvaccinated adult dog?
In the case of an adult dog that is not vaccinated, visit your vet immediately. They will probably begin with basic vaccines and develop a catch-upper plan to be fully vaccinated.
Conclusion
One of the most effective in ensuring that your dog is healthy and safe is vaccinations. They cover life-threatening illnesses and minimize the chances of outbreaks, and even preserve the health of humans should there be a zoonotic disease such as rabies. It can be a playful puppy or an older friend; in any case, all dogs can use a well-developed immunization program.
With the help of your veterinarian, keeping track of the booster shots, as well as, selecting the appropriate combination of large-core and non-core vaccines, you provide your pet with the best opportunity to live a long, happy, and disease-free life. A small concern now will guarantee a future of wagging tails in the future.
