We can't stress vaccination enough when it comes to keeping a vigilant eye on your pet dog's healthcare, especially during its development and growth stages. An excellent routine checkup for your dog and a well-structured vaccination chart prepared by your vet curated as per your pet's health history, breed type, and age is critical for a long and healthy life.
Do dogs require vaccination?
A canine's immune system is strengthened by vaccinations so that it is ready to fight off any invasion from pathogens. The antigens in vaccines are recognized by your dog's immune system, which makes them prepared to fight off the illness as soon as exposure occurs or, at the very least, lessen the effects.
Two significant classes of dog vaccines, as defined by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), are core and non-core. Both types of vaccines are recommended for your dog depending on their breed, age, geography, and other factors. A simple search on the internet will tell you that there is more to vaccination for your canine than just their breed type and age.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines protect animals from severe, life-threatening diseases that have a global distribution and are essential for all dog breeds, regardless of age or geographical location. These vaccinations are based on a universal risk of exposure, the seriousness of the illness, and the risk of transmission to other dogs and other animal species, including humans.
Four core vaccines for dogs are:
Canine Parvovirus - All canine breeds are susceptible to the deadly parvovirus, but puppies are particularly at risk. Parvovirus can be fatal for your dog. The virus can cause extreme vomiting and diarrhea by attacking the digestive system and causing a contagious intestinal infection. All canines should receive a parvovirus vaccination, followed by booster shots every one to two years, as your veterinarian recommends.
Canine Distemper - Dogs' respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems are all impacted by the highly contagious illness known as distemper. Seizures, severe coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and even mortality can result. Puppies are particularly susceptible to infection. Every canine should receive a distemper vaccination, followed by booster shots every one to two years, as your veterinarian recommends.
Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus) - Dogs with hepatitis have a liver illness caused by a virus. It typically spreads through touch with feces, saliva, or urine that has been contaminated or infected. The signs and symptoms can include bleeding, fever, lack of appetite, and thirst.
Anti-Rabies - Dogs and humans are susceptible to the deadly condition of rabies. It's a viral disease transmitted in saliva to open wounds or via bite wounds. Government law requires anti-rabies vaccines to be administered to dogs above 16 weeks of age.
Non - Core Vaccines
Vaccinations for dogs, "non-core," indicates that not all dogs need to receive them. However, depending on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors, your vet might advise them. You may book a quick consultation with a vet at DiscoverVet!
Some Non - Core Vaccines are:
Bordetella - The bacterial component of “kennel cough” (tracheobronchitis). Dogs with Bordetella (kennel cough) may develop respiratory illnesses. Since it is frequently spread through direct contact with other dogs, your veterinarian might advise this vaccine if your dog routinely interacts with canines.
Parainfluenza - Canine parainfluenza is the viral component of “kennel cough”. It's a respiratory condition that may make your canine extremely sick. Close contact with other infected dogs is the primary method of transmission. Depending on what your doctor says, you should get this vaccination.
Lyme disease vaccine - A bacterium transmitted by ticks causes Lyme disease, combated by the Lyme disease vaccine. Your veterinarian might advise this vaccine if your dog spends time in areas with prevalent ticks (like wooded areas or tall grass).
Leptospirosis - The viral illness leptospirosis impacts dogs' kidneys and liver. The condition can result in severe ailments, from kidney damage to even death. Leptospirosis can spread by coming into touch with contaminated soil or water. Hence, we advise you to receive a vaccination, followed by booster shots every one to two years, regardless.
Canine Influenza - A specific Type Of influenza virus known to infect dogs is the cause of canine influenza, also referred to as dog flu, a contagious respiratory illness in canines. "Canine influenza viruses" are these. Cases of canine influenza in humans have not been documented.
A detailed vaccination schedule for your dog:
In addition to the above schedule, veterinarians may suggest other non-core vaccines, such as Lyme disease and Canine Influenza, per your dog's lifestyle.
(Please Note: All vaccinations and recommendations are as per generic canine requirements and NOT as per specific dog breed and health history; kindly consult a vet before vaccinations for your pet.)
Side effects of Vaccinations:
While dog vaccination is a must and can have plenty of health benefits, canines are likely to have mild side effects from the vaccine dose; we'd say take it as a sign that it's working!
Common side effects:
Lethargy
Lethargy and soreness are the most typical vaccination effects in dogs. They may or may not be accompanied by a moderate fever. This results from the dog's immune system's local and systemic responses to vaccination.
After vaccination, most pets return to normal within a day or two. Veterinarians may suggest medicines to help your dog feel normal and healthy. Call your veterinarian if your dog shows lethargy or more severe or persistent pain.
Lumps at the vaccination spot
Due to local inflammation and the influx of immune cells, a tiny, firm bump (or swelling) may form at the injection site when a vaccine is administered under the skin or into a muscle.
You must consult a vet immediately. The lump might feel slightly uncomfortable, but it shouldn't swell (after the first few days), ooze, or worsen with time. Monitor the area until any more severe dog vaccination side effects are noticed.
Excessive sneezing and sniffing
The majority of vaccinations are administered to dogs via injection. However, a few are also given via drops or a spray sprayed directly into your dog's nose. To vaccinate your pet against Bordetella and Parainfluenza viruses, intranasal vaccines for dogs are the ones that are used the most frequently.
The possibility of unfavorable respiratory tract reactions is not altogether unexpected. Following intranasal vaccinations, dogs may sneeze, cough, or get stuffy/runny noses for a few days. These vaccine-related reactions in dogs should disappear independently in a day or two. Call your veterinarian for guidance if the response persists.
Rare Side Effects:
Anaphylaxis
One of the terrifying allergic reactions is anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. A dog experiencing anaphylaxis exhibits hives, itching, facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and trouble breathing shortly after vaccination (commonly minutes to hours).
Infection
Any injection can also result in an infection or an abscess where germs can get through the skin and into underlying tissues. Discolored skin (typically red), pain, drainage, and swelling are warning signs to look out for.
How to prevent vaccine reactions in dogs?
Vaccines are imperative for your canine's health and well-being. In most cases, puppies won't have any severe reactions, and side effects will persist only for a day or two, not more. But if your dog is uncomfortable and unable to function through the day, consult your veterinarian if your dog has ever experienced an adverse reaction to a vaccination or has underlying health issues.
Certain vaccinations that canines would be typically administered by vets may need to be changed or skipped for your dog's benefit. In these situations, your veterinarian could advise titer tests to evaluate whether previously administered immunizations still protect your dog or if booster shots are necessary.
Schedule a Vaccination Appointment
Discover the right vet for your canine within minutes and schedule a vaccination appointment at your convenience at home or in the clinic.
DiscoverVet has a pool of highly experienced vets who offer in-clinic and home visits for vaccinations, regular checkups, preventive care, or any sickness and injuries. Visit our page to select your vet and book your appointment now - DiscoverVet
Sources:
