Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Fumipets
If You’re Tight on Budget, Just Ensure Your Dog Gets These 3 Vaccines
Ensuring Your Dog Gets Vaccines: A Guide to Canine Health
Welcoming a furry friend into your home comes with the responsibility of providing them with the best care, and vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding your dog’s well-being. From preventing common diseases to maintaining overall health, vaccinations are a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the importance of ensuring your dog receives vaccines, addressing common questions to empower you as a vigilant and caring dog owner.
Ensure Your Dog Gets These Vaccines
Being a parent to your fur babies is not a bed full of roses. With all the cuddling and excitement, there is a list of responsibilities that you are supposed to perform as a pet parent.
Vaccination is one of the top responsibilities on that to-do list. At some point in life, your pet is exposed to deadly viruses and infections that might prove to be fatal.
Vaccinating your dog helps you to secure your dog’s health and makes you a responsible pet owner. Getting your pet vaccinated is a cost-effective way to prevent your canine friend from deadly viruses.
One important thing that you need to know about being a dog owner is that there are two categories of vaccines available in the market. These two categories are “core” and “non-core” vaccines.
Core vaccination as the name suggests is the essential vaccination for your pup and the non-core ones are merely recommended. If you are wondering what shots does your dog really need, here’s a complete guide:
What are the essential shots for my dog?
It is recommended for every pet owner to consult with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination regime for their pet. Visiting the veterinarian’s clinic frequently over a few months might seem to be quite inconvenient in the beginning.
However, there are a few shots that are essential for your pets to provide them with a safe and healthy life. The most essential shots for your dogs are:
1. Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease in mammals that mainly attacks their central nervous system. Rabies can spread from any rabid animal in the vicinity. It is not always essential for your dog to get bitten by a rabid animal to contract the disease. Coming in contact with any type of bodily fluid such as saliva, mucosa or open wound of an infected animal can also expose your pet to this dangerous disease.
Some of the symptoms that you might look out for are fear of water, hallucinations, anxiety, or paralysis. Medical treatments are crucial within a few hours of infection, otherwise, death is inevitable. If you are a citizen of the United States, you are mandated to provide rabies vaccination to your dog across all 50 states.
2. DHPP/DAPP
Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus vaccine – quite a mouthful! As you can see this vaccine is considered a core vaccine because it will protect your fur fam from four different types of viruses.
Among these four viruses, Canine distemper is considered to be the most severe and deadly disease among dogs. This disease attacks the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the respiratory system of dogs. It is an airborne disease and could transmit from the coughing or sneezing of an infected animal.
Unfortunately like other diseases, canine distemper has no cure. Once your dog catches the disease, veterinarians can only provide medication to control associated symptoms and secondary infection.
Similarly, parvovirus is another deadly disease that dogs could get. It mainly infects puppies less than 4 months of age that have not been vaccinated.
This virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and causes bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Immediate medical attention is needed in case your pet is infected with parvovirus. No prompt veterinary attention can lead to severe dehydration of your dog and lead to their death within 48 to 72 hours of their infection.
3. Lyme Disease
Although it falls under the “non-core” vaccine category, you must vaccinate your dogs against Lyme disease. Here’s why – Lyme disease is zoonotic. This means that if your dog contracts the disease somehow, it is more than likely that you will contract the disease too.
While, unlike humans, dogs do not show any immediate tell-tale signs of the disease, it can severely impact your pet’s health. It attacks the lymph nodes of dogs and affects their kidney, heart, and joints. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological disorders in your pet as well.
Vaccination Schedule and Costs
| Age | Vaccination | Is it essential? | Approximate Cost (per dose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 week | DAPP/DHPP | It is one of the “core” vaccines recommended by Veterinarians. Puppies might need this vaccine 3 to 4 times during their vaccination regime. | $25-$50 |
| 12 -16 weeks | Rabies (required by law) | It is the most essential “core” vaccine. Dogs that have a more active lifestyle would need it every year, others would need it every 3 years. | $15-$50 |
| 12-16 months | Lyme Disease | It is a “non-core” vaccine. It is administered annually. Recommended for dogs that have an adventurous lifestyle or live in areas that have a high risk of tick bites. | $30-$50 |
In Conclusion
Your fur babies depend on you to provide them with a safe and healthy life. Consult with your veterinarian and get a vaccination regime for your pet, with the essential vaccines today!
Q&A: Navigating Canine Vaccinations
Why are vaccinations essential for dogs?
Vaccinations are essential to protect your dog from a range of preventable diseases. They stimulate the immune system, preparing it to fight off specific pathogens. By administering timely vaccinations, you create a robust shield against potentially deadly illnesses, promoting a longer and healthier life for your canine companion.
What are the core vaccines for dogs?
Core vaccines for dogs typically include those protecting against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. These diseases can be highly contagious and pose significant threats to a dog’s health. Your veterinarian will tailor the vaccination schedule based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and regional risks.
When should I start vaccinating my puppy, and how often should boosters be given?
Puppies typically begin their vaccination series at around six to eight weeks of age. Boosters are then administered in a series over the following weeks until the puppy is around 16 weeks old. After the initial series, boosters are generally required annually or as recommended by your veterinarian based on your dog’s specific needs.
Are there potential side effects to dog vaccinations?
While the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks, some dogs may experience mild side effects such as lethargy or soreness at the injection site. Severe reactions are rare but can occur. Always consult with your vet about potential side effects and monitor your dog closely after vaccinations.
Can my adult dog still benefit from vaccinations?
Yes, adult dogs can benefit from vaccinations throughout their lives. Booster shots are essential to maintain immunity against certain diseases. Additionally, lifestyle changes, travel plans, or emerging regional health threats may warrant updates to your dog’s vaccination protocol. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your adult dog stays protected.
