Home » Pet Articles Home | Dogs | Dog Care & Health

What's My Dog's Vaccination For?

Questions about vaccinations for your pet dog are common and should be asked. A common question not often asked is "What IS a vaccine? Vaccinations are the introduction of vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. The term vaccination comes from the Latin vacca or cow, and was coined when the first inoculations were given with organisms that caused the mild disease cowpox to produce immunity against smallpox.

Should a puppy be given vaccinations on the first week of age?

The puppies do not need to be vaccinated within five to six weeks of age. But, if the mother did not receive vaccinations, then the vaccination against the parvoviral infections used to kill viral vaccines and measles disease may be given.

The colostrum in the puppies' mother's milk provides helpful antibodies and 'immune boosters' to help the puppy develop his or her own strong immune system. Giving vaccinations too early will prevent the puppy from building his own immunization to the disease because the antibodies the mother passes on ward off the vaccine. Her antibodies fight off the very thing you are trying to provide to the puppy. The mother's antibodies start to dwindle around 7 to 10 weeks. Every dog's system is different. That is why a series of shots is given to young dogs.. to make certain that the vaccination is received by the pup's own system so it can build a defense against the virus.

Should a dog be given bordetella disease vaccine and lyme disease vaccine?

No, these vaccines are only optional.

Should the parvoviral vaccine can be used in first week of life?

No. This will interfere with maternal antibody levels.

How long after my dog is vaccinated will the shot take effect?

After initial vaccination, it takes about one month before the peak levels of rabies antibodies is reached and the pet is considered immunized for rabies.

Can a pregnant animal be vaccinated?

Yes. Two to three weeks prior to birth the pregnant mother may be vaccinated against viral diseases. This helps to provide maternal antibodies to the puppies when they begin to nurse after birth.

Is there any need to give rabies vaccine to dogs?

Yes. It is a must to go for the anti rabies vaccination for dogs.

When this anti-rabies vaccine is given to the dogs, what precautions need to be taken, if any?

Keep an eye on the shot area. Some swelling can be normal but if it persists you should call your veterinarian. Some animals have allergic reactions. Rabies vaccine is given at age of thirteen to fifteen weeks of age and should to be repeated in fifteen months and then once in three years. .

However, this depends on the risk area. Is there any need for canine distemper vaccination in case of dogs? Yes. There is a specific requirement in the case of dogs for the vaccination against the canine distemper. This disease is more prevalent in most of the countries.

Is there any vaccination against leptospirosis and at what age, the dog is to be vaccinated?

Questions about vaccinations for your pet dog are common and should be asked. A common question not often asked is "What IS a vaccine? Vaccinations are the introduction of vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. The term vaccination comes from the Latin vacca or cow, and was coined when the first inoculations were given with organisms that caused the mild disease cowpox to produce immunity against smallpox.

I hope this answers some of your questions and inspires you to give your pet the best possible care.

About the Author:

Jodi Reichenberger owner/creator of JDA Publishing is an 10 year veteran of internet marketing. She is an active website designer and script installer. She manages her own eco friendly hosting business. Promoting a sustainable lifestyle is her hightest priority and one of her chosen venues is at ArticleGarden.