Vaccinating your furry best friend is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their long-term health and happiness. Just as vaccinations have virtually eradicated many diseases in humans, they play a crucial role in protecting dogs from various life-threatening illnesses. These preventive measures shield your dog from potentially deadly diseases and help maintain a healthy community of pets, reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
By keeping up with a regular vaccination schedule, you invest in your dog’s well-being, ensuring they stay vibrant, active, and full of life. Ensuring your dog receives all necessary vaccinations is essential to being a responsible and loving pet owner, paving the way for many joyful years together. Consulting with your vet to develop an appropriate vaccination schedule tailored to your dog’s needs and health status is essential for their well-being.
Each dog has a unique health profile, including current conditions, age, breed, and past medical history, which need special consideration. A customised vaccination plan reduces the risk of adverse reactions and adequately supports the immune system.
Your dog’s environment and daily activities play a significant role in determining necessary vaccines. For instance, dogs frequently visiting parks or boarding facilities may need additional protection. Customising the vaccination plan based on lifestyle helps provide comprehensive protection against diseases your dog is most likely to encounter.
Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different vaccination needs. Puppies require a series of vaccines to build initial immunity, while adult and senior dogs need boosters to maintain immunity. Tailoring vaccinations to the appropriate stages of your dog’s life supports their long-term health and prevents gaps in immunity.
Geographic location also influences disease prevalence. Tailoring the vaccination schedule to address local disease risks ensures that your dog is protected against the most relevant threats in your area. By working closely with your veterinarian to develop a personalised vaccination plan, you can maximise the benefits of vaccinations while minimising potential risks in keeping your furry friend healthy and happy throughout their life.
What Are The Main Vaccinations Needed For Your Dog?
Core Vaccines
- Rabies
- When to Administer: It is typically given as a single dose at 12-16 weeks of age. A booster is required after one year, then every 1-3 years, depending on local regulations and vaccine type.
- Distemper
- When to Administer: The puppy receives an initial dose at 6-8 weeks, followed by booster shots every 3-4 weeks until it is 16-20 weeks old. It receives another booster after one year and then every 1-3 years.
- Parvovirus
- When to Administer: The puppy receives an initial dose at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every 3-4 weeks until it is 16-20 weeks old. It receives another booster after one year and then every 1-3 years.
- Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
- When to Administer: The puppy receives an initial dose at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every 3-4 weeks until it is 16-20 weeks old. It receives another booster after one year and then every 1-3 years.
Non-Core Vaccines
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- When to Administer: It can be given as early as 8 weeks of age, with a booster dose 3-4 weeks later if the dog is at high risk. It is typically boosted annually or more frequently for dogs at high risk.
- Leptospirosis
- When to Administer: Can be given as early as 8-9 weeks of age, with a booster dose 2-4 weeks later and then annually.
- Lyme Disease
- When to Administer: Can be given as early as 9-12 weeks of age, with a booster dose 2-4 weeks later and then annually.
- Canine Influenza
- When to Administer: Can be given as early as 6-8 weeks of age, with a booster dose 2-4 weeks later and then annually.
Common, Mild Side Effects
- Lethargy
- Description: It’s common for dogs to feel a bit tired or low-energy for a day or two after receiving vaccinations.
- Why It Happens: This occurs because the immune system responds to the vaccine, and energy is directed towards building immunity.
- What to Do: Ensure your dog has a comfortable place to rest and access to water. Monitor their behaviour and energy levels, and they should return to normal within a day or two.
- Localised Swelling or Tenderness
- Description: The injection site might be slightly swollen or tender for a short period.○ Description: You might experience slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site for a short period of time.
- Why It Happens: This is a common reaction to the injection and the localised area’s immune response.
- What to Do: If the swelling persists beyond a couple of days or becomes more pronounced, consult your veterinarian. Applying a cool compress can sometimes help reduce swelling.
- Mild Fever
- Description: Some dogs may develop a mild fever as their immune system responds to the vaccine.
- Why It Happens: The body is generating an immune response, which can temporarily increase body temperature.
- What to Do: Monitor your dog’s temperature and behaviour. Ensure they stay hydrated and comfortable. If the fever persists or is high, contact your vet.
- Decreased Appetite
- Description: Temporary loss of appetite can occur after vaccination.
- Why It Happens: This can be due to mild discomfort or a minor fever.
- What to Do: Offer your dog’s favourite foods to entice them to eat. If appetite loss continues for over a day or two, consult your veterinarian.
Rare but More Serious Side Effects
- Allergic Reactions
- Description: These can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as facial swelling, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Why It Happens: Some dogs may be allergic to vaccine components.
- What to Do: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction. Severe reactions may require emergency veterinary care.
- Anaphylaxis
- Description: This is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very rarely and requires emergency treatment.
- Why It Happens: Anaphylaxis can be triggered by a severe allergic response to a vaccine.
- What to Do: Symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, and pale gums. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected.
- Immune-Mediated Diseases
- Description: In rare cases, vaccinations can trigger immune-mediated diseases, such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP).
- Why It Happens: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells following vaccination.
- What to Do: Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, bruising, and bleeding. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
- Injection-Site Sarcomas
- Description: While extremely rare, certain vaccines have been associated with developing tumours at the injection site, particularly in cats but rarely in dogs.
- Why It Happens: The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to chronic inflammation at the injection site.
- What to Do: Monitor the injection site for lumps or unusual growths. If you notice anything abnormal, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Managing and Minimising Risks
- Health Check Before Vaccination
- Description: Ensure your dog is healthy before receiving vaccinations. Dogs that are ill or stressed may have a higher risk of adverse reactions.
- What to Do: Schedule a pre-vaccination health check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and can safely receive vaccines.
- Appropriate Vaccine Selection
- Description: Work with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are necessary based on your dog’s age, health status, lifestyle, and risk factors.
- What to Do: Discuss your dog’s specific needs with your veterinarian to create a tailored vaccination plan that provides the necessary protection without unnecessary vaccines.
- Monitor Post-Vaccination
- Description: Watch your dog for any signs of adverse reactions, especially within the first 24-48 hours after vaccination.
- What to Do: Watch for common side effects and be aware of more serious symptoms. Keeping a close eye on your dog allows for prompt action if needed.
- Report Any Adverse Reactions
- Description: If your dog experiences any side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and support.
- What to Do: Providing detailed information to your vet about reactions can help them manage your dog’s care and adjust future vaccination plans if necessary.
While there are risks associated with vaccinations, they are rare and usually mild. Vaccines’ protective benefits in preventing serious and potentially fatal diseases make them critical to responsible pet care. By working closely with your veterinarian and following recommended vaccination protocols, you can help ensure your furry friend remains healthy and happy.
At Matraville Veterinary Clinic, we understand the importance of keeping your beloved pets healthy. Like any family member, ensuring your pet’s well-being is a top priority. That’s why we recommend a tailored preventative health care program, including vaccinations, to protect your furry friends from contagious and potentially fatal diseases.
Our commitment to your pet’s health is evident through our comprehensive approach to preventative care. We know that prevention is key to ensuring your pet’s long and happy life. Our tailored preventative health care program encompasses essential vaccinations that act as a shield, safeguarding your pet against contagious and life-threatening diseases—Trust the Matraville Veterinary Clinic to help your pets lead healthy and thriving lives by your side. Schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment with us today and give them the protection they deserve.