Vaccinating dogs is an important part of their health and safety. Following the correct vaccination schedule helps protect your pet from dangerous infections such as parvovirus enteritis, distemper and rabies. This article will detail what vaccinations are required, when they should be given, and how to properly prepare your pet for vaccinations.
Basic rules of vaccination
Vaccination is an important step on the way to your pet's health, and in order for it to be safe and effective, several important conditions must be observed.
Health of the dog
Only a healthy pet can be vaccinated. This means that before vaccination, you need to make sure that your puppy does not have any infectious diseases or other health problems. 1-2 weeks before vaccination, it is recommended that the dog be dewormed to prevent the parasites from potentially affecting the immune system. Helminths weaken the body, which can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccination.
Proper interval between vaccinations
There should be a minimum of 3 weeks between the first and second vaccination. This is to allow the puppy's body to develop a robust immune response after the first dose of vaccine. Keeping the vaccination intervals correct will ensure that your puppy's immunity is complete.
Quarantine after vaccination
After vaccination, it is important to follow a quarantine regime. Do not overwork your dog, do not bathe him, avoid cold temperatures and hypothermia. This will allow the body to adapt to the vaccine and avoid possible complications. Quarantine lasts from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of vaccination and the body's reaction.
Proper storage of the vaccine
The vaccine must be stored under the conditions indicated on the package. Check the expiry date of the drug and the storage conditions so that it does not lose its effectiveness.
Apart from following these mandatory rules, it is also important to closely monitor your dog's health after vaccination. For a fortnight after vaccination, monitor his behaviour, appetite, activity and general health. Take his temperature regularly to see how he's tolerating the vaccination. A normal temperature for a puppy is between 38 and 39 degrees and for an adult dog between 38.5 and 39 degrees. Remember that it is better to measure the temperature 10 to 15 minutes after eating or sleeping.
In addition, during quarantine, it is recommended to re-deworm the dog. If the dog has worms, it can weaken his immunity and affect the response from the vaccination. Using a safe antihelminthic medication such as pyrantel will help reduce the risk of complications.
Following these simple but important rules will give your pet maximum protection from disease and minimise health risks.
Types of vaccines
Two types of vaccines are used to prevent viral diseases:
- Monovalent vaccines - designed to protect against a single disease.
- Polyvalent vaccines - protect against several diseases at the same time.
It is important to remember that not all vaccines provide reliable immunity, especially if they have been improperly transported or stored in inadequate conditions.
Puppy vaccination schedule
The right vaccination schedule is essential to your puppy's lifelong health. Vaccinations protect puppies from dangerous diseases, strengthen the immune system and help prevent infections that can lead to serious consequences. It's important to make sure vaccinations are given at the right time and according to veterinarian recommendations. Let's take a look at a standard puppy vaccination schedule that helps ensure they are protected against common diseases.
1.5 months of age - vaccination against parvovirus enteritis and viral hepatitis
The first vaccination for a puppy is given at 1.5 months of age, depending on the prevalence of diseases in the region. It may be vaccinated against parvovirus enteritis and viral hepatitis. Vaccination is repeated after 10-14 days, after which the puppy is immune for a year.
2.5 months of age - plague vaccination
Vaccination against plague is given no earlier than 2.5 months of age. This is a mandatory vaccination that protects against a dangerous disease that is easily transmitted between dogs. After the procedure, the dog should stay at home for three weeks to avoid complications.
6-7 months of age - repeat plague vaccination
A repeat plague vaccination is given after the puppy's permanent teeth have erupted, usually at 6-7 months of age. Thereafter, the procedure is repeated at the same time each year.
8 months - rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs, regardless of breed. This is especially important as rabies is a dangerous disease that can be fatal. The procedure is carried out not earlier than 6 months of age and then repeated annually.
Vaccinations for adult dogs
Adult dogs also need regular vaccinations to maintain immunity. Polyvalent vaccines tend to be better, as they provide protection against several diseases at once. It is important to keep up with the vaccination schedule and not to miss regular vaccinations.
Vaccination against other diseases
In addition to the mandatory standard vaccinations, there are a number of diseases that you can protect your dog against:
- Leptospirosis - vaccination is given from 4 months of age, repeated after six months. The vaccine is often included in polyvalent vaccines.
- Adenovirosis - a lung infection that can be protected against with vaccination if the vaccine is part of the plague and hepatitis vaccines.
Protection against these diseases is also important for your dog's health, as they can lead to serious complications. A consultation with your vet will help you choose the most appropriate vaccines for your pet.
Where to vaccinate my dog?
Vaccinations can be given at a veterinary clinic or at home. It is important to make sure that the vaccine is of good quality and that all storage and transport conditions are met beforehand. If the vaccination is done at a veterinary clinic, make sure you know what days and hours they are available so you don't waste time travelling. Also, if you have any doubts about your pet's health, it is best to consult a doctor before vaccination. The specialist can also advise you on how to prepare your dog for the procedure and answer all your questions.
Keeping up with the vaccination schedule is essential to your dog's health. Regular vaccinations will help avoid serious illnesses and prolong your pet's life. Remember, vaccinations are not only about your dog's health, but also your responsibility for the safety of the people and animals around you.
