20-Sep-2018 posted-by My Pet Desire
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The same applies for your pet also. Taking them for a regular vet check, getting them vaccine at the right time and keeping them healthy, feeding healthy would help to prevent them from major health hazards in the future.
When it comes to the number of vaccines your dog needs may differ based on its age and also its breed.
According to specialists, vaccines can be divided into two types. Core vaccines which are necessarily to be given to your canine and non-core vaccines which can be given when the situation deems to.
Core vaccines
1. Rabies
One amongst the most important vaccines which are to be given to your dog compulsorily. Vaccination for Rabies. It protects the dog from getting infected with rabies virus. This vaccination is given to your dog, when it is 12 weeks old, with booster shots in one year and every three years after that. This vaccination is not only necessary for preventing your cats and dogs from this infectious and lethal disease of rabies but also for public in general, who are more prone to such infection as they come in contact with the pets on regular basis.
2. DA22P (Distemper)
The DA22P vaccine helps prevent your pet from a number of serious illness, most commonly distemper. Distemper is a viral disease that affects both immune and neurological system and can also prove to be fatal if left untreated. The vaccine is given when the dog is 6-8 weeks old and again given when every 3 to 4 weeks, continued until the puppy is 14 to 16 weeks old.
DA22P prevents diseases like adenovirus-2, parvovirus and parainfluenza, which are serious and can even be fatal to the pet’s health.
Non-core vaccines.
1. Bordatella (kennel cough)
As known these vaccines can be given as and when the need arises and are not listed among the compulsory vaccinations. Bordatella vaccine or also known as Kennel cough protects against a highly infectious and contagious bacteria that leads to respiratory tract infections in dogs. These can also be known as “semi-core” vaccines which are given to puppies and booster it yearly.
2. Canine influenza
Canine influenza is a rapidly growing disease which according to specialists are attacking dogs from certain parts of the world. If your dog spends major time in kennels, daycare or dog show, getting it vaccinated with this vaccine is very much important. It helps protect against highly contagious respiratory disease and is also susceptible to be fatal.
3. Lyme vaccine
The Lyme vaccine helps prevent the dog against Lyme disease which is often caused because of ticks attack. It is often noted that dogs do not produce positive response towards this vaccination and a regular booster has to be given in every 6 to 9 months span to maintain adequate protection.
4. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a major disease that is caused due to bacterial infection spread through the urine of wildlife, majorly due to rodents. This can cause severe disorders like kidney and liver failure if left untreated and is known to affect even humans. If your dog is exposed to environments where this infection is prevalent it is better to get your dog vaccinated against this bacteria in order to prevent it from spreading everywhere and turning into an epidemic.
5. Crotalid (rattlesnake) venom toxoid
This vaccine is given to pets if they are exposed to western diamondback rattlensnakes. Two doses of this vaccine is given at 4 months of age and then annually. It has to be noted that even after this vaccine is given, if your dog receives bite of the snake then it has to receive immediate treatment.
All these vaccinations helps to prevent your pet from serious illness and disorders. It is necessary to check with your vet in order to receive major directions on how and when they are to be given.
