Puppies must get vaccinations so that they stay protected from different kinds of medical conditions. Some holistic veterinarians indeed argue that vaccines may not be effective and may even be harmful to canines. However, veterinary practice has shown that vaccines are safe and offer effective protection against many serious and life-threatening ailments. Use this question-and-answer guide to learn all about puppy vaccinations.
What vaccinations should my puppy get?
There are generally accepted core vaccinations that each puppy must get. These include vaccinations against parvovirus, distemper, Para influenza, infectious hepatitis, and rabies. The vaccinations in the optional list are against coronavirus, leptospirosis, bordetella, giardia, bronchiseptica, and Lyme disease. It is the responsibility of the owner to take his/her pet to the Veterinarian to have the shots.
Should my puppy get optional vaccines?
Your Veterinarian will advise you on which optional vaccination your puppy should get, if any. Vets assess the factors that put your pet at risk of getting any of the diseases for optional vaccines are available. These factors include your area of residence and the incidences of diseases there. Your pet’s breed genetic predisposition to such ailments and general health condition will also be considered.
When is the right time for my puppy to get vaccinated?
Special vaccination schedules devised by veterinarians say exactly when puppies have to get vaccinated. In addition, your vet may set a special schedule for your pet depending on his breed, general health, and health risks.
Usually, puppies get their parvovirus, distemper, Para influenza, and infectious hepatitis vaccinations when they are between 6 and 9 weeks old. However, most veterinarians prefer to give dogs the shots when they are 7 to 8 weeks old. The shot against rabies is administered when the puppy is 12 weeks old.
Puppies that need the optional coronavirus vaccination should get it when they are 6 to 9 weeks old. In some cases, they may require another shot when they are 15 weeks old. Leptospirosis and Lyme disease shots are usually administered to puppies between 12 and 15 weeks old.
For a dog to get vaccinated, he must be in good health and have an immune defense adequate for his age. The canine must be free of internal and external parasites such as worms, ticks, and fleas. The dog must have a normal body temperature between 101.5 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the main types of vaccines, and which type is suitable for my pet?
There are two types of vaccines for dogs modified live and inactivated, also known as killed.
Modified live vaccines are the traditional type. They contain small amounts of the virus or germ that causes the respective disease. Their presence in the body stimulates the production of antibodies that eventually track and destroy them. These antibodies will then destroy any virus or germ of the specific type that tries to affect your pet.
In killed vaccines, the microorganisms entering the dog’s body with the shot have been previously destroyed with a specific method. As a result, they produce a lower immune response.
Modified live vaccines have a stronger effect. They take effect more quickly, and their preventative power lasts for longer. However, they may result in the dog’s infection with the respective disease if the animal has a weakened immune system, genetically lower immune system response, and/or maternal antibodies. This is usually prevented as canines are thoroughly examined before vaccination. Killed vaccines require booster vaccination, so your pet gets adequate long-term protection from diseases.
Your Veterinarian should recommend the right type of vaccine for your pet. Some owners using holistic methods for caring for their pets prefer killed vaccines because they consider them safer and “more natural.” Despite this, as highlighted earlier, modified live shots are perfectly safe for healthy dogs. In general, the vaccines against some types of canine ailments are only killed, so you may not have a choice.
What is a combination vaccine, and is it a good choice for my dog?
Combination vaccines are designed to simultaneously produce an immune response and protection against several diseases. So your puppy will get just one instead of four or five shorts. There are several combination vaccines currently available.
The 5-way vaccine protects your pet against parvovirus, adenovirus, distemper, Para influenza, and infectious hepatitis. Some vaccines have coronavirus added to them. These shots are classified as 6-way ones. The 7-way vaccines have parvovirus, adenovirus, distemper, Para influenza, and infectious hepatitis plus 2 strains of leptospirosis. If coronavirus is added to the 7-way vaccine, it becomes an 8-way one.
Most veterinarians prefer to give combination shots to puppies for several reasons. First, these vaccines are more cost-effective and save you trips to the vet. Additionally, they spare considerable discomfort to the pet. Generally, combination shots are perfectly safe and effective. Despite this, holistic vets often recommend single shots as they believe these are safer and produce better results.
Do vaccinations have side effects?
Vaccinations do not produce side effects in healthy puppies. In some cases, the area where the dog has got injected can get swollen and painful. It is also possible for the dog to develop a fever. Your pet may become somewhat sluggish and lose his appetite. These side effects are temporary and usually go away on their own after a few hours or overnight. If you are concerned, you should not hesitate to call your vet.
Who pays for the vaccination of puppies?
At 6 to 8 weeks of age, puppies can go to live with their new owners, but in some cases, they stay with the breeder until they are 12 weeks old. Usually, the new owner is responsible and pays for his puppy’s vaccination. The breeder can pay, but this is rare. Most pet insurance policies exclude vaccinations, but there are comprehensive ones that may include some or all of them.
Before you get your puppy home, make sure you have booked an appointment with your local Veterinarian. This is so important. Even if your little ball of fur has come from pedigree stock, your puppies will need vaccinations a.s.a.p. Your breeder should advise you on what to do. If they don’t, then don’t buy the puppy!! I have witnessed so many stories where people have been ill-advised, and the puppy has died from something that could have been prevented.
Also, make sure you arrange adequate pet insurance for your new puppy. There are lots of deals out there. We run a pet insurance comparison site and are passionate about dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. Make sure you get the best protection for the new member of your family;-)
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