Why Do Dogs Need Vaccinations?
Puppies rely entirely on the antibodies provided by their mother's milk when they are born. These antibodies help protect puppies from harmful pathogens. However, this protection gradually diminishes over time, which means puppies may become vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Receiving the appropriate vaccinations at the right age helps prevent puppies from contracting these diseases or becoming infected. Many pet owners often wonder, "Do vaccines need to be given every year?"
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccine Guidelines Group (VGG) has compiled recommendations in the Canine and Feline Vaccination Guidelines. They advise that every animal should receive core vaccines, while non-core vaccines can be administered as needed.
Some pet owners worry about the risks associated with vaccinations. In reality, all medications carry some degree of risk, but the benefits of vaccinating pets far outweigh the small chance of adverse effects. Moreover, vaccinating pets not only protects the animals themselves but also plays an important role in preventing diseases in humans.
Many pet owners often ask, "When should my dog be vaccinated? Which vaccines should be given?" In fact, there is no definite answer to these questions because every dog's health condition and origin are different. Apart from the rabies vaccine, which needs to be administered at five months old, for other vaccinations, you should consult a reputable veterinary clinic before bringing your dog home to get detailed information.
The Importance of Puppy Vaccinations
What is the purpose of vaccinating puppies? Vaccinations help prevent infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal. Even for dogs that live exclusively indoors, it is very important to receive the annual 5-in-1 or G6 vaccine.
The 5-in-1/G6 vaccine primarily protects against Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Infectious Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis. Puppies should start their first vaccination at eight weeks of age, followed by additional doses monthly for a total of three shots, and then continue with annual boosters.
Because diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper are quite common, we strongly recommend yearly vaccinations. Some vaccines are mandatory, while others are recommended to ensure your dog's health and safety.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Dogs Include
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a fatal disease affecting both humans and dogs. Common symptoms in dogs include unsteady walking, neck pain, and excessive drooling. In some cases, facial muscle spasms may occur, and aggressive behavior is also very common, with affected dogs sometimes biting and holding on firmly.
According to rabies regulations, dog owners should have their dogs vaccinated against rabies and microchipped when the dog is five months old. Booster shots are required every three years thereafter.
Leptospirosis Vaccine
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by bacteria through the urine of rodents, which can infect humans and other animals. Symptoms in affected dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, and kidney failure (which may also be accompanied by liver failure).
Leptospira is a highly contagious bacterium that can cause severe acute kidney and liver failure. The mortality rate after infection is extremely high, and treatment is often very difficult.
Vaccination against leptospirosis is an advanced multivalent vaccine. It is usually included in the standard G6 or pentavalent (five-in-one) vaccine. Whether your dog lives indoors, frequently goes hiking, or ventures into grassy areas, annual vaccination against leptospirosis is very important.
Canine Distemper (Hard Pad Disease): Symptoms and Diagnosis
Canine distemper is a disease that can present a variety of symptoms, which often makes it difficult to diagnose. Generally, affected dogs may experience high fever, respiratory issues such as rhinitis or bronchopneumonia, digestive tract problems like gastroenteritis, as well as eye, skin, or neurological complications. Unfortunately, this disease frequently proves to be fatal.
Canine Hepatitis: Symptoms and Clinical Presentation
Canine hepatitis is a liver disease in dogs whose symptoms range from mild to severe. Early signs include a slight fever and congestion of mucous membranes. As the condition progresses, dogs may exhibit vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums, and eyes), abdominal enlargement due to fluid accumulation, depression, a decrease in white blood cells, and tenderness in the liver area.
More severe cases can manifest with bruising or reddening around the nose and mouth, swelling of the lymph nodes (especially in the neck and head), neurological symptoms such as seizures, and potentially death.
Clinical signs typically start with a fever higher than 104°F (40°C) lasting 1 to 6 days, often in two phases. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, thirst, eye inflammation, and abdominal pain. Blood clotting deficiencies and spontaneous bleeding may occur due to liver damage.
The liver disease can cause inflammation and damage that result in pain in the liver area and systemic symptoms like lethargy and depression. The severity and combination of symptoms depend on the stage and intensity of infection.
It is important to seek veterinary care promptly if any of these symptoms are observed in a dog, as infectious canine hepatitis can progress rapidly and be life-threatening, especially in puppies and young dogs.
Canine Parvovirus Disease
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that targets the gastrointestinal system. It often causes symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and frequently severe bloody diarrhea.
Dogs infected with parvovirus can rapidly develop severe dehydration, and the disease can be fatal within 48 to 72 hours if not promptly treated.
Recommended Vaccinations for Dogs
Kennel Cough: What You Need to Know
If your dog frequently attends dog shows, stays at boarding facilities, or interacts with other dogs, we recommend vaccinating them against kennel cough and administering annual booster shots.
However, if your dog primarily stays indoors or has minimal contact with other dogs, vaccination against kennel cough is usually unnecessary.
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease commonly spread through contact between dogs, such as in kennels or pet exhibitions. It causes severe coughing, and the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the dog's age and overall health.
Dog Vaccine Q&A
When Do Dogs Need Vaccinations?
Your puppy typically begins their vaccination schedule around six to eight weeks of age. In fact, regularly vaccinating your dog is the most effective way to protect their health. It is also an important responsibility that every caring pet owner should uphold.
What Happens After Vaccination in Puppies?
Vaccination involves injecting a very small amount of virus or bacteria into a puppy's body. This process stimulates the puppy's immune system to produce specific antibodies against the virus.
After a puppy receives a vaccine, it is common for some mild side effects to appear. These may include redness, mild swelling, and tenderness at the injection site. Puppies may also show decreased activity levels, mild fever, or loss of appetite. Occasionally, respiratory signs such as sneezing or coughing may appear, especially if the vaccine was given intranasally (through the nose).
A small, firm lump may develop at the injection site, which typically shrinks and disappears within two weeks. If this lump persists beyond three weeks or gets worse, veterinary advice should be sought.
In rare cases, more serious reactions can occur, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or eyes, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse. These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.
Overall, vaccines are safe and vital for protecting puppies against infectious diseases by training their immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens.
Do Vaccines Cause Virus Infection in Dogs?
Just like in humans, the viruses or bacteria used in vaccines for dogs are mostly inactivated or killed forms, which generally do not cause disease.
Vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system without causing the actual illness. The pathogens in vaccines are either dead or weakened so they cannot replicate and cause infection. This ensures that vaccinated dogs develop immunity safely.
Scientific studies have shown that modified-live virus vaccines in dogs do not cause clinical disease. For example, in safety tests, dogs given high doses of vaccines showed no adverse clinical signs or virus shedding indicating infection. Only vaccinated antibodies were detected, indicating a strong immune response without infection.
In conclusion, vaccines used in dogs, similar to those in humans, do not cause the vaccinated animal to become infected with the virus or bacteria contained in the vaccine. They are safe and effective tools to protect dogs from infectious diseases.
What Behaviors Do Dogs Exhibit After Vaccination?
After receiving vaccinations, dogs often display certain behavioral changes, with many becoming a bit quieter than usual, especially on the first day. This is primarily because their immune system is actively responding to the vaccine.
It is common for dogs to appear lethargic or fatigued post-vaccination. This lethargy occurs as the body diverts energy to build the immune response triggered by the vaccine. Additionally, some dogs may have a mild fever or feel slightly uncomfortable, which can further contribute to decreased activity and quietness.
Other typical reactions include a temporary decrease in appetite, and sometimes mild soreness or sensitivity at the injection site. These symptoms generally resolve within a day or two and are considered a normal part of the vaccination process.
Behavioral changes vary between individual dogs due to differences in immune sensitivity, vaccine components, and the stress or anxiety associated with the veterinary visit itself. Puppies often show more pronounced changes because their immune systems are still developing.
While mild behavioral changes are expected and temporary, pet owners should monitor their dogs after vaccination. If signs such as severe lethargy, prolonged changes, allergic reactions (like swelling or difficulty breathing), or unusual behavior occur, consulting a veterinarian promptly is important.
What Should Pet Owners Do After Vaccination?
After your puppy receives a vaccination, it is essential to ensure they get plenty of rest. During this time, their immune system is working harder than usual to build protection against diseases.
Providing a calm and comfortable environment helps support their recovery and overall well-being. Make sure your puppy has a quiet place to relax and avoid any strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or prolonged discomfort, consult your veterinarian promptly for advice and care.
Risks of Vaccinating Dogs
Vaccinating your dog comes with some potential risks, but these are generally very low compared to the benefits of preventing life-threatening diseases. The most common complications after vaccination include swelling of the tissue around the injection site, mild illnesses such as fever, lethargy, and soreness, as well as allergic reactions to the vaccine.
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, modern vaccines are highly refined and safe, making serious adverse reactions exceedingly rare. However, failing to vaccinate your dog significantly increases its risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases.
Common Side Effects
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness at the vaccine injection site.
- Mild symptoms like low-grade fever, sleepiness, and muscle soreness.
- Small firm lumps at the injection site that typically resolve within two weeks.
Severe But Rare Reactions
In rare cases, dogs may experience more serious allergic reactions shortly after vaccination, including:
- Swelling of the face, muzzle, or eyes.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Hives or itchy bumps over the body.
- Difficulty breathing or collapse.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is critical to seek veterinary care immediately as they can be life-threatening.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
If your dog does not return to normal behavior within 24 hours after vaccination, or if symptoms worsen or last longer than a day, consult your veterinarian promptly for advice.
Overall, the protective benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the minimal risks of adverse effects. Keeping your dog vaccinated is one of the best ways to safeguard its health and longevity.
Vaccination Plan for Your Puppy
You must complete an appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy, as vaccinating your dog is one of the most important preventive healthcare measures you can take.
Once you bring your puppy home, be sure to consult your veterinarian to understand the vaccination requirements and ensure your puppy receives the right vaccines at the proper times.
In summary, vaccination is a reliable method of disease prevention. It helps protect against contagious illnesses and even potentially fatal diseases.
Some vaccines are mandatory, while others are recommended. It is essential to plan a proper vaccination timetable for your dog to keep them protected and healthy.
