Our Pets Network: Dogs - Canine Vaccinations

Vaccinations

I cannot stress the importance of vaccinating your pet as soon as possible. Parvo, distemper and all of the other diseases are deadly and if your dog were to become infected with these viruses they will endure pain and possibly death. The treatment for some of these diseases can be very expensive, so it is well worth the cost of a vaccination to prevent the heartbreak and expense that can go along with these illnesses. Before weaning, puppies receive immunity from certain diseases from their mother if she has been vaccinated. After they are eating on their own, and off of the mother, they need to be vaccinated immediately. Young pups are susceptible to sickness since their immunity is low. Parvo is deadly to a young pup and it is heartbreaking to see them hanging on by a thread, struggling to live. Below is a vaccination schedule for pups.

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Description of Vaccinations

DM: Canine distemper-Measles
DA2PP: Canine Distemper, Canine adenovirus type 2, Canine parainfluenza, Canine parvovirus
Da2PPL: same as above with the addition of Canine leptospirosis

Canine distemper: A widespread often fatal disease.
Canine adenovirus: Can cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection.
Canine parainfluenza: one of the causes of canine cough. Usually a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, it can be deadly in puppies or debilitated dogs.
Canine parvovirus: This disease may cause severe diarrhea and vomiting that will dehydrate your dog quickly. It is very dangerous to younger dogs.
Canine leptospirosis: A bacterial infection which may cause permanent kidney damage. This disease can spread easily to other pets and even humans.
Canine Coronavirus: Similar to Canine parvovirus but usually not as fatal. Symptoms include dehydrating vomiting and diarrhea leading to a lengthy hospital stay. Puppies and older dogs are especially in danger of this disease.
Rabies: This virus will attack the brain and central nervous system and is almost always fatal. Transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

It is common for puppies and kittens to have worms so a worming is recommended with the first vaccinations. A basic wormer is usually given, one that takes care of roundworms and hookworms. A fecal is usually recommended on a yearly basis to prevent infestation.

If your dog is in an area in which he is exposed to ticks it is recommended that they receive the Lyme vaccination. This shot is given at 4 months or older and must be repeated in 3-4 weeks and then once yearly. Any species of tick can carry the lyme disease.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) can be given at 9 weeks or older. This vaccinations is recommended when your pet is boarded or around other dogs. It is only needed once yearly and can be given at the time of boarding.