Vaccinations for puppies and dogs: what, when and at what age to vaccinate

The day has finally come when the long-awaited puppy appears in the house! In an instant, life became a little better, she was illuminated with new energy, fun and love. The only thing that overshadows this moment is concern for the life and health of a pet that is already beloved and dear to the heart.

In this regard, the relevant question is: “How to protect a puppy from possible diseases?” The answer is very simple - through vaccinations.

Necessity

The word “vaccination” means a special vaccine that is administered to an animal at certain periods of life and protects its body from the action of infectious agents.

The vaccine may contain live weakened or killed microorganisms. The introduction of these drugs reduces the risk of possible infection of the pet when encountering an infection, and in the event of a disease, it reduces the severity of complications. Therefore, vaccinating a dog is a top priority for any owner.

Primary vaccination and revaccination

The first vaccination for a baby is the most important. However, it is also the most difficult to tolerate. After vaccination, the puppy must be quarantined. Walking is out of the question; moreover, the pet must be provided with complete isolation - strangers and other pets should not approach it.

All this time, the owner must monitor the pet’s health and, if it worsens, immediately inform the veterinarian.

After 14 days, the dog is re-vaccinated with the same vaccine, aimed at strengthening immunity to the disease. This procedure is called “booster vaccination.” It is tolerated by the dog much more easily than the primary vaccination, so if the condition is satisfactory, you can walk the animal after three days.

How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine, due to the content of antigenic determinants, creates artificial acquired immunity in the animal's body.

In other words, the dog’s immune system recognizes a weakened infectious agent, produces antibodies and creates clones of protective cells that are capable of destroying it. In the future, when encountering an infectious agent, the pet’s immunity will quickly destroy it, preventing the manifestation of clinical symptoms.

What are the dangers of vaccination against coronavirus?

One of the most frequently asked questions by our patients is: what are the dangers of vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus? For healthy people without contraindications, the possibility of unwanted side effects, judging by the test results, is extremely small. The likelihood of developing dangerous consequences increases for several categories of patients.

Those who have been ill. If the body contains large quantities of IgG antibodies to the S-protein of the virus, then a person may develop a cytokine storm - a dangerous condition characterized by the rapid development of an inflammatory process, which can even lead to death. At the same time, the lack of antibodies does not create the necessary protection against re-infection. Therefore, people who have had an infection, even in a mild form, should do an IgG antibody test before vaccination.
People with medical contraindications. In some cases, the ban on immunization is temporary. So, if you get sick with ARVI, then after recovery you need to wait two weeks, after which you can get vaccinated. If you have a severe allergy, it is impossible to predict how the immune system will react to the components of the vaccine, so you should refrain from vaccination.
People with chronic diseases. If the disease is not currently aggravated, then the possibility of vaccination should be discussed with your doctor to avoid the risks of worsening the condition.

But even in the absence of contraindications, after the vaccine is administered, certain consequences of vaccination against coronavirus may appear. Some people experience a slight increase in temperature, chills, headache, muscle aches, and the injection site remains painful for one to two days. These unpleasant sensations usually disappear on their own. If these symptoms do not go away after three days, you should call your doctor. For temperatures above 39°C that do not go away for more than six hours, you must call an ambulance. Under the supervision of highly qualified specialists of Meditsina JSC, you do not have to worry about your health. Find out more on the services page.

Types of vaccines

There are live, attenuated (weakened) and non-live vaccines. “Dead” vaccines are not capable of causing disease even in a weakened dog, so they are considered safer. However, immunity from such a vaccine is less intense and persistent than when using a live vaccine.

In this regard, vaccinating a dog using weakened microorganisms is more preferable, but only in absolutely healthy animals.

Based on the number of infectious agent antigens used, a distinction is made between mono-vaccines (creating immunity against one pathogen) and complex vaccines (containing antigens of several infections at once).

A complex vaccine for dogs containing antigens of pathogens of the following diseases has become widespread:

canine distemper;
parvovirus enteritis;
infectious hepatitis;
parainfluenza;
leptospirosis.

Vaccination of dogs against rabies is usually carried out using a monovaccine.

What not to do after vaccinations: walking, swimming, etc.

Any baby experiences a time called an immune gap, lasting about 0.5 months. This is a transitional time between the cessation of the action of antibodies obtained from mother's milk and the formation of its own protective mechanism, launched by the first vaccination.

At this time, the likelihood of infection is very high. To eliminate it or significantly reduce it, you will have to comply with quarantine measures for 2 weeks, when you cannot:

walk the puppy outside;
have contact with foreign animals;
violate the volume of feeding to a greater or lesser extent;
overtire the baby with excessive loads;
carry out water procedures; You can wash the puppy only after the end of the 3-day period from the date of vaccination.

In addition, it is recommended not to overcool or overheat the baby, and to protect him from drafts and stuffy rooms.

There is a little trick for organizing a walk. If the puppy has a private house with a fenced area, he can play in the courtyard or garden in the fresh air a few days after the injection.

Walking around the city is also not strictly prohibited. It’s just very important not to walk through contaminated areas, avoid contact with other four-legged animals, and you need to pick up the baby in your arms to move to clean lawns.

In any case, it is the owner’s choice: to walk with the pet or not and when to do it. It is recommended to stay at home only because the puppy's immunity is weakened after vaccination. On the other hand, he needs to get acquainted with the street, learn to relieve his natural needs in nature, and socialize.

Which vaccine to choose

In Russia, the most widely used vaccines are those produced in the Netherlands (Nobivac) and France (Eurican); they are considered safer and more effective than their domestic counterparts.

Nobivac vaccine against rabies has received a large number of praises , since, unlike other drugs, it extremely rarely causes allergic reactions in animals due to the use of herbal remedies to obtain the pathogen antigen.

Other vaccines in the Nobivac series (Puppy DP, DHP, DHPPi) are positioned by many dog owners as potentially dangerous with the highest risk of developing allergies, including anaphylactic shock. Despite this significant drawback, vaccinating dogs with these drugs is very popular and demonstrates a high level of reliability in the development of stable immunity.

Some imported drugs and their domestic analogues can also be used to vaccinate an animal:

“Multikan”, “Biovac”, “Polivak- (made in Russia);
“Hexadog” (made in the USA - France), “Duramune” (USA), “Vanguard” (Belgium), “Primodog” (France).

As a rule, the above-mentioned products are characterized by an average level of safety and effectiveness, but are more affordable.

How does dog immunity work?

Whether to vaccinate your animal - today in Russia this question is decided only by the pet owner. There are cases where a dog without vaccination has pleased its owners with good health for many years, and sometimes a five-month-old puppy suddenly dies from an unknown infection. Dogs, like other warm-blooded animals, have two types of immunity: inherited (this is due to genetic characteristics) and acquired.

Inherited immunity is considered more durable because it develops in the natural environment and is passed on from generation to generation.

Acquired protection can develop in a pet in two ways: due to a previous infection or as a result of vaccination. This protection gives puppies active resistance to disease for a period of fifteen days to several years. For this reason, if you visit the veterinarian in advance, there will be no danger to her health from all kinds of diseases and infections.

Veterinary passport

An international veterinary passport is the most important document for a dog, without which long trips with a dog around the country, travel abroad, participation in exhibitions and breeding are impossible.

The most important points of a dog’s veterinary passport are:

vaccination against rabies and other infectious animal diseases;
flea and tick treatment;
deworming;
reproduction.

The document also contains information about the owner of the animal, identification (in the case of implantation of an electronic chip) and some characteristics of the dog, in particular gender, color and special features.

And if there are complications: what is normal and what is pathological?

Any vaccination weakens the living organism; for several days the animals feel lethargic and weak. Dogs have to endure the very first immunization with great effort. The following symptoms may appear:

the temperature rises briefly, not higher than 39°C;
the injection site hurts and swells;
the puppy refuses food once;
one-time vomiting and diarrhea;
the baby is lethargic, feels unwell, sleeps a lot, gets tired quickly, and does not want to play.

The occurrence of such accompanying phenomena is normal. There is no need to be afraid of this.

You should seek help from a veterinarian if your puppy exhibits the following complications:

40-degree temperature that does not subside for more than 2 days;
the baby refuses to eat for 24 hours;
The puppy has been vomiting for more than a day or has frequent loose stools;
the puppy has a profuse nosebleed, increased lacrimation and salivation;
convulsive manifestations.

All of these are pathological phenomena that require urgent medical attention from a veterinarian.

Like any medicine, serum is allergenic. Allergies are indicated by:

dyspnea;
itchy injection site;
blue mucous membrane;
skin rashes;
redness;
puppy's sleepy state.

It is recommended to do the vaccination at home or stay at the clinic for about half an hour. During this time, allergic reactions to the vaccine will manifest themselves. If negative phenomena occur, the veterinarian will be able to provide the necessary assistance.

When should you give your puppy his first vaccinations?

The responsibility for administering the puppy's first vaccination falls on the shoulders of the conscientious breeder. If the mandatory vaccinations were not completed before the sale, this hassle falls on the new owners, who have to worry about when to give the puppy the first vaccination.

Puppy vaccination is carried out at the age of 8-10 weeks. As a rule, vaccination of a puppy at 2 months involves the use of vaccines against all major canine diseases, except rabies. The first rabies vaccination is given to the dog only after three weeks. At the same time, the puppy is given a second vaccination using complex vaccines against infectious diseases.

How to prepare a puppy for its first vaccination

Before the puppy’s first vaccination, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to both the choice of vaccine (decide with the manufacturer, check the expiration date and storage conditions) and the preparation of the patient himself.

It is unacceptable to vaccinate an animal if it is already infected or affected by parasites.

Two weeks before vaccination, the puppy should be dewormed and monitored for parasites in the feces. To treat puppies against parasites, it is recommended to use drugs in the form of a suspension.

It is recommended to vaccinate the puppy on an empty stomach in the morning. If this event is scheduled for the afternoon, you can feed the dog 2-3 hours before vaccination.

Preparing and deworming your dog before vaccination

Before each vaccination, the dog must undergo a veterinary examination by a doctor. The animal must be completely healthy.
Seven to ten days before vaccination, deworm your dog (get rid of worms). An untreated pet can be vaccinated, but it is not advisable. Without treatment, vaccine side effects are more likely to occur. Your veterinarian will tell you how to worm your dog before vaccination and what medications to use for deworming. But you can carry out the procedure yourself by reading the article or consulting a doctor at the clinic.
Small puppies should not be walked before the first vaccination, and if you are impatient to do this, then carry the puppy in your arms for a short time.

Vaccinations against major diseases

Rabies

Rabies is a dangerous viral disease that affects warm-blooded animals and humans. Infection is possible when the virus penetrates through damaged skin or mucous membranes, as well as through the nutritional route (the pathogen penetrates through the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with contaminated meat). The mortality rate from rabies is 100%. The disease cannot be cured.

A puppy's rabies vaccination is mandatory. It is carried out 3-4 weeks after the first vaccination with revaccination once a year. The drugs used are Nobivac Rabies, Rabisin-R, Defensor 3, Rabican (strain Shchelkovo-51).

Parvovirus enteritis

Parvovirus enteritis is one of the most common infectious diseases of carnivores. It is highly contagious, with a mortality rate reaching 80%. The disease occurs in an extremely severe form, especially among puppies under six months of age, and is accompanied by profuse vomiting, myocarditis, and severe dehydration.

Vaccination against enteritis is carried out at the age of 8 weeks and, as a rule, is part of a complex vaccination (Nobivac DHPPi). In some cases, mono-vaccines can be used for vaccination: Biovac-P, Primodog, Nobivac Parvo-C.

Carnivore plague

Carnivore plague has been known since the mid-18th century. Despite the emergence of modern methods of prevention and treatment, mortality rates range from 60 to 85%. Distemper is an infectious disease of viral etiology.

The following manifestations are observed in the clinic: fever, pneumonia, inflammation in the mucous membranes of internal organs, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.

Specific prevention of canine distemper is vaccination. The first vaccination is given at 2 months as part of a comprehensive vaccination for dogs.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection with a high mortality rate (up to 90%). The source of infection is a warm-blooded animal (rodents, commercial and domestic animals). Infection occurs through damaged skin and mucous membranes, as well as through nutrition.

The disease is characterized by damage to the intima of small vessels, acute intoxication of the body and, as a result, disruption of the functioning of vital organs.

Vaccination of puppies at 2 months of age necessarily includes vaccination against leptospirosis. Antigenic determinants of the pathogen are included in all common complex vaccines. In exceptional cases, a monovaccine can be used: “Nobivac Lepto”, “Biovac-L”.

Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the dog's upper respiratory tract. Airborne transmission is typical. Mostly unvaccinated puppies under the age of 1 year get sick. The mortality rate is low: the disease is successfully treated and ends with complete recovery, in rare cases - viral carriage.

A polyvalent vaccine is used to vaccinate puppies against parainfluenza. Complex vaccination “Eurican DHPPI2-L” and “Nobivac DHPPi+L” (containing antigenic determinants of pathogens of plague, hepatitis, enteritis, parainfluenza and leptospirosis) is given at the age of 8 and 12 weeks.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a classic naturally occurring obligate transmissible borreliosis. The causative agents are bacteria of the genus Borrelia, ecologically associated with some species of ticks of the genus Ixodes (Ixodes). Infection of ticks with Borrelia in some regions of Russia reaches 20%.

Dogs vary in their individual sensitivity to Borrelia. In this case, the disease can be asymptomatic (in 10% of pets) or with full-blown clinical symptoms affecting internal organs and the musculoskeletal system.

Tick vaccination for dogs is not mandatory, but its use is necessary if living in an area where Lyme borreliosis is endemic.

Coronavirus infection

The causative agent of coronavirus infection is viruses of the Coronaviridae family, which infect the cells of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. As a rule, the disease is asymptomatic and does not pose a significant danger to the pet.

Vaccination against this disease is not included in the standard vaccination schedule for dogs. At the request of the owner, vaccination can be given in case of a high risk of infection with parvovirus enteritis, which is explained by their mutual aggravating effect on the course of the disease.

Upon completion of vaccination

A newly vaccinated puppy is still as vulnerable as he was months before the vaccination - something to keep in mind when picking up your pet from the vet after vaccination is complete. For the vaccine to work and for immunity to begin to form, at least two weeks must pass. Since the pet needs special conditions for “recovery” after vaccination, it should be quarantined for the specified 14 days to protect it and other animals (if any) from the epidemic.

If possible, keep the vaccinated puppy in a separate room for the first two weeks.

If the dog is an adult and has already undergone the vaccination procedure, it will be subject to the same quarantine rules as puppies, only in a milder version.

In addition to quarantine, there are the following requirements for caring for a dog after vaccination:

Avoid overheating or hypothermia of the animal. Temperature changes may negatively affect the effect of the drug;
Do not bathe your pet to avoid getting the vaccine wet. If the animal gets dirty for any reason, use a dampened towel to get rid of the contamination without contacting the area of skin through which the vaccine was administered;
Bathing your pet in the first weeks after vaccination is not recommended due to the risk of hypothermia
Put off walking. If vaccinations are being done for the first time, it is strictly forbidden to take the dog outside during quarantine. If vaccinations are given to an adult dog that has been vaccinated, short walks are allowed that are not accompanied by contact with other animals;
During walks and indoor games, avoid overtiring the animal, since due to vaccination its energy reserves are already reduced, although the pet may not feel it;
Pets exploring their owner's shoes can end badly
Eliminate the possibility of your pet coming into contact with potentially infected things. Such things may include animals’ favorite shoes, rugs at the front door, on which sometimes there are a lot of infections invisible to the human eye;
For two weeks, pay increased attention to cleanliness in your home. A floor washed with a solution of potassium permanganate will reduce the likelihood of a puppy becoming infected at home to a minimum;

Traveling with a newly vaccinated pet has a number of nuances

If you want to take your dog abroad after vaccination, then this can be done no earlier than a month later (this rule applies to rabies vaccination).

Basic rules for dog vaccination

Vaccination is a serious stress for the dog’s body, so it is necessary to minimize the risks of possible complications.

This becomes possible by following the basic rules of vaccination:

Vaccination is possible only for healthy dogs;
preliminary deworming, flea and tick treatment two weeks in advance;
vaccination in advance of the intended mating (2-3 months).

Also, when vaccinating, you must adhere to the following basic principles:

Vaccinations for dogs are carried out strictly according to age;
It is not recommended to vaccinate puppies before 8 weeks of age due to the high activity of maternal antibodies;
vaccination is carried out using routine vaccinations according to the dog vaccination schedule;
Annual vaccination of dogs is carried out in order to maintain strong immunity;
The vaccination program includes: mandatory vaccinations (rabies, enteritis, canine distemper, parainfluenza and leptospirosis) and vaccinations in endemic areas (Lyme disease, coronavirus enteritis).

What to do after vaccination

After the four-legged animal has been vaccinated, quarantine is required for up to 2 weeks. Basic rules:

complete lack of communication with other relatives;
the diet must contain the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins;
calm and quiet environment, comfortable living conditions (no drafts, hypothermia/overheating, etc.);
refrain from any bathing, do not wash your pet or wet the injection site for 3–4 days;
play and run as little as possible, avoid excessive activity.

Vaccination schedule

The classic option for puppy vaccination is vaccination from eight weeks of age. In this case, a complex vaccine is given at 2 months, and after 21 days a revaccination is performed. At the same time, they are vaccinated against rabies. After the final change of teeth, a comprehensive vaccination is given. Next, the dog is revaccinated once a year with a polyvalent vaccine and a monovalent rabies vaccine.

Along with the classic option, an alternative vaccination schedule for puppies is possible. In this case, the baby is vaccinated from a very early age - 4 weeks using a special vaccine for puppies (Nobivac Puppy) against canine distemper and parvovirus enteritis. At 8-10 weeks a complex vaccination is given. Next, the classic scheme is repeated.

It should be remembered that only an experienced veterinarian, taking into account the current condition of the pet, should decide on the answers to the questions: “When should a puppy have vaccinations?”, “What vaccinations should a puppy have at the moment?” and “Which vaccination regimen is appropriate for a particular patient?”

Injections for adult dogs

Adult four-legged pets are re-vaccinated once a year. It is important that the animal is not vaccinated earlier. If you don’t know anything about vaccinating an animal, then the first injection should be done immediately after purchase, and revaccination should be done 3 to 4 weeks after the first. Sometimes veterinarians advise first checking the level of antibodies in the blood, but this procedure is very expensive and cannot be done in all clinics.

If the animal was vaccinated when it was a puppy, the vaccine is given once a year. But there are veterinarians who, contrary to the instructions, advise re-vaccination every 3 years to reduce the load on the immune system.

Answers to common questions

To summarize, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about vaccination.

What vaccinations does a puppy need? — The puppy must be vaccinated against the main infectious diseases of dogs: rabies, leptospirosis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, canine distemper. If desired, for Lyme disease and coronavirus infection.
What vaccinations does an adult dog need? — An adult dog must be vaccinated against the same diseases as a puppy.
At what age are puppies vaccinated? - Depending on the chosen vaccination regimen - in 4-6 or 8-12 weeks.
When should an adult dog be vaccinated? — Starting from the age of one year, distemper vaccinations for dogs and complex vaccinations are given once a year.
What vaccinations does a puppy need to have before the age of 1 year? — According to the classical scheme, within 1 year the dog will be given: 3 polyvalent vaccines, 2 rabies vaccines. According to an alternative scheme - 1 vaccine for puppies, 3 complex vaccines, 2 rabies vaccines.
What vaccinations are required? — Vaccination against rabies, leptospirosis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and canine distemper is required.
How much do puppy vaccinations cost? — The Nobivac Puppy vaccine costs an average of 300 rubles per dose.
How much does it cost to vaccinate a dog? — One trip to the veterinary clinic for vaccination will cost 900-1000 rubles in the regions, 1100-1300 in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Vaccination of a beloved dog is an important stage in the life of any owner. Even before purchasing a puppy, you should worry about how to fully protect its life. We should also not forget that when taking home a little bundle of life, you have to take on full responsibility and numerous difficulties. Fortunately, to this day the phrase of A. Exupery remains extremely relevant: “We are responsible for those we have tamed.”

Summarize

Before any procedure, you need to make sure your pet is in complete health. Be sure to pay attention to his appetite and behavior. Don’t forget what vaccinations a dog needs at a certain age, follow the schedule. Be attentive to even minor manifestations of deviations, as this can save the dog. And don’t forget that there is no vaccine that will provide one hundred percent protection. Only high-quality nutrition, vitamins, sufficient physical activity, your care and endless love will help ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend.

In what cases can vaccination be harmful?

Vaccination is the introduction of a weakened or killed virus into the body. For immunity to develop, the pet must be strong and completely healthy. Otherwise, the defense mechanism will not cope with the enemy’s bodies, and the puppy will get sick from what it was vaccinated against.

To avoid this situation, it is forbidden to inject:
weakened and sick dogs;
puppies that have been in contact with potentially sick animals;
an expired vaccine or a drug that was improperly stored and transported - in the sun, in a warm room;
if there is a suspicion that the kitten is already infected;
after a course of antibiotic therapy - you can give an injection only after 2 weeks;
before and after any operations.

When there is a suspicion of any disease, including the one for which the vaccine is given, blood and urine tests are taken. This will rule out or confirm the presence of the virus in the body even before the first symptoms appear.