What vaccinations do dogs need and at what age?

If a dog appears in the family, you need to think not only about nutrition and care, but also about the health of the pet. While walking on the street, she can become infected with dangerous infections transmitted in different ways.

Pathogens can be brought into the home on clothing or the soles of shoes. Timely vaccination according to the calendar will help protect your dog from various diseases.

In the article we will look at the importance of vaccinations for dogs, what diseases they protect against, types of drugs and vaccination schedules, contraindications.

Dog vaccination rules

Protective antibodies obtained from mother's milk remain in the puppies' bodies for up to 1.5 months. Gradually, the natural immune defense begins to weaken, so there is a need for vaccination, which forms the body’s artificial defense against various types of infections.

Dogs are vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule, starting at two months of age. Vaccinations are done according to certain rules. Before the procedure, the dog must be properly prepared, which will eliminate side effects and other undesirable consequences of vaccination.

How to prepare your dog for the procedure

Vaccination is carried out only for healthy animals. Before vaccination, the veterinarian must examine the dog and give permission for this procedure.

Preparing the dog:

1. 2 weeks before vaccination it is necessary to carry out antiparasitic treatment, including deworming.
2. Measure the dog's body temperature daily for 7 days before vaccination.
3. Avoid contact with other animals for several days before the procedure.

The owner must monitor the dog's condition, provide adequate nutrition and control stool. If certain signs of illness are detected, you should contact your veterinarian and explain in detail what signs are suspicious. The doctor will conduct a follow-up examination and take tests if necessary. If the animal's unhealthy condition is confirmed, vaccination will be postponed until the dog has fully recovered.

Caring for your pet after vaccination

After vaccination, it is necessary to follow some recommendations from care professionals.

What do we have to do:

1. Limit contact with other animals.
2. Provide the dog with good nutrition and rest.
3. On the day after vaccination, any physical activity and bath procedures are contraindicated.

Detailed recommendations for caring for your dog after the immunization procedure are provided by the attending veterinarian.

How to properly prepare a puppy?

They begin to prepare the kitten for vaccination a couple of weeks in advance.

Activities include:

• one-time flea and tick treatment – ​​10 days;
• deworming - also done 10 days in advance (if the puppy is infected with parasites, do it twice, if not - once);
• excluding excessive physical exertion, stress, overwork - 3 weeks before the procedure.

It is not advisable to feed the puppy on the day of vaccination. If the clinic visit is scheduled for the evening, you can give some dry food or low-calorie natural food.

It is necessary to deworm and carry out antiparasitic treatment before each vaccination - for both puppies and adult dogs.

Types of vaccines

Dogs are given two types of vaccinations - live with a weakened virus and non-live. Based on the number of antigens, vaccines are divided into monovalent and polyvalent. The first contain antigens of one disease. The latter form immunity to several infections at once.

Veterinary clinics will offer the owner vaccines of imported and domestic production. Most experts give preference to foreign drugs that show high efficiency. The cost of such vaccines is somewhat more expensive than their domestic counterparts.

What is a vaccine and why is it needed?

This is a special kind of substance containing a weakened or dead virus (or several viruses). After its administration, antibodies are produced that help the animal fight infection. Antibodies remain in the body, preventing new viruses from spreading and harming the dog’s health. The more antibodies and the greater their strength, the stronger the immune system, the less likely it is that any specific disease will occur.

If the dog’s body does not have the necessary antibodies, then when infected with the virus there will be no one to fight it. In this case, the dog will have a hard time suffering from the disease and may die.

In the first 2 months, the puppy is protected by innate immunity, which is formed with mother's milk. Later, he stops eating from his mother, the immune system weakens, so the dog needs to acquire new immunity. This is why vaccination is carried out.

What vaccinations are given to puppies up to one year old?

In the first year of life, the dog receives 5 mandatory vaccinations, followed by revaccination within strictly defined periods. At the request of the owner and the recommendation of the doctor, additional vaccinations against certain infections at risk for a particular animal can be given.

Vaccination schedule for puppies

The most dangerous diseases for dogs are rabies, distemper, parovirus enteritis, leptospirosis, enteritis, parainfluenza and viral hepatitis. Most of these diseases are difficult to tolerate and can lead to the death of the animal. Some infections are also dangerous for humans. For example, rabies and leptospirosis, which affects the liver, kidneys and stomach.

Timing of vaccination for dogs in the first year of life

From distemper, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, enteritis and parainfluenza Primary vaccination - 8-10 weeks Revaccination - 11-13 weeks Repeated vaccination - 6-7 months. and at 12 months.

Rabies Primary vaccination – 11-13 weeks

Additionally, the dog can be vaccinated against trichophytosis and microsporia. The recommended age for the planned procedure is 2-6 months of life, the second vaccination after 2 weeks. Revaccination – every year with an interval of 12 months.

When can you start vaccinating your puppy?

Ideally, if circumstances permit, it is advisable to keep the puppy breastfed for at least 8 weeks. In the early “milk” period, passive immunity is formed, which will protect it for 2–3 months, after which there will be a sharp decrease in the number of maternal antibodies transferred to the baby with milk.

It is not recommended to vaccinate a puppy before 8 weeks, since his immune system is not yet fully developed. The optimal period for the first vaccination is 8–12 weeks, when the number of antigens begins to rapidly decrease and the pet’s body becomes very susceptible to infections. In special cases, you can vaccinate a puppy at 4–6 weeks, but only according to indications, if the risks of contact with distemper and enteritis viruses are high.

Vaccination of adult dogs

Adult dogs are vaccinated against the same infections as small puppies. After primary vaccinations, the animal’s body has good protection against viruses for a certain period of time, but gradually it weakens, so revaccination is necessary.

Revaccination schedule for adult dogs

Against plague, parovirus enteritis and hepatitis Revaccination every 3 years

Coronavirus enteritis, microsporia, parainfluenza Annual revaccination with an interval of 12 months.

Leptospirosis Revaccination once every 12 months annually. According to indications, the terms may be reduced.

Vaccination calendar: vaccination of dogs against rabies

Rabies is a dangerous infectious disease that cannot be cured. If infected, the dog dies painfully. The disease also poses a threat to humans. To protect the whole family, be sure to vaccinate your pets against rabies according to the vaccination schedule.

Rabies vaccination and revaccination schedule for dogs

First rabies vaccination 12-13 months

Revaccination Every year with an interval of 12 months.

Vaccination with Eurican

In addition to Nobivak, there are other drugs with high preventive effectiveness against infectious diseases. The two-component vaccine Eurikan DHPPI2 from the French is presented in 2 modifications for subcutaneous injections.

• Eurican DHPPI2-L: contains a set of strains from pathologies of adenoviral nature, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza-2, parvovirosis.
• Eurican DHPPI2-LR - in addition to the above components, includes a rabies strain.

The drug contains a dry component and a suspension, which are mixed before direct injection. 2 bottles of the drug is one dose. The Eurikan vaccine for dogs is made on the basis of weakened strains of pathogens, which allow creating stable immunity for a period of 12 months. After the expiration date, the protection weakens and the animal needs revaccination. The drug cannot be used for medicinal purposes; it is aimed solely at prevention. It is not used on infected animals.

In addition to two-component vaccine options, the Eurican brand offers mono-drugs:

• Eurican Primo – for puppies, against canine parvovirus (CAG strain);
• Eurican Piro – from Babesia canis or Babesiosis (Piroplasmosis) of dogs – a blood parasitic disease (strain “BC15-19”);
• Eurikan Herpes – against the herpes virus (strain “F205”).

In addition to subcutaneous injection into the scapula area, the manufacturer recommends intramuscular injection into the thigh. Regardless of age, the dosage is 1 ml of the finished drug.

Where is it better to get vaccinated: at home or in a clinic?

You can vaccinate your dog at home or at a veterinary clinic. The main thing is to enter all the data about the procedure performed into the pet’s veterinary passport.

Features of vaccination at home and in the clinic:

1. Vaccination at home is easier for animals. In a familiar environment, the dog feels safe. In addition, you do not have to organize a trip to the clinic. You need to call an experienced veterinarian to your home. It is very important that he follows all vaccination rules and uses high-quality drugs for administration. The only drawback of this procedure is the additional costs associated with paying a specialist to visit your home.
2. Vaccination at the veterinary clinic is carried out as planned. You must make an appointment in advance. It is better to transport the dog to the clinic in a private car to avoid any contact on the street with other animals. The cost of the procedure is low.

The owner needs to think in advance which of these two options will be optimal for his pet.

What diseases can you protect your dog from?

Dogs can be vaccinated against more than 10 diseases. This list includes basic (mandatory) and additional (entered as necessary). On imported vaccines, the names of the diseases from which it protects are indicated as an abbreviation (the first letter of the Latin name).

Basic vaccination (+ explanation):

• D (Distemper) - plague of carnivores;
• H (Hepatitis infectiosa) - infectious hepatitis;
• P (Parvovirus enteritis) - parvovirus enteritis;
• PI (Parainfluenza) - parainfluenza;
• L (Leptospirosis)—leptospirosis;
• R (Rabies) - rabies.

Additional:

• Coronavirus enteritis;
• Dermatophytoses (trichopytosis, microsporia);
• Bordetellosis;
• Borreliosis;
• Piroplasmosis.

Imported vaccines are more popular among dog lovers. It is believed that they “break through” (i.e. the dog gets sick, despite the vaccination) less often than domestic ones.

Exceptions and contraindications

Dogs are vaccinated according to the vaccination calendar, but in some cases the procedure has to be postponed for a certain period. There are also some contraindications to vaccination of some animals. Let's take a closer look at this issue.

When not to vaccinate your dog:

1. The animal is sick.
2. Low immunity.
3. Vaccinations are not given to puppies under 2 months of age.
4. During the period of change of milk teeth.
5. Before mating (90 days quarantine after vaccination).
6. The dog was found to have an individual intolerance to the components included in the vaccine, which manifests itself as an allergic reaction.

Puppies growing up without a mother can receive their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks. This is due to a lack of natural immune protection, which the baby could not receive from mother's milk.

The timing of vaccination may change due to the epidemiological situation in the area. For example, if outbreaks of certain infections are recorded, the dog may be vaccinated ahead of schedule.

Possible complications: distinguishing normal from pathological

Animals' bodies weaken after any vaccination, and they feel lethargic for several days. The very first vaccination is especially difficult for dogs. Maybe:

• short-term increase in temperature to 39°C;
• painful swelling at the injection site;
• one-time refusal to eat;
• single vomiting and diarrhea;
• lethargy and malaise - the puppy will sleep a lot, get tired quickly, and refuse to play.

These are normal side effects. There is no need to be afraid of them.

You need to contact a veterinary hospital if your baby has:

• high temperature (40°C) that does not subside for a couple of days;
• lack of appetite - he does not eat for more than a day;
• prolonged diarrhea and vomiting – more than 1 day;
• copious discharge from the nose, eyes, drooling;
• convulsions.

This behavior is abnormal and requires urgent medical attention.

Like any drug, serum can cause allergies. It will cause shortness of breath, itching at the injection site, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, rash, redness, and drowsiness.

It is recommended to vaccinate at home or not leave the clinic for 15 to 30 minutes. Half an hour is the time during which an allergic reaction to the drug manifests itself.

If negative symptoms occur, the doctor will take the necessary measures.

Dog vaccinations: pros and cons

Vaccination of pets is carried out with the consent of the owner, so only he can decide whether to vaccinate the pet or not. According to veterinarians, it is unacceptable to refuse such a procedure. The risk of infection in unvaccinated animals is very high. Not only other dogs or rodents can be carriers of infection. Some diseases are transmitted by airborne droplets, entering the house along with dust particles, food, etc. By refusing vaccination, you are exposing the life and health of your dog to enormous risks. The diseases for which vaccinations are given cause serious complications, which can result in the painful death of the animal. To avoid dangerous consequences, you need to listen to the opinion of doctors and vaccinate your dog according to age.

Disadvantages of vaccination are possible complications that arise after the injection. The dog's body temperature may rise, loss of appetite, general condition worsen, vomiting and loose stools. If side effects are detected, the animal must be urgently shown to a specialist. The veterinarian will select treatment to eliminate adverse symptoms.

Complications of vaccination occur infrequently and are mainly due to improper preparation of the animal for the planned procedure or when using a low-quality vaccine. The doctor must examine the dog before giving the vaccination. To ensure everything goes smoothly, choose trusted veterinary clinics with a good reputation and qualified staff.

Should an old dog have vaccinations?

There is an opinion that after 8 years of age a dog does not need to be vaccinated. In fact, none of the instructions for the vaccine contain any restrictions related to the age of the animal. The only condition is that the animal must be clinically healthy. Therefore, the veterinarian has the right to postpone or cancel vaccination, taking into account the clinical condition of the animal, but not on the basis of great age. Without annual vaccination, your dog becomes vulnerable to infections, so the possible harm from vaccination is more than offset by the benefits of vaccination.

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Deworming: a mandatory stage of preparation for vaccination

Deworming is carried out two to three weeks before vaccination. It is advisable if the drug is recommended by a veterinarian.

Deworming will rid your puppy of dangerous parasites that can negatively affect the formation of an immune response.

To prevent nematodes in puppies, Dironet® Junior can be prescribed. It contains an immunomodulator that promotes the regeneration of intestinal tissue damaged by helminths. Dironet® Junior also does not reduce immunity, so the waiting period before vaccination is reduced.

Since the drug acts only in the intestines and does not enter the systemic bloodstream, it has minimal contraindications and can be given even to small puppies.

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.

6-8 weeks of age

In some cases, your puppy has already received some of the vaccines before you pick him up. Check with the people or organization you are getting your puppy from to confirm what vaccines your puppy received and when. This information is important to help your veterinarian better understand how to structure your dog's initial series of vaccinations, since all of these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of "primer" shots followed by "booster" shots.

What vaccines can a puppy receive:

1. DA2P (aka “Parvo” or “Distemper shot”) is the main combination vaccine (the first shot for a dog), protects against lethargy, adenovirus (canine infectious hepatitis) and parvovirus enteritis. This vaccine can be given as DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against parainfluenza (an important but "non-essential" vaccine).
2. Bordetella - A non-core initial vaccine may be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used (nasal, oral or injection).
3. The canine influenza virus (aka “canine flu”) is a minor virus. There are two different canine influenza vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of canine influenza. If necessary, dogs can receive this vaccine starting at 6 or 8 weeks, depending on which vaccine they receive. In any case, the vaccine should be given 2-4 or 3 weeks later, again depending on which vaccine they receive, for better protection.