Dog distemper vaccination schedule: vaccination calendar

What is canine distemper in dogs?

An infectious (viral) disease - canine distemper - can occur in three forms. The most dangerous is the hyperacute form; the disease is also divided into subacute and acute. In an animal, the infection causes disruption of the intestines, stomach and nervous system. Distemper can cause fever, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin exanthema.

Individuals with weak immunity are susceptible to the disease, primarily puppies - their immunity has not yet been formed. The greatest risk of contracting distemper is in German shepherds, Chinese crested dogs, bull terriers, huskies, Pekingese, collies, pugs and lapdogs. Veterinarians have noticed that resistance to plague appears in terriers and mongrel dogs. The disease has no seasonality; it can appear at any time of the year.

Plague of carnivores has been known since the domestication of animals, and is widespread everywhere.

Types of plague

Based on the nature of the course, the following types of disease are distinguished:

• acute - the most common type of disease;
• ultra-fast - with this type of disease the animal unfortunately dies after 2-3 days;
• lightning - death occurs instantly, leaving no chance of providing any help;
• chronic - the disease becomes chronic and may not respond to treatment for some time;
• nervous - affects the nervous system, which can lead to paralysis of the limbs;
• abortive is the most, so to speak, harmless type of disease; the dog recovers 2-3 days after infection.

This is a general characteristic of distemper, which reflects its characteristics and the seriousness of the possible danger to the life and health of your pet. All these symptoms are pronounced and difficult to miss; at the first signs of illness, immediately contact your veterinarian for help.

Effectiveness of vaccination

Modern veterinary medicine does not guarantee complete protection against the disease, even if vaccinated. However, it reduces the risk. The canine distemper vaccine only “teaches” the body to resist the virus. Further fight against the disease depends on the animal’s immunity. Veterinarians can definitely say that a vaccinated animal tolerates distemper much easier and recovers faster.

How the plague vaccine works

After vaccination, dogs' bodies develop immunity. Vaccination provides increased protection against infection. In other words, after vaccination, the animal’s body independently searches for areas with weakened infectious agents and begins to secrete antibodies, which in turn subsequently neutralize the virus. When confronted with the causative agent of plague, the immune system will not allow the development of the disease.

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There are several types of vaccines:

• monovalent - they contain antigens of one disease;

• polyvalent form immunity that resists several pathologies. Recommended for adult dogs.

Vaccination schedule

According to the vaccination schedule, the first vaccination is given to the puppy one and a half to two months after birth. Immediately after birth, the puppy’s blood contains antibodies that enter the blood through the placenta or through the mother’s milk. They are enough to protect a newly born dog from infections and diseases, but after a month and a half their effect ends, which means the mother’s protection weakens.

You should not get vaccinated before 1.5-2 months, as the immune response may not form. Puppies receive their first vaccination at six to ten weeks of age.

Approximate disease prevention scheme:

1. The first vaccination against distemper, enteritis, parainfluenza, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis is given at 8-10 weeks of the dog’s life, the second after 21-28 days, revaccinated at 1 year
2. Rabies is first vaccinated at 12-13 weeks of life, a second vaccination is not given, revaccination is carried out annually.
3. Against diseases such as trichophytosis and microsporia, the dog is initially vaccinated at 1-6 months, the second vaccination is given after 10-14 days, and revaccination is given annually.
4. Revaccination is recommended to be done after the dog’s baby teeth have been replaced.

Veterinarians suggest vaccinating puppies of different breeds at the following ages:

• alabai – age 2.4 months, then a year;
• Shepherd, Yorkie – 3.4 months, one year;
• toy terrier, sharpei – 2, 6 months, year;
• Spitz, dachshund, spaniel - at 6, 10 and 12 weeks, a year;
• Labrador, husky, chihuahua – 8, 12 weeks, one year;
• French bulldog – 10 weeks, 7 months, the third vaccination is given per year.

Biology of the pathogen and epidemiological data

The causative agent of canine plague is an RNA virus belonging to the genus Morbilliviruses (family of Paramyxoviruses). This group also includes human measles viruses and rinderpest viruses. There are two viral proteins H and F on the surface of the chemical compound.

Protein H (hemagglutinin) with a molecular weight of 76 kDa performs the function of attachment to the so-called target cell. The protein has good variability, making it easily attached to different tissues.

The F (fusion) protein with a molecular weight of 62 kDa is responsible for the fusion of the affected cell and the virus, as well as the further spread of infected cells in the body.

It is noteworthy that the virus is resistant to external factors, especially in dried or frozen form. In this form, it can be active for 3-4 months. But if the environment is heated to 56°, then within 1.5 hours it will die. At 37-40°, the elimination of the virus occurs after 15 days. A 1% formaldehyde solution helps get rid of it in just 3 hours. A 2% NaOH solution can kill the disease in just 1 hour.

Types of drugs for vaccinations

The vaccine is often administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously. After the vaccine is administered, immunity will develop within 3-4 weeks. There are many drugs for vaccination, both domestic and foreign:

1. Nubivak DHP – forms protection against plague, viral hepatitis and parvovirus enteritis.
2. Nubivak DHPPi is a “live” polyvaccine.
3. Nubivak PuppyDP is also a dry “live” vaccine. Suitable for vaccination of puppies from one month of age.
4. Biovac - 1000 rubles and more, domestic vaccine (can be given at home).
5. Hexadog – protects the pet from damage by parvovirus and adenovirus.
6. Eurican.
7. Multikan - 1000 rubles and above, domestic vaccine (can be administered at home).
8. Duramun Max 5/4L – forms immunity against parainfluenza, hepatitis, enteritis and plague.

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The cost of the drug Nubivak can reach up to 1,500 rubles. All prices are approximate and will vary depending on the region of residence and whether the vaccination is given at home or at a veterinarian.

Sometimes owners do not have the funds to purchase expensive vaccines for their pet. You can save money and purchase a domestic complex vaccine or drugs intended to prevent only certain diseases, but this will not reduce the cost much.

Administering a vaccine dose is a simple process, but requires certain skills. Vaccinations can be administered free of charge at state veterinary clinics. In this case, you need to be prepared to stand in a decent line or wait until the veterinarian is “at lunch.”

Free vaccination of dogs is carried out exclusively against rabies. This is done because the disease is transmitted to humans. Secondly, most often this service is provided free of charge only in those areas that are considered distressed in terms of the spread of a particular disease. It is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain a full range of vaccinations, which will include a vaccine against canine distemper.

But we still shouldn’t forget about such public clinics. They often do not have high service level, but there are also no markups “for consultation”, “for service”, etc. Payment is made exclusively for vaccination, and in most cases you will be offered the most effective and affordable drug. Thus, even if you do not get completely free vaccinations for your dog, you will save a lot of money.

Main stage

During immunization, the rules of asepsis and antiseptics are observed. Use gloves to protect the skin of your hands from possible contact with the product. They put a muzzle on the animal; if it is aggressive, they call a second person to help, who will secure the dog for the duration of the injection. The bottle of medicine is taken out of the refrigerator in advance and kept until a comfortable temperature is reached.

Next, follow the following sequence:

• preparing the composition. For example, the rabies vaccine is available in two derivatives. Before the injection, mix the liquid component with the dry substance to obtain a single dose of the drug. First, the liquid substance is drawn into the syringe, having previously treated the cap with alcohol, then the needle is inserted through the cap into the bottle with the dry component, waiting for complete dissolution and homogeneity of the liquid;
• draw the injection suspension into a syringe, it is advisable to take a new syringe;
• get rid of air. You can do it like this. You will need to take the syringe vertically, press the plunger until liquid flows out of the spout, you can tap the syringe a little, then the bubbles will concentrate together and it will be easier to remove them;
• fix the dog, spread the fur on the withers, wipe the skin with an alcohol solution;
• pull back the skin at the withers, insert a needle 1.5 cm;
• The dog is vaccinated subcutaneously; if administered correctly, the pet will not feel pain. Some drugs are administered intramuscularly, and not at the withers. In such cases, you will need to determine the muscle, having first checked the information with veterinarians, or, in extreme cases, on the Internet;
• knead the injection area, treat again with alcohol;
• stick labels from the bottle into a notebook and indicate the date of re-vaccination;
• Dispose of the vials and the remaining substance.

Further caring for the dog comes down to monitoring its behavior. Severe reactions may appear in the first hour after the injection. Breathing problems, increased swelling, and anxiety will require going to the clinic and using medications.

Preparing for vaccination

Only healthy animals are allowed to be vaccinated. Before vaccination, a specialist conducts a comprehensive examination of the dog’s condition. The examination includes measuring body temperature and drawing blood for analysis. And only after the veterinarian is convinced that there are no contraindications, immunization is performed.

Vaccination is not carried out during the change of teeth. The vaccination is given either before or after the complete replacement of baby teeth.

A recent infection is also a contraindication. In this case, immunization is postponed to another time, when the four-legged friend is completely healthy.

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Two weeks before vaccination, the animal must be dewormed. For this purpose, special anthelmintics are used in tablets; there are also emulsions for puppies and adults, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy, clinic, or pet store in any city. At the same time, dogs are treated against ectoparasites with insecticidal and acaricidal agents (for example, Bars Forte, Dana, Advocate).

Condition after the vaccine

After vaccination is carried out, the owner needs to monitor the condition of the pet. We need to pay more attention to his habits and well-being. In most cases, vaccinations against plague and other infectious diseases are safe, but there are deviations.

After vaccination against canine distemper, it is very important to keep your pet in quarantine for 10-15 days - during this time immunity is developed. You cannot walk with the puppy at this time; you should also limit contact with relatives, especially with stray dogs, birds and rodents.

Adverse reactions to the vaccine may include:

• loss of interest in the surrounding life, loss of strength and grumpiness;
• lack of physical activity;
• allergic rash;
• blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes;
• elevated temperature;
• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting.

In the days after vaccination, the pet will be very susceptible, so it is worth protecting it from stress, avoiding hypothermia and intense physical activity. If you have any alarming symptoms, you should immediately take your dog to the veterinary clinic for an appointment with a veterinarian.

Symptoms

Take a closer look at your pet if:

• during the day he looks tired and lethargic;
• suddenly began to eat poorly;
• vomited;
• The dog's nose is leaking and his eyes are watering;
• the dog avoids sunlight, hides from bright rays, as if it hurts his eyes;
• dizziness is observed (temporary symptom);
• the dog feels like he is being chased (temporary symptom);
• diarrhea (stools are dark in color and have a strong unpleasant odor).

Signs of a virus taking root in the body may include the appearance of pustules on the skin, inflammation on the nose and mouth. A week after infection, discharge from the eyes and nose intensifies, the dog’s temperature rises to 39-40 ° C, chills and a dry cough appear. In this case, the animal often experiences severe thirst. The nose is usually dry during this period.

The main symptoms of plague, which has spread throughout the body, are nervous tics, and in some cases, paralysis of the limbs. The presence of these signs indicates one thing: the virus has penetrated the brain and spinal cord.

It would seem that the symptoms are quite clear, but in the early stages it is not so easy to identify a serious disease. In order not to miss the situation, assess the condition of your pet as a whole. So, if at the same time he has diarrhea, discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing and chills, it is most likely distemper. It is recommended to be especially vigilant if the dog is exposed to a pathogenic environment or has had contact with a sick or already ill animal.