Vaccinating your dog is a fundamental preventative measure that can protect your pet from serious diseases. Some, such as distemper, are fatal, especially in puppies. Vaccination allows your pet to develop antibodies and develop immunity. In this article, we explain the basic vaccinations for dogs and which additional ones can be administered.
Basic vaccinations – when should the first vaccination be given?
Core vaccinations are mandatory and should be administered to all dogs because they protect them against serious diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and Rubarth's disease . These pose a threat not only to the dog's health but also to its life. To care for your pet, it's important to follow the core vaccination schedule.
Nasal
This disease is particularly feared by puppy owners because it is particularly dangerous for dogs between 3 and 6 months of age . Older animals can also be affected.
Additionally, it is highly contagious, spreading rapidly through droplets. It causes respiratory symptoms such as conjunctivitis, fever, cough, and bronchitis. It also attacks the digestive system, manifesting as vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies with weakened immune systems have virtually no chance of recovery. Dogs that recover continue to shed the distemper virus for the next 12 weeks. Therefore, protection against this disease is crucial.
When to vaccinate? Three doses of the canine distemper vaccine are administered. The first dose is given to the puppy between 6 and 8 weeks of age, the second between 9 and 11 weeks, and the third between 12 and 15 weeks of age . A booster dose is given after a year, and subsequent doses are given every three years.
Parvovirus
It is the most common infectious disease and is characterized by a high mortality rate among puppies . It is caused by parvovirus type 2 (CPV variants 2a, 2b, and 2c). Dogs can become infected through saliva, feces, vomiting, and direct contact with an infected animal, even if the animal is only a carrier of parvovirus. Parvovirus most often manifests itself in the intestinal form. Symptoms include fever, watery diarrhea, vomiting, and consequent dehydration. It can also sometimes attack the heart. Severe symptoms can quickly lead to the dog's death.
When to vaccinate? Prevention of parvovirus involves vaccinating dogs. Vaccination should be administered in at least three doses: the first between 6 and 8 weeks of age, the second between 9 and 11 weeks, and the third between 12 and 15 weeks of age . As with distemper, a booster dose is administered after one year, and then every three years.
Rubarth's disease
It is a viral and contagious canine hepatitis caused by adenovirus. It can be transmitted from sick dogs or asymptomatic carriers, and is transmitted through respiratory droplets or food. Rubarth disease most often affects young dogs, and its most severe course is in puppies up to two weeks of age , which is why vaccination is so important.
The first symptoms of viral hepatitis include high fever, diarrhea, cough, and sore throat. If it becomes chronic in older dogs, symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and swelling of the subcutaneous tissue of the head and lymph nodes. Unfortunately, in young dogs, especially if untreated, it often leads to death.
When should you vaccinate your pet to ensure they're safe? The vaccination schedule is the same as for distemper and parvovirus. The first dose is given to a puppy between 6 and 8 weeks of age, the second between 9 and 11 weeks, and the third between 12 and 15 weeks of age. A booster dose is given after a year, and subsequent doses are given every three years.
Rabies
According to current regulations in Poland, dogs over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies . Dog owners are required to vaccinate their pets within 30 days of their 12th week of life . This is essential due to the threat rabies poses to human life and health. According to WHO (World Health Organization), approximately 55,000 people die from rabies worldwide each year. Dogs are the main source of infection. The risk of rabies is further increased by the fact that no effective cure for the disease has yet been discovered. Therefore, rabies vaccination is crucial. If the vaccine is being administered to a dog for the first time, it should be administered separately. In Poland, rabies vaccination is administered annually. Also, remember that this vaccination is required to obtain a passport for your dog and to cross the border with it.
Additional vaccinations for dogs
There are also vaccines you can, but don't have to, give your dog, such as those against Lyme disease, leptospirosis, avian influenza, and canine cough . Other vaccines available in Poland will protect your dog against ringworm caused by Microsporum canis and herpesvirus, which can cause miscarriages in pregnant dogs. However, remember that the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) hasn't published an official position on the latter two vaccinations. However, the organization recommends against vaccinating dogs against coronavirus. In other cases, it's best to discuss additional vaccinations with your veterinarian.
Vaccination – how to prepare your dog?
It's important to know that before administering any vaccine, your dog should be dewormed . Your veterinarian will provide you with a special preparation in the form of drops or tablets. It's best to do this a week before the vaccination. Remember that antibodies will take about 2-3 weeks to develop after vaccination. It's best to keep your pet away from other dogs during this time.
