A Guide to Dog Vaccinations

As man’s best friend, we want our pooch to stay healthy and happy. Providing shelter, food and love are all necessities, but these oftentimes can’t protect any dangerous diseases and illnesses. A vaccine, usually containing a form of a microbe or its toxins, can actually increase immunity to a disease. Getting the proper vaccinations for your dog can help it stay well.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that can cause dangerous inflammation of the brain.  Because it can be transmitted from animal to human or animal to animal via a bite, it is important that a rabies vaccination be administered.  The first shot is usually given at three to six months of age and the first booster given one year later.  Boosters should then be given every one to three years.   

Canine distemper

This virus is usually spread through aerosol droplets, contact with body fluids from an infected animal or contaminated food and drinking water.  Three to six month old puppies are the most vulnerable to catching the virus, which can cause weight loss, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and seizures.  Because of this, it is important to vaccinate puppies when they are five to six weeks old and then every four weeks until they are four months old.  A booster is then given one year later followed by vaccinations every three years.

Canine parvovirus

More commonly known as parvo, canine parvovirus can present in two forms—cardiac and intestinal.  While less common, the cardiac form can lead to respiratory or cardiovascular failure in puppies.  The intestinal form causes vomiting and dysentery.  It is recommended that a vaccination be given to puppies six to eight weeks of age, followed by boosters every three to four weeks until they are at least three months old.  A booster should be given one year later followed by shots every three years.

Canine hepatitis virus

This virus causes infection in the liver and the kidney and presents itself with fever, depression, loss of appetite, coughing and a tender abdomen.  The canine hepatitis virus vaccine is usually included in the DHPP shot (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus) which is given at two to three months of age and again at four months of age followed by a booster one year later and subsequent boosters every three years.