Once you have adopted a dog its time you get all the proper vaccinations to keep it safe and healthy. Here is a guide to help learn about various vaccinations and their schedule over a dog’s lifetime.
Why Vaccinate Your Puppy?
Puppies get protection from their mother’s milk, but this doesn’t last long. Vaccinating your dog is really important. It helps build their immune system to fight off diseases. It keeps them safe from serious diseases that could be very harmful. It also helps stop diseases from spreading between dogs and from dogs to people. Keeping up with your dog’s vaccinations is a great way to make sure they stay healthy and happy.
When to Start Vaccinating?
Puppies usually start vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks old. They get antibodies from their mother’s milk, but once weaned, they need vaccines to boost their own immune system.
Typical vaccination schedule:
- 6-8 weeks: First core vaccines (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus)
- Every 2-4 weeks: Boosters until about 16 weeks old
- 16 weeks: Final core vaccines, including rabies if needed
Note: This is a general guide. The exact schedule depends on your puppy’s age, health, and location. Always check with your vet for the best plan for your puppy.
How Vaccines Work
Vaccines work by training your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight specific germs. Here’s how it works:
- Introduction of Antigens: The vaccine introduces small, harmless parts of a germ (antigens) to your dog’s body.
- Immune Response: The immune system detects these antigens and produces a response, including creating memory cells.
- Memory Formation: These memory cells remember the germ and how to fight it.
- Future Protection: If your dog encounters the real germ later, their immune system can quickly recognize and attack it, preventing illness.
Common Puppy Vaccines
Core Vaccines (Recommended for all puppies):
- Distemper: Protects against a serious viral disease.
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Guards against liver disease.
- Parvovirus: Prevents a highly contagious and severe gastrointestinal illness.
- Parainfluenza: Helps protect against a respiratory infection.
- Rabies: Required for legal reasons and prevents a fatal viral disease.
Non-Core Vaccines (Based on lifestyle and risk):
- Bordetella: Prevents kennel cough, especially if your dog will be in contact with other dogs.
- Leptospirosis: Protects against bacterial infection from contaminated water or soil.
- Lyme Disease: Helps prevent tick-borne illness.
- Coronavirus: Offers protection against another form of gastrointestinal illness.
- Influenza: Guards against canine flu.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
- Start at 6 to 8 weeks old.
- Boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old.
- Additional boosters and annual shots may be needed.
Here is the vaccination schedule presented in a table format that can be used for Google Docs:
| Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core Vaccines |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 Weeks | DHPPi L (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) | Bordetella (optional) |
| 9-10 Weeks | DHPPi L Booster 1 | Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease (based on vet advice) |
| 12-16 Weeks | DHPPi L Booster 2 + Rabies | Parainfluenza, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (based on vet advice) |
| 12-16 Months | DHPPi L + Kennel Cough | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
| Every Year After 1 Year | Bordetella, Leptospirosis | Influenza, Coronavirus, Lyme disease |
Adult Dogs Vaccination Schedule
Once your pup turns 1 and has all their puppy shots, they become an adult dog! Adult dogs still need vaccines, but not as often as puppies. Here’s a simplified adult dog vaccination schedule in India:
- DHPP Booster: Every 3 years after their first booster shot at 1 year old. This protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
- Rabies Vaccine: Every 3 years after their first booster shot at 1 year old. This is very important to protect your dog and yourself from rabies.
- Leptospirosis Vaccine: Every year after their first booster shot at 1 year old. This protects against a bacterial disease spread through water or contact with infected animals.
- Kennel Cough Vaccine (Optional): Your vet might recommend this if your dog goes to dog parks or boarding facilities. It’s given every year after their first shot at 1 year old.
Risks or Side Effects?
Most puppies handle vaccines well. Some may have mild side effects like soreness, tiredness, or a slight fever. Rarely, serious reactions can happen, such as:
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Swelling or hives
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock)
Are All Vaccinations Necessary?
Not all vaccinations are necessary for every dog. Core vaccines are essential for all dogs to protect against common and severe diseases. Non-core vaccines depend on your dog’s lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure.Consult your vet to determine the best plan.
Socializing Before Full Vaccination
It’s important to be cautious when socializing your puppy before they are fully vaccinated. Here are some guidelines:
- Avoid Public Places: Don’t take your puppy to places where many dogs gather, like parks or pet stores, until they are fully vaccinated.
- Socialize with Vaccinated Dogs: Allow your puppy to interact with dogs that are fully vaccinated and healthy.
- Controlled Environments: Organize playdates at home or in the yards of friends or family with vaccinated dogs.
- Puppy Classes: Enroll your puppy in a controlled and safe puppy class where vaccination records are checked.
Vaccinating your dog is very important for their health. It keeps them safe from serious diseases and helps stop the spread of illnesses. Start vaccines early, follow the schedule, and ask your vet for advice. This way, your dog will be healthy and happy. Make sure to socialize your puppy safely before they are fully vaccinated. Stay updated on their vaccine needs as they grow. Keeping up with vaccinations is a key part of being a good pet parent, making sure your dog stays protected and enjoys a long, healthy life.
