Keeping Your Dog Healthy: The Important Guide to Dog Shots and Vaccinations

As a devoted pet parent, you want to ensure your beloved four-legged family member stays healthy and happy. Part of doing that is making sure your pup has all their necessary vaccines and vaccinations. Vaccines can protect your dog from serious illnesses, and they are also important for protecting you and your family.

But it can be overwhelming to understand the different types of vaccines and when they should be administered. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide to dog shots and vaccinations. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of vaccinations, non-core vaccines your pup might need, what to do after your pet has been vaccinated, and more. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Different Types of Dog Vaccinations

Dogs need both core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are important for every pup, while non-core ones are personalized depending on your pet’s lifestyle and needs.

Core Vaccinations

Core vaccines protect your dog from the most common and contagious illnesses. These vaccines usually include:

• Rabies: Rabies is a deadly virus that all dogs should be vaccinated against. Every state requires the rabies shot for your pup, and in some states, it must be given away from other vaccines.

• Distemper: Distemper is an airborne virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It’s very contagious and can be deadly.

• Parvovirus: Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that often affects puppies. It can cause severe dehydration, fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.

Non-Core Vaccinations

Non-core vaccines are generally less essential but can protect your pup from certain illnesses depending on their lifestyle and environment. These might include:

• Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is spread through ticks, so if you live in an area where ticks are common, your pup might need to be vaccinated against Lyme.

• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is another disease spread through contaminated water, soil, and urine. It’s especially common in rural areas or areas with lots of wildlife.

• Bordetella/Kennel Cough: Bordetella, or kennel cough, is an upper respiratory disease that is easily spread among dogs in close contact. It’s often required by boarding kennels and groomers.

Deciding if Your Dog Needs Non-Core Vaccines

Not every pup will need non-core vaccines. It depends on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors for the specific diseases. Talk to your veterinarian about your pup’s particular needs.

Risk Factors for Each Non-Core Vaccine

Risk factors for the different diseases vary. For example, Lyme disease is more common in areas with lots of tick activity and large wildlife populations, since ticks can carry Lyme. Leptospirosis is also more common in rural areas or areas with large wildlife populations. And Bordetella is more likely in dogs that come into contact with other dogs often, such as kennels, daycare, and dog parks.

Puppy Shots: The Core Vaccines and How Often They Should Be Given

It’s important to make sure your puppy gets all their core shots on time. How quickly they progress through their vaccinations and when their boosters are due depends on their age.

• 2-4 weeks old: Distemper (DHPP) vaccine
• 4-6 weeks old: DHPP booster vaccine
• 6-8 weeks old: DHPP booster vaccine
• 10-12 weeks old: DHPP booster vaccine
• 12+ weeks and older adults: Rabies booster every one to three years, depending on local laws; DHPP booster every 1-3 years, depending on veterinarian recommendations; other non-core boosters as recommended by veterinarian

Understanding Side Effects of Puppy Shots and Adult Dog Vaccines

Most dogs should experience minimal side effects from their shots and vaccines, such as soreness and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms should go away within a few days. However, some dogs can experience reactions like fever, rash, itching, or facial swelling. If this occurs, call your veterinarian right away.

Rare but more serious health problems can also occur as a result of vaccinations. These include seizures, immune-mediated diseases, or autoimmune disorders. If your pup experiences any of these severe reactions, seek medical attention right away.

What To Do After Your Pet Has Been Vaccinated

After your dog is vaccinated, make sure to monitor them closely and give them lots of personal attention. Your doggo may be extra tired or just need some extra cuddles. You can also give them a chew or toy to help them relax.

Make sure to keep your pet on a leash when out and about and away from other pets until any redness or swelling at the injection site has gone away. You should also follow up with your veterinarian for booster shots as recommended.

Conclusion

As pet parents, it’s essential to make sure our four-legged family members stay healthy and get all their necessary vaccines. Understanding the different types of vaccines and when to give them can be a bit overwhelming, but with the help of your veterinarian, you can make sure your pup stays on track for their shots. If you have any questions about your dog’s vaccinations, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.