How to Know When and What Kind of Dog Vaccinations To Give Your Pet

If you wish to be more exact in your application of your dog's vaccinations (ie: avoid over vaccination or under vaccination) you need to arm yourself with the knowledge of what diseases are covered and when your dog is most at risk for contracting them as well as knowing at what age and how often it is appropriate to administer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Good Vet
• A Good Dog

1. The following information is for adult dogs as recommended by American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Task Force.
   
   It is also important to discuss these with your veterinarian as vaccination schedules can vary greatly depending on geographical area and climate.
2. BORDETELLA : Bordetella is a bacterial infection. Layman's term for bordetella is 'kennel cough'.
   
   This is not part of standard vaccination schedules but it is recommended for dog's at high risk. Dog's at high risk are dogs kept in groups or who travel to shows, etc where they may be exposed to infected dogs.
   
   It's given annually but can be given more often if the risk is increased for any reason.
3. CANINE ADENOVIRUS-2: This is an upper respiratory infection.
   
   This vaccination is given at one year of age and then every three years thereafter.
   
   Also protects against Adenovirus-1
4. CANINE DISTEMPER: Multisystemic viral infection. Very serious disease.
   
   Booster at one year and re-vaccinate every 3 yrs.
5. BORRELLIA BURGDORFERI: In layman's terms... 'Lyme Disease'.
   
   Another optional vaccination but highly recommended for dog's just before the start of tick season in areas of the globe where they would be exposed to ticks.
6. CANINE PARVOVIRUS: This virus attacks the lining of the digestive system. Most often seen in puppies. Often fatal. ALL puppies need to be properly vaccinated against parvo, without question, usually at 8, 12 and 16 wks of age. Look into a product called Parvaid so you can protect them even sooner!
   
   Booster at one year, re-vaccinate every year.
7. LEPTOSPIROSIS: This is a bacteria that causes acute infection which can lead to kidney or liver disease.
   
   An optional vaccination and one of those you will need to ask your vet to see if your geographical area is at risk for lepto. If your dog is at risk, you may booster every 6 months until the risk ceases.
8. PARAINFLUENZA VIRUS: A type of kennel cough that is also similar to distemper yet less severe.
   
   Booster at one year old and re-vaccinate every 3 yrs.
9. RABIES: Virus of the brain and spinal cord.
   
   Booster at one year and then every 3 yrs. Be sure to stay in accordance with state regulations. Particularly important for dogs who work in the field such as hunting and tracking dogs that may come into easier contact with infected wildlife. However, don't dismiss city rats and raccoons as carriers...

Tips & Warnings

• REMEMBER.. this is aimed at ADULT dogs. You need to properly vaccinate your puppies as well. At what age depends on the type of vaccination. ie: there are special parvo vaccines that can be given as young as 5 wks old and rabies shots should not be given until 12 wks of age.