Vaccination for Dogs: Types of Vaccines, Schedule & Importance

Pets need vaccinations just like people do. So, it is important to vaccinate your dogs. Additionally, a booster shot may occasionally be necessary to maintain the efficacy of pet vaccination. Regardless, following the advice of a vet you trust will help keep your dog’s  immunisation regimen on track.

Keep reading to learn all about vaccinations for dogs and their importance.

To help shield them from a variety of highly contagious and infectious diseases, dogs should receive vaccinations. Although mothers give their newborn puppies some immunity through the colostrum in their milk, this immunity only lasts for a short time. Hence, the best way to ensure a healthy life for your puppy is to help supply immunity by immunising them against diseases.

The list of dog vaccines that comes under the core vaccinations type includes: 

• Canine Parvovirus vaccine
• Leptospirosis vaccine
• Hepatitis vaccine
• Canine Distemper vaccine
• Rabies vaccine

Apart from the core vaccines for dogs, other non-core vaccinations include: 

• Bordetella vaccine
• Lyme vaccine
• Canine Influenza vaccine
• Rattlesnake vaccines

Here is a list of common infections/viruses for which necessary vaccines for dogs treatment is required are:

1. Bordetella

The bacterial infection known as bordetella is one that can either cause or contribute to kennel cough.

2. Leptospirosis

It is a potentially deadly bacterial condition that affects the kidneys and liver among other organ systems. Nevertheless, it's not routinely utilised for every dog as it only poses a concern in specific geographical areas. Hence, your veterinarian can advise you on whether or not your dog needs this immunisation.

3. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness carried by ticks and can lead to arthritis, renal disease, and other issues. However, it's not routinely used for every dog because it only poses a concern in specific geographical areas. Your veterinarian can advise you on whether or not your dog needs this immunisation.

4. CoronaVirus

The main symptom of this viral illness is diarrhoea. The AAHA's Canine Vaccine Guidelines recommend against routinely immunising dogs against coronavirus because the risks of infection are not as high as those associated with other viral illnesses. So, your veterinarian can advise you on whether or not your dog needs this immunisation.

5. Giardia

The AAHA also advises against receiving the giardia vaccination because it only works to stop cyst shedding, compared to infection. ​

6. Canine Influenza H3N8

Also known as the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), this virus is a relatively recent influenza virus in dogs. When dogs are in close proximity, it is extremely contagious and causes symptoms similar to the flu in dogs (i.e. kennel). 

Some kennels, grooming parlours, and other establishments are now demanding this immunisation to stop an outbreak due to the contagiousness of this virus. Aside from such circumstances, your veterinarian should be consulted before deciding which are the best vaccines for dogs.

The important vaccines for a dog must be given during the early stage of a  puppy (often between 6 and 8 weeks). Additionally, one must follow it every three weeks until it is around four months old, at which point it will receive the final round. If the puppy's mother has a strong immune system, the puppy will often get antibodies from the mother's milk during nursing. Regardless, vaccinations should start once a puppy has weaned off of the mother's milk.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

The dog vaccination schedule includes the following:

Your veterinarian can advise you on an adult dog vaccination plan once your puppy reaches adulthood. Also, periodic adult boosters, which include the DHPP vaccine given to puppies with a few extra additions, might be a part of your dog's routine vaccination plan.

When dogs come in for their first check-up after a year, they should be given booster doses of the Leptospirosis, DHPP, and Rabies vaccines with Canine Influenza and Lyme disease immunisations.

The effectiveness of vaccines for your dog includes:

• DHPP - 3 years
• Leptospirosis - 1 year
• Rabies - 3 years
• Canine Influenza - 1 year
• Bordetella - 1 year
• Lyme Disease - 1 year

A dog's immune system is strengthened by vaccinations so that it is ready to fight off any invasion from pathogens. Also, antigens in vaccines imitate disease-causing organisms in the immune system of dogs but don't cause disease itself. 

Dog and puppy immunisations modestly stimulate the immune system by getting it to recognise the antigens there. As a result, if a dog or puppy is exposed to the actual sickness, its immune system will be able to identify it and be ready to either fight it off or, at the very least, lessen its consequences.

Immunisations provide several advantages over potential side effects. In this regard, dog vaccinations seldom cause adverse responses. However, puppy and dog immunisations can have certain negative effects, just like any drug or immunisation regimen. So it is advisable to vaccinate your puppy or dog at a time when you can keep an eye on them thereafter.

Regardless, symptoms that your dog might exhibit if there is a reaction to immunisations include:

• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Paw or facial swelling and/or hives
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Collapse, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic shock
• Swelling or pain around the injection site

Hence, similar to human vaccinations, minor side effects can be disregarded. You should also note that the majority of responses are modest and transitory. However, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if you detect a more serious reaction to a puppy or dog immunisation, such as face swelling, vomiting, or sedentary behaviour.

Hence, it is evident that vaccination for dogs is an important consideration in providing them with a healthy lifestyle. You must consult your vet to vaccinate your dog or puppy.