Why vaccinate your Dog
You MUST vaccinate your dog! Not only does it protect your dog from a list of potentially fatal diseases (see below), it also protects other dogs as well. Transmission of most infections is through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine and feces. The social instinct of a dog is to investigate the feces or anus of another dog, to sniff heavily urinated upon lampposts, lick each others mouths and drink from the same water source. By not vaccinating your dog, you are putting them and others at great risk of infection by the following diseases.
Infections vaccination protects your dog from
Vaccination provides immunity against the following diseases:
- Canine Parvovirus - (virus)
- Canine Distemper - (virus)
- Canine Hepatitis - (virus)
- Leptospirosis - (bacterium)
- Canine Influenza - (virus)
All of these diseases are highly contagious and potentially fatal, transmitted through either bodily fluids or contaminated water sources. All dog owners have a responsibility to reduce the spread of these infections by periodically vaccinating their dog.
When to vaccinate your puppy and how often
Like Humans, Dogs have their own natural immune system that will develop throughout its life protecting it from many infections. When puppies are born they will have some degree of immunity passed on from their mother through the milk whilst they are suckling. This immunity fades quite quickly as time passes and most protection is only afforded during the first few weeks of a puppy’s life.
Your puppy will require two vaccinations, the first between 7-8 weeks old and then again at around 12 weeks dependent on your vets advise. It may also then take another 7-14 days after vaccination for your puppy to develop full immunity. This means there will be a period of time when your dog is very susceptible to these infections and needs to be restricted in its activities and environment. Don’t walk your puppy in streets or parks where other dogs may have been and don’t allow them to come into contact with any unvaccinated dogs. A single yearly booster vaccination is then required for the life of your dog to maintain immunity.
Prior to vaccination and immunity, toilet your puppy in your garden and only allow them to meet dogs that you can be certain have been vaccinated. When visiting the Vet to have your puppy vaccinated, carry them in don’t walk them across the surgery floor where urination may have occurred. Alternatively place them in a pet carrier, whichever you prefer. Do not allow other dogs in the surgery to come into close contact with your Puppy and never allow them to drink from a communal water bowl placed at your vets. Most dogs that visit the Vets are their because of a health issue unknown to you so don’t risk allowing your dog to drink from a potentially contaminated water source.
Vaccination Certificates
Make sure you obtain a vaccination certificate from your vet when you first have your puppy vaccinated. You should keep this certificate safe and make sure it is updated every time your dog has its annual booster or any other vaccinations (rabies, kennel cough).
The vaccination certificate records details such as information about your dog (breed, sex, D.O.B, microchip number etc), when it was vaccinated, what it was vaccinated with, when its booster is due. These certificates will be required if you plan to take your dog to any kind of training class, if you plan to kennel your dog or if you plan to use a professional grooming salon. They also form a supplementary part of the PET Passport Scheme.
Socialisation prior to Vaccination and Immunity
Because your dog lacks immunity during the early stages of its life means you do have to restrict some of its activities and socialization. However, there are still many areas of socialization that you can work on and these should start as soon as you bring the dog home.
- Meeting people, children and vaccinated dogs.
- Exposure to strange objects like glasses, hats, umbrellas, leads, collars etc
- Exposure to strange noises and car rides
- Bite Inhibition
Written by Nicola @ Dog Store
