As a pet owner, you desire a healthy and long life for your furry pal.
But, how can you achieve this?
Vaccinating your dog can go a long way in helping you fulfill your dream.
Here are some reasons your dog needs vaccines.
Reasons Your Dog Needs Vaccines
Failing to vaccinate your dog leaves it vulnerable to various diseases which can be fatal. The following are some reasons why canine vaccines are important:
- Protection against life-threatening diseases: Dogs are vulnerable to deadly transmissible diseases such as parvovirus and distemper. Vaccinating your dog is an effective way to prevent these diseases and save its life.
- Strengthening the immune system: Vaccines provide a safe way of stimulating and boosting dogs’ immunity which helps them fight infections.
- Prolonging your dog’s lifespan: Diseases and illnesses can impact your dog’s lifespan negatively. Vaccinating your dog against these diseases will help them enjoy good health and extend their lives.
- Vaccination provides cost-effective pet care: While getting the complete vaccine series can seem like an expensive affair, it’s much cheaper compared to the cost of treating the diseases that dogs are likely to suffer if not immunized.
- It keeps you and your family safe: Vaccination can help keep you and other family members or pets from infections such as rabies and leptospirosis.
Dog vaccines can be divided into two groups; core and non-core vaccines.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and are essential for protection against highly contagious and life-threatening infections. These include:
| Vaccine | Initial vaccination | Revaccination |
| DistemperAdenovirusParvovirus | Administer 3 doses between 6-16 weeks of age, 2-4 weeks apart, or 2 doses of the combination for pets over 16 weeks in age, 2-4 weeks apart. | Single dose within one year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series, then administer subsequent boosters after every 3 years. |
| Rabies | A single dose usually at 12-16 weeks of age | A single dose within one year, then after every 3 years |
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are considered optional and are given based on the region you live in and your lifestyle. These offer protection against less serious health threats to dogs and include:
| Vaccine | Initial vaccination | Revaccination |
| Leptospira | 2 doses starting at 12 weeks of age, 2-4 weeks apart | A single dose within one year following the last dose in the vaccination series. |
| Canine influenza | 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart | A single dose within one year following the last dose in the vaccination series. |
| Bordetella | 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart | Administer subsequent boosters annually |
| Lyme | 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart | Single dose annually |
Conclusion
In addition to the pain and suffering that diseases can cause your dog, they can also reduce the quality of life and its lifespan significantly.
Vaccines are an effective way to protect your pup against such. Take a step and keep your canine friend healthy and protected.
