Dog vaccination recommendations
Ask The Vet Home > Dogs > Dog Care > Vaccinations
Most people vaccinate their dogs. Vaccinations prevent disease and has been proven to protect dogs from catching potentially fatal diseases. In the times before we started to vaccinate our dogs, you would see puppies dying routinely from diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Just as vaccinations in the human population act to protect humans from contacting and spreading disease, vaccinating our pet dogs help maintain the health of the general dog population.
Having said that, there are a number of pet owners (just like people) who opt NOT to vaccinate, claiming that it's equivalent to 'giving' the dog the disease and that dogs are better off fighting off the disease on their own or that vaccinations are dangerous and have long term side effects. Some vaccines are required by law - for example the rabies vaccine, so there isn't any option in this case. I am all for vaccination. It is true that a minute number of dogs will react unfavorably to the vaccine but the potential benefits of vaccinating your dog far outweighs the risks. Some owners believe that they only need to vaccinate puppies and adult dogs don't require vaccinations. Whilst most vets will advise annual vaccinations, there isn't real data out there that says that immunity in adult dogs won't last longer than that. I guess it's more ease of 'remembering' that the 12 month re-vaccination regime was formulated. It's alot easier to remember annually rather than bi-annually for example.
Puppies are vaccinated routinely against the parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus and parainfluenza. Depending on the brand of vaccine used, it could be a series of 2 or 3 shots in the first year of a puppy's life. Puppies are given their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks and then another booster at 12-14 weeks and then another at 16-18 weeks.
What about adult dogs that have no known vaccination history?
Usually it's recommended for adult dogs or dogs older than 16 weeks that a single booster shot be administered and thereafter an annual booster.
What about kennel cough vaccinations?
If you intend to board your dog or have a lot of dogs in your household, then your vet may recommend that you vaccinate your dogs against Bordatella (kennel cough).
What about rabies, leptospirosis and lyme disease vaccinations?
This would depend on where you live and if the law requires you to have your dog vaccinated against these diseases specifically. Rabies vaccinations is required by law in some states - check with your local veterinarian.
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Cat moving house and not adjusting well
My cat and I moved into a new home. He now has three canine friends who he has spent time with before. One of the dogs was eating the felines stool, so I purchased the Purrforma self cleaning litter box. He would only urinate in it and chose to defecate on my side of the bed after 6 days. He attempted to defecate another time, I got him and placed him in the litter box, however that only worked once, and choose the bed again. Since then I purchased a new non automated litter box and returned him to his feline pine cat litter - that was two days ago and he has not eliminated anything sine. I have been leaving the bedroom door closed so he is not tempted. I'm just waiting for him to use it. any thoughts?
Should I lock him in a confined area until he uses it?
I need some advise or he might end up getting kicked out, and he is a special need cat as he has three fused lumbar (congenital defect.)
He is also doing an excessive amount of licking to the point where he has two balding patches. He just had an allergy shot 4 weeks ago. Should I inquire about behavioral modification type drugs?
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