Dog vaccination recommendations
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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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Possible vaccination reactions seen in dogs, what you should look out for and what to do if it happens
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Past dog health questionsDog catching parvovirus from another dogs stool after vaccination
I have a 7 month old puppy (Staffy mix terrier, female neutered) that has survived parvo and is living with distemper. She has not recieved any shots due to the fact that the vet does not want to disturb the distemper. I have a 16 month old dog that needs his 1 year booster shots. Is there any way that if he receives his booster shots he may pass something to the 7 month old through his stool?
Pay just $3.95 for the answer - click here Dog allergic reaction post vaccination
Today the dog (11wks old Boston terrier) received his first DLP (distemer/lepto/parvo) short. This was about 3:30. Now his eyes are swollen - the skin around is all puffed up - he also has what looks like bumps - a swelling on his head and is scratching. Is this an alergic reaction and can I give him benadryl?
Pay just $3.95 for the answer - click here Dog and kennel cough
My dog (2yo male Boxer neutered) was boarded in a kennel for 2 days and has now developed a cough - sort of like a hacking dry cough like he has something stuck in his throat. He had the kennel cough vaccine - I thought he'd be protected from it? Is this life threatening and should I take him into a vet? He seems to be otherwise in good health ie eating, sleeping, running around.
Pay just $3.95 for the answer - click here Puppy lethargic and has diarrhea after vaccination
Just a quick question, my beagle puppy got a distemper shot today and then tonight began to act very lethargic and had diarrhea. Are these side effects of the shot, and is the area around the shot very sensitive? I ask this because my wife tried to lift the puppy and it began to yelp and seemed to be favoring its left front leg........strange, because the shot was given to her in her shoulder area. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Pay just $3.95 for the answer - click here Dog exposed to parvovirus in showgrounds
I recently learned that over this past weekend there was Parvo on the show grounds that we were just at. The individual that had puppies there with Parvo was an exhibitor and walked all around our set-up, in the same rings etc. May have petted or let my dog(17mo male Borzoi) jump up on her.
I had given my now 17 month old dog the first set of puppy shots up to 16 weeks, but have not given anything at 12 months.
I was also at the show the previous weekend where we believe the exhibitor picked up Parvo and brought it home to her puppies.
Currently there are no signs of Parvo from the very first weekend that was approximately 11 days ago.
The most recent possible exposure was this past Sunday so that would be three days as of today.
Some people have told me not to do the booster shot right now because if my dog were to come down with Parvo within the next week that they would get a worse case.
So my question is: Should I immediately give the booster so that within 3-4 days the puppy could build up additional immunity before the incubation period is over?
If so, what type? Modified live, live? If not, how long after this most recent exposure should I wait to give the booster.
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Vet question of the day
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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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