Vaccinations for Dogs
One raging controversial dog health issue today is vaccination. There are two extremely opposite views about it. First, vaccination is viewed as the vehicle that will bring about excellent dog health. And second, vaccination could trigger more dog health problems. People in the field of dog health care have varying views. At present, this dog health issue cannot be resolved, since technology is still incapable of exactly determining how often and how many vaccinations must be given.
Despite the hazy situation of vaccination for dog health, there are guidelines that majority of veterinarians agree on. These guidelines are not rigid rules that the pet owner should follow to the letter. This is because each dog has its own unique state of dog health. Here are some of the general ideas regarding vaccinations for dogs.
Vaccination should be avoided if the dog is younger than six weeks. At this young stage, the dog health is not at risk due to the passive immunity handed down by the mother. If the mother has no dog health problems, it is safe to assume that the puppy will not yet acquire dog health problems. Up until the effects of the passive immunity wears off.
When the passive immunity disappears, the dog health could be in danger. Most veterinarians will recommend a vaccination. But vaccinations should be calibrated so that these will provide the greatest benefits to dog health. For those who wanted to provide excellent dog health care, here is a guide about vaccinations:
1. At 6 to 7 weeks, the puppy may have its first multivalent vaccine to prevent the occurrence of several serious dog health problems.
2. At 9 weeks, the second multivalent vaccine may be given. This also prevents dog health problems.
3. At 12 weeks, the third multivalent vaccine may be administered to promote dog health.
4. At 16 weeks, the last multivalent vaccine may be given to further advance dog health.
5. At around the same time, 12 to 16 weeks, the rabies vaccine may be dispensed.
A multivalent vaccine, like the DHLPPCv, is one vaccine injection that will provide immunization against several dog health problems. DHLPPCv stands for six dog health problems. These are the canine Distemper virus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Corona virus. This vaccine is less stressful for the dog and cheaper for the pet owner who is concerned about dog health.
The adult dog still needs vaccination against dog health problems. The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) suggests that vaccines should be categorized into two: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines protect against these dog health problems: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus-2. While the non-core vaccines protect against these dog health problems: bordetella, parainfluenza, lyme, distemper-measles, and leptospirosis. All other vaccinations are not recommended unless there is a serious dog health risk for them.
Booster shots are vaccinations that are given again. These vaccinations are administered to further “boost” the dog’s ability to protect itself from dog health problems.
For more dog health questions and clarifications about dog health issues, the pet owner must seek the help of a trusted veterinarian.