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When
your dog was a puppy, he received protection against
infectious diseases from antibodies passed in his
mother's milk. But these antibodies soon dissipated,
leaving him vulnerable. Fortunately, effective vaccines
are available that can protect your dog against
many diseases.
Vaccines
contain live or killed viruses that don't cause
the illness, but stimulate an animal's immune system
to protect him from the real thing. Vaccines are
available that protect against canine distemper,
infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus, bordatella,
parainfluenza, leptospirosis and coronavirus.Veterinarians
recommend that puppies receive their first set of
shots at six to eight weeks.
Canine Vaccinations Available for Lyme Disease
Depending
on the area of the country you live in, you may
also want to have your dog vaccinated against Lyme
disease. This tick-borne illness is common in pets
and people in the Northeastern United States, especially
in Connecticut, where it was first identified. And
if your dog is boarded at a kennel or goes to dog
shows, your veterinarian may recommend a vaccination
against kennel cough. This vaccination is usually
given 2 weeks prior to boarding.
ANIMED recommends a five-in-one vaccination that
protects dogs against several infectious diseases,
including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza
and parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially
deadly disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.
For complete protection against this killer, you'll
need to bring your dog back every 3 to 4 weeks for
a booster, until he is 4 months old. From then on,
a booster should be given for all breeds once a
year.
Another
important part of protecting your puppy as he develops
immunity to the infectious diseases is to decrease
his exposure to the microbes that can cause infections.
This may mean avoiding contact with other dogs,
avoiding areas frequented by other pets and maintaining
a clean and healthy environment for your puppy.
Rabies Vaccinations For All Canines
Vaccination
against rabies also is important. In many parts
of the country, it is mandatory, since rabies can
be transmitted from animals to humans. This fatal
viral disease can be transmitted through contact
with an infected animal, so it is crucial that animals
who are allowed outdoors are protected. Even pets
who remain inside-such as indoors-only cats-should
be vaccinated, in the event they escape from the
house and come in contact with a rabid animal. Veterinarians
recommend that puppies receive their first rabies
shot at three to four months of age. This will vary
depending on the laws of the state in which you
live.
Revaccination
schedules vary according to the manufacturer, so
ask your veterinarian if you will need to bring
your pet in for a booster. This could be annually,
or in some instances, every three years.
In
some cases, vaccines may cause adverse reactions
- including allergic reactions that will require
immediate veterinary attention. Other signs can
include listlessness, loss of appetite and mild
fever. You may also notice a small swelling at the
site of the vaccination. This will usually disappear
within a short time. If you notice these or other
signs, ANIMED recommends that you contact your
veterinarian.
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