There’s been a lot of discussion about dog vaccinations recently. Some veterinarians believe booster shots are over done and should only be given every three years. Other are adamant that annual shots are needed to adequately protect a dog from disease.

While the ideal frequency may be debated, few dispute the fact that vaccinations are a must. Millions of dogs all over the world are vaccinated every year, and only a tiny percentage have any adverse reaction.

The vaccines may not offer full protection against every disease, but an unvaccinated dog is at much greater risk, so why take the chance? Until there is documented clinical proof that vaccines are a threat to dog health, it is definitely advisable to have your dog vaccinated.

Dog vaccinations protect against the most common canine diseases including, parvovirus, distemper and rabies. The initial shots are given to a puppy between the age of 6 and 8 weeks. Thereafter shots are given at scheduled intervals until the pup is 15 weeks old. Booster shots are then given annually, although some veterinarians recommend once every three years.

It is common practice to administer the core vaccines in combination. This is commonly referred to as a five-in-one and protects against the following diseases;

Distemper: A deadly disease that causes convulsions, seizures, and failure of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It is highly contagious and spread via contact with discharge from the nose and eyes of an infected dog.

Canine Hepatitis virus: A fast-spreading disease that attacks the abdominal organs, usually causing death within 6 – 10 days. Normally spread via the urine, faeces or saliva of an infected animal.

Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that causes severe damage to the digestive tract, liver and kidneys. It is transmitted via infected urine and has an extremely high mortality rate.

Parainfluenza: Spread through the air, or through physical contact, this is a common and highly infectuous form of kennel cough.

Parvovirus: An extremely contagious viral disease that has a particularly high mortality rate among young and old dogs. Parvo mainly attacks the intestinal tract, lymphoid tissue, and immune system, usually resulting in death if not treated.

In addition to these core vaccines, your dog will usually also be inoculated against rabies.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Essential

Dog vaccinations are important for a number of reasons, chief of which is the health of your pet. But there are many other valid reasons for vaccinating your dog, some of them required by law.

Many city ordinances require it, and if you intend to travel with your dog, particularly abroad, you will need to provide proof of vaccination. If you want to take your dog to obedience classes, or put him into kennels, or doggy day care, you’ll need to provide a vaccination certificate. Ditto if you want to take your dog to a pet friendly hotel or resort.

All of these are good reasons to have your dog vaccinated. But the most important one will always be the health and well-being of your pet.

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