General Information

    Vaccinating your dog is a simple procedure that is routinely done by all veterinarians. Vaccinations are safe, effective and well worth the financial commitment. Many diseases that were once considered fatal to dogs are now under control due to the use of modern vaccines.

    Vaccinations are molecules, that when administered into the body, produce substances that are called antibodies. These antibodies are produced by cells (called lymphocytes) which originate in the bone marrow and multiply in the spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. When the actual disease agent is encountered by the dog's body, these lymphocytes respond very quickly, producing antibodies that neutralize the disease. This rapid production of antibodies is only possible if the animal had been previously vaccinated.

    There is no fixed guideline for the vaccination schedule, it depends upon the veterinarian choice and his experience. But usually vaccines are given for following diseases - 

Rabies
Distemper Vaccination
Parvovirus Vaccination
Hepatitis Vaccination
Leptospirosis Vaccination
Canine Coronavirus

    Young puppies are usually given their first set of vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. Additional vaccinations are given every three to four weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Thereafter, an annual or biannual vaccination is administered.

    Animals may sometimes react to vaccinations. These reactions are usually very mild and of brief duration. Muscle aches, slight fever, and drowsiness are the most common side effects. Rarely do animals have a more severe reaction, and if they do, the most common symptoms are vomiting, swelling of the face.  If a vaccination reaction occurs, a veterinarian should be called.

    Vaccinating your dog is a simple procedure. Only your veterinarian knows the vaccination schedule plus the vaccines that are best suited for your dog.

    Remember, not only does your dog receive the proper vaccinations, he or she also gets a thorough physical exam. This medical examination, along with some nutritional and behavioral advice, goes a long way in preventing problems in your adult dog.