Pet Services

When Should I start vaccinating my dogs and whta types are available

In order for your dog to be in good health, it needs to be vaccinated on time. This greatly enhances your dog's immunity against some specific diseases that are common in dogs. An orphaned puppy in particular needs to be vaccinated as it has less immunity against disease. The reason why is that the mother's milk is the primary source of antibodies for the puppy.

Vaccination usually commences at the age of five to six weeks. Prior to this, the mother's milk will provide sufficient immunity against diseases. It is advisable the pet is dewormed before vaccination. Vaccination against the parvo virus is carried out at an early age because puppies are often infected with the parvo viral infections. The booster dose for each vaccine has to be given at the appropriate time and this will ensure the animal builds up its immunity on time.

A very important vaccination you must give a dog is that against rabies. Rabies is a terrible disease that affects the dog's mental health and many countries have taken measures to control the spread of the ailment. Anti-rabies vaccination is given at age of thirteen to fifteenth weeks of age and repeated in fifteenth months time. However, It all depends on the type of vaccine used. It is again repeated after three years.

For pets that have not received colostrums or dogs in high risk areas, give the pet anti-measles virus and parvo virus vaccination before five weeks of age itself. Leptospira serovar vaccine is given at six to eight weeks of age and again at tenth to twelfth weeks and at thirteenth to sixteenth weeks.

Repeat this annually. Bordetella and lyme disease vaccinations can be given to dogs if they are dwelling in high risk areas. Vaccinations against the canine parvo virus, parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type - two are similar to the schedule maintained with leptospiral serovars. Always take cognisanze of this.

Prevention is better than cure. If you have not vaccinated your dog against any diseases or there are some you have not carried out, then do so today.

I wish you and your dog, the best of health always