Vaccination of dogs

Why vaccination is needed

The vaccine promotes the formation of the dog's immunity to a certain infection. It contains fragments of an infectious agent, which, when it enters a living organism, causes a corresponding reaction in the form of the production of antibodies. In the future, if the pet is faced with a similar invasion of infection, he will not get sick or the disease will pass in a mild form.

Dangerous diseases of dogs from which mandatory vaccination is carried out:

• rabies;
• the plague;
• enteritis (parvovirus, coronavirus);
• adenovirus infections;
• leptospirosis;
• infectious hepatitis;
• parainfluenza;
• parvoviroz.

There are also vaccines against lichen, trichophytia, microsporia.

Types of vaccines for dogs

Based on the active component, vaccines for dogs are divided into attenuated and inactivated. The first are pathogens capable of reproduction. However, due to their weakness, they cannot cause the disease itself, but only stimulate the production of antibodies. The inactivated variant is represented by dead microbes. Such vaccinations have a slow and short-term effect, so they need to be re-administered.

In addition, there are single- and polyvalent vaccines. In the first case, the composition includes antigens of only one infectious agent. Examples of such vaccines are: Biovac-D, Multican-1, EPM, Primodog, Kanivac-CH, Rabizin. The composition of polyvalent drugs includes several infections. These include: Multican-4 (6,8), Nobivak, Hexakanivak, Vanguard-7 and others. Poly-strain drugs, as a rule, are not given to puppies, as they overburden the immune system.

Vaccines can be of domestic and foreign origin. Among the Russian drugs, the following have proven themselves well: Hexacanivac, Multican, Vakderm, Polyvac. Among the "foreigners" stand out: Nobivak, Eurican, Vanguard, Hexadog. Each of the drugs has its own characteristics and administration schemes.

Vaccination of dogs up to a year

You can start vaccination of a puppy from the age of 1.5 months. At this time, vaccination against dermatomycosis, distemper and parvovirus enteritis is allowed. However, most often preventive measures begin when the puppy turns 2-2.5 months old.

In general terms, the vaccination scheme is as follows:

• comprehensive vaccination against infectious diseases (enteritis, hepatitis, leptospirosis, distemper, parainfluenza);
• after 3-4 weeks, comprehensive revaccination from infectious diseases and vaccination against rabies;
• after 3-4 months, a revaccination is carried out against rabies and repeated from infectious diseases;
• subsequently, vaccinations are given once a year.

When to start vaccinating – the veterinarian decides after examining the puppy. Weakened and sick dogs need a delay. If the pet is healthy, and taking into account that the prevention of diseases begins at 2 months, the schedule of vaccination of dogs up to a year will look like this.

Vaccination of adult dogs

Dogs older than one year are supposed to be vaccinated annually: injections are given once at the same time intervals. It is allowed to vaccinate four-legged friends against infectious diseases once every 2 or 3 years, but the rabies vaccination must be delivered strictly after 12 months.

If the dog is elderly or elderly, then the decision on whether to inject or not is made based on the state of her health. The vaccine can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the pet and further weaken the immune system. Again, rabies vaccination should be given in any case. According to the current legislation, the owner cannot refuse it.

How to properly vaccinate

In order for the vaccination procedure to have only a positive effect on the dog's body and not lead to complications, you need to adhere to some rules.

• The dog must be completely healthy. Even the slightest malaise, lack of appetite, fatigue and other conditions are the reason for delaying the injection.
• Before vaccination, the pet should be dewormed. It is necessary to give the medicine for worms 14 days before the procedure.
• It is undesirable to vaccinate dogs during a tooth change. A number of drugs have the ability to change the color of tooth enamel.
• It is not recommended to vaccinate puppies under 8 weeks of age. Early administration of the vaccine will weaken the immunity obtained from breast milk. And since they don't have their own yet, the puppies may be completely defenseless against infectious diseases.
• In addition to deworming, the dog needs to be treated from external insects. The treatment is also carried out two weeks before vaccination.
• Most vaccines have a negative effect on the development of the fetus, so if you have to mating dogs, then you can not be vaccinated. At least 12 weeks should pass between vaccination and binding.
• It is best to vaccinate on an empty stomach.
• If the dog suffers from a tendency to an allergic reaction, then it can be given an antihistamine beforehand. Which one – it is better to consult a doctor.

Do not forget that after vaccination, the pet may develop anaphylactic shock, so you need to stay near the veterinary clinic for the first few minutes.

Features of rabies vaccination

Although the overall situation with rabies in Russia is favorable, the likelihood of an outbreak of this dangerous disease remains. Russian legislation obliges each owner of a four-legged friend to vaccinate him once a year. If the owner of the dog refuses to give this vaccination to his pet, then he will face administrative punishment.

The legislation also provides for free vaccination against rabies. Such vaccinations are not included in the cost of services even in private clinics. To give an injection, you can contact the state veterinary hospital. Often, the primary comprehensive vaccination against infectious diseases in the state hospital is done for a fee, and further actions according to the scheme will be free. Moreover, if you get vaccinated against rabies in such an institution, then the accompanying events will also be held for free. Among them: animal inspection, anthelmintic therapy, dog passport registration, chip installation.

Contraindications to vaccination

Not all dogs can be vaccinated regularly. Among the contraindications should be noted:

• feverish condition;
• acute diseases;
• 14 days before and after cupping ears, tail;
• change of teeth;
• planned binding;
• severe weakening, exhaustion of the dog's body (for example, after illness, surgery);
• pregnancy.

How much does vaccination cost

Prices for preventive vaccinations for dogs vary depending on many factors:

• features of the vaccine (manufacturer, composition);
• place of vaccination (at home or in the clinic);
• pricing policy of the veterinary institution (budget, medium, premium, luxury).

For example, giving an injection at home will cost 500 rubles more than if you bring your pet to the clinic. It will be more expensive to vaccinate a dog with an imported complex vaccine than with a domestic production. On average, the cost of a comprehensive vaccination is about 1,500 rubles.

Where is the best place to get vaccinated

Many owners try to vaccinate their pet at home. On the one hand, the dog feels more confident, which has a positive effect on health and the ability to get vaccinated. However, there is a danger that the animal's condition may deteriorate dramatically, for example, due to an allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, and then emergency veterinary care will be required.

It is best to bring your pet to the clinic, undergo a preliminary examination, put the vaccine on and wait for a while. You can walk around the clinic or sit in the car. After making sure that everything is in order with the body's response, you can go home.

Any owner wants to see their pet healthy and cheerful. The key to this condition of the dog is a timely vaccination.