9 Common Questions About Vaccinations for Dogs

There are questions about vaccinations that a pet owner should know. It is important that a pet owner knows what vaccinations are and when to get them. This is a compilation of common questions about vaccinations for pet owners.

1. Does a dog need a vaccination at one week of age? No. The dog needs to be vaccinated within the first six months. If the dog does not receive the vaccination within the first six months then the vaccination for parvoviral infections and measles disease can be given to the dog. This vaccination is used to kill viral diseases.
2. Does your dog need a vaccination for Bordetella disease and Lyme disease? No, the vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease are not a requirement.
3. Can the vaccination for the Parvoviral be used at one week? No, this will affect the puppy's maternal antibody levels.
4. Is it possible for a pregnant animal to be vaccinated? Yes. The vaccination should be given two to three weeks before the animal is to become pregnant. The pregnant animal can be vaccinated from viral diseases. This will help the baby to receive maternal antibodies.
5. Do dogs need to be vaccinated for Rabies? Yes. It is very important for a dog to be given a vaccination for Rabies.
6. What precautions does a pet owner need to take after given their dog a Rabies vaccination? The Rabies vaccination should be given from the age of thirteen to 15 weeks. In addition, the vaccination should be given again to the dog within 15 months and the vaccination should be given once every three years. To continue the treatment really depends on how at risk the dog is of getting Rabies.
7. Do dogs need a canine distemper vaccine? Yes. It is a requirement for a pet owner to give their dog a vaccination for canine distemper.
8. Is there a vaccination for Leptospirosis? If so, what age is the vaccination given to the dog? The dog will need the vaccination for Leptospirosis at the age of six weeks to eight weeks. In addition, the vaccination with need to be given again at the age of ten to twelve weeks. Again, the vaccination should be given at thirteenth and sixteenth weeks.

This should answer some of the questions that a new pet owner may have about vaccinations for their dog. It's really important to keep man's best friend happy and healthy.

Source: Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by Debra M. Eldredge DVM