As a responsible dog parent, one of the most important things you can do is keep your furry friend up-to-date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations protect dogs against potentially deadly diseases and illnesses.

Vaccinations are your dog's first line of defence against potentially deadly diseases and illnesses that can cause severe suffering or even death.

This blog post covers everything you need to know about dog vaccinations, including the importance of vaccination, types of vaccines available, when to start vaccinating your pup, vaccination timelines, and special considerations.

Vaccinations prepare your dog's immune system to fight off specific infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. By exposing the immune system to weakened or killed forms of these pathogens through vaccination, it learns to produce antibodies to combat them. 

This protection prevents your dog from contracting these illnesses and suffering severe consequences like lifelong disabilities or death. Without this preparation, your dog has no way to defend itself against contracting the actual disease.

Many of the illnesses that vaccinations protect against can have devastating, lifelong impacts even if a dog survives the initial infection. For example, canine distemper can cause permanent nervous system damage, while parvovirus can fatally dehydrate a dog through vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Vaccination eliminates these risks by preventing your dog from ever getting sick in the first place.

There are two main categories of dog vaccines: core and non-core vaccines .

Core vaccines protect against the most severe and life-threatening diseases. These include:

• Canine Distemper: A contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Unvaccinated dogs have a 50% mortality rate.

• Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious viral disease causing vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, and potentially death in unvaccinated dogs.

• Canine Adenovirus: This virus causes infectious canine hepatitis affecting the liver, kidneys, and blood-clotting systems.

• Rabies : A fatal viral disease transmitted through bites that attacks the central nervous system. Rabies is a legal requirement in most areas.

• Leptospirosis:

  Caused by bacteria spread through rodents, stagnant water, and soil, this potentially fatal disease attacks the liver and kidneys.

Non-core vaccines are given based on risk factors like environment, lifestyle, and health status. Common non-core vaccines include:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): 

  This bacterial vaccine prevents the highly contagious Bordetella bronchiseptica infection.

• Leptospirosis:  

  Caused by bacteria spread through rodents, stagnant water, and soil, this potentially fatal disease attacks the liver and kidneys.

• Canine Influenza: 

  Two different influenza strains can cause this respiratory infection in dogs, making the vaccine prudent for socially exposed pets.

• Canine Coronavirus:

  While rarely fatal on its own, canine coronavirus causes gastrointestinal distress and can potentially lead to more serious viral hemorrhagic disease.

Your veterinarian can advise you on which non-core vaccines are recommended based on your dog's unique risk profile.

Getting puppies properly vaccinated at the right intervals is crucial, as their still-developing immune systems are vulnerable to infectious diseases. Most vets follow this general puppy vaccination timeline:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Leptospira (Combination Vaccine known as the 7 or 9 in 1 vaccine) vaccine series

• 10-12 weeks: Repeat combo vaccine

• 14-16 weeks: Combo vaccine again, plus Rabies

• 16-18 weeks: Booster dose of combo vaccine

• 12 months: Final puppy booster doses of all vaccines

For their continued protection, adult dogs then require regular boosters for core vaccines annually. Non-core vaccines may be given annually or on differing schedules based on risk.

It's extremely important that puppies are kept away from exposure risks like grooming facilities, dog parks, or boarding until their five mandatory vaccines with the booster dose is administered. Their still-maturing immune systems mean they are not fully protected until all doses are administered.

While canine vaccinations are incredibly safe for the vast majority of dogs, there are some special considerations to keep in mind:

• Breed Predispositions : Certain breeds like Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers may have sensitivities or greater risk of adverse vaccine reactions due to genetics or health issues. Vets may adjust vaccine protocols.

• Compromised Immune Systems: Dogs with conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, or long-term medication may have suppressed immunity, requiring adjusted schedules or avoiding certain vaccines. For example, puppies under 30 are often given DP vaccines by breeders which makes them more likely to contract Parvovirus.

• Chronic Illnesses: Dogs with serious underlying health conditions often cannot receive vaccinations until stable due to their weakened state and risk of adverse reactions.

• Severe Vaccine Reactions: While extremely rare, some dogs may have life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to vaccines requiring desensitisation protocols or avoiding problematic components.

Your veterinarian will carefully consider all risk factors to determine the safest and most effective vaccination approach for your individual dog's needs.

Thanks to comprehensive testing and regulation, modern dog vaccinations are extremely safe and effective with an excellent risk-benefit ratio. The most common side effects like temporary lethargy, mild fever, and reduced appetite are minor and resolve within a day or two.

Severe and life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis are incredibly rare, occurring in only roughly 1 in 30,000-50,000 vaccinated dogs. Veterinary supervision and monitoring is always recommended when vaccinating to swiftly handle any reactions. The virtually zero risk of adverse events pales in comparison to the immense health protections that vaccines provide.

By staying up-to-date on your dog's core vaccinations and considering their lifestyle needs for non-core vaccines, you give your furry family member the best possible defence against dangerous and potentially deadly diseases. Never skip or delay any recommended boosters, as allowing immunity to lapse puts your pet's health at risk.

If you have any other questions about vaccinating your dog, maintaining vaccine timeliness, or which vaccines are appropriate for their risk factors, consult your trusted veterinarian.

Your dog is relying on you to be their biggest health advocate! With your dedication and partnership with your vet, you can safeguard your canine's wellbeing for years to come.

Vaccinations are more than just shots – they're an investment in your dog's future health and happiness. By creating a shield of immunity, you empower their body to fight off potentially life-threatening diseases. Remember, even seemingly harmless illnesses can leave your furry friend feeling miserable and require expensive treatment. You can get personalised Veterinary recommendations on Supertails.

Think of vaccinations as preventative care, similar to how you take care of your own health. The cost of vaccinations pales in comparison to the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a serious illness.

Don't wait until it's too late. Partner with your veterinarian to create a customised vaccination schedule for your dog. It's a simple, yet powerful, way to ensure your beloved companion thrives for years to come.

So, roll up your sleeves (figuratively, of course!), schedule that vet appointment, and give your pup the gift of lifelong health. After all, the joy and unconditional love they bring into your life are priceless!

Q. How many vaccines does my dog need?

A. Most dogs need a series of core vaccines as puppies, including distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. The core vaccine series given every 3-4 weeks from 6-16 weeks old is considered the minimum essential vaccinations. Additional non-core vaccines may also be recommended based on the dog's risk factors and lifestyle.

Q. Do dogs need vaccines every year?

A. No, not all dog vaccines need to be given annually. Core vaccines like distemper and parvovirus are given initially as puppies, with boosters spread out every 1-3 years for adult dogs depending on the vaccine. Rabies vaccines are typically given every 1-3 years as required by law. Non-core vaccines may be annual or based on risk exposure.

Q. What is the 7 in 1 vaccine?

A. The 7 in 1 vaccine, more commonly called the 7-way puppy shot, is a combination vaccine that includes protection against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, coronavirus, leptospirosis, and bordetella (kennel cough). It combines core and non-core vaccines into one injection for convenience.

Q. How many vaccines do dogs need?

A. Puppies need a series of multiple core vaccine doses (typically 3-4) given every 3-4 weeks, in addition to a rabies shot. This provides basic immunity. Adult dogs continue getting booster shots based on vaccine type, often every 1-3 years for core vaccines like distemper/parvo. Additional non-core vaccines may be given based on risk.

Q. Do dogs need vaccination every year?

A. Not necessarily. Core vaccines like distemper and parvovirus are given initially as puppy series, then providing immunity for 1-3 years with boosters for adult dogs. Rabies shots are given every 1-3 years per legal requirements. Annual vaccinations are typically only needed for some non-core lifestyle vaccines.