Learning More About Vaccines For Your Dog
What exactly are dog vaccinations?
Dog vaccinations help prevent some common diseases that can be deadly to dogs.
How do vaccinations impact the health and well-being of my dog?
Vaccinated dogs are healthier for longer and are protected from contracting some deadly diseases.
Are vaccinations required by law?
The only vaccination required by law is rabies. Other vaccines are based on lifestyle considerations.
How soon should I get my dog vaccinated?
Start puppy vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks of age. It's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best schedule based on your puppy's lifestyle.
How does my dog's lifestyle factor into what vaccinations they will need?
Lifestyle determines the need for social vaccines like Bordetella (kennel cough) and canine influenza, especially if your dog goes to grooming, boarding, or dog parks.
Should I avoid letting my puppy socialize until they're fully vaccinated?
Yes, it's recommended to avoid nose-to-nose contact with unknown dogs until they're fully vaccinated, around 4 months of age. However, socializing with healthy, vaccinated dogs from friends or family is encouraged.
Why is it important to avoid missing a dog vaccination?
If a vaccination is missed and overdue, the series might need to be restarted. Vaccines are effective for a limited time and require boosters for continued protection.
What are typical puppy and dog vaccination schedules?
Puppy vaccines are administered every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. Dog vaccines are yearly, with rabies and distemper vaccines transitioning to every 3 years.
What diseases are prevented with the vaccines my dog gets?
Vaccinations prevent diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, kennel cough, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (276) 600-2631, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.