Vaccines for Dogs
What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a preparation of either killed or altered microorganisms that is administered into the body. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to learn how to fight the microorganism so that if the microorganism is encountered in the future, the dog will either not get sick or will have a less severe illness.
Why are vaccines administered by injection?
Some vaccines are given locally, for example into the nose, but most require injection so that the maximum stimulation of the immune system is achieved. Some vaccines are injected subcutaneously or just under the skin, others are injected into the muscles or intramuscularly.
Which vaccines are needed in dogs?
Depending on your locality, some infections may be more or less likely. The range of vaccines available includes :Rabies
Distemper
Adenovirus (infectious canine hepatitis)
Parvovirus
Leptospirosis
Parainfluenza
Coronavirus,
Bordetella bronchiseptica,
Lyme disease
Bordetella bronchiseptica,
Lyme disease
Canine influenza
for details on these diseases, see individual handouts Rabies in Dogs, Distemper in Dogs,
Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus) in Dogs, Parvovirus in Dogs, Leptospirosis in Dogs,
Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitis in Dogs, Lyme Disease in Dogs, and Canine Influenza
The Dog Flu.
These vaccines are often available in combinations that can be given in one dose. Combination vaccines are convenient and avoid extra injections for your dog. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate vaccines for your pet based on your dog's relative risks and specific lifestyle.
Core vaccines.
Recommended for all puppies and dogs
canine distemper virus
canine parvovirus
canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
rabies virus
Leptospira species
Borrelia burgdorferi or Lyme disease
canine parainfluenza virus
Bordetella bronchiseptica or kennel cough
canine influenza
These vaccines are often available in combinations that can be given in one dose. Combination vaccines are convenient and avoid extra injections for your dog. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate vaccines for your pet based on your dog's relative risks and specific lifestyle.
Core vaccines.
Recommended for all puppies and dogs
canine distemper virus
canine parvovirus
canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
rabies virus
Non-Core vaccines.
Recommended for puppies and dogs in special circumstances, dependent on the exposure risk of an individual dogLeptospira species
Borrelia burgdorferi or Lyme disease
canine parainfluenza virus
Bordetella bronchiseptica or kennel cough
canine influenza
What is maternal immunity?
Newborn animals have not yet had a chance to make their own immunity so they need protection against infections present in their environment. They receive this immunity from their mother, as maternal antibodies. Part of this passive immunity is transferred across the placenta while the pup is still in the uterus, but most of it is transferred in the first milk or colostrum.This maternal immunity is only temporary. This maternal immunity is only temporary. It declines steadily over the first few weeks of life and is largely gone by twelve weeks. The rate of decline is variable, depending on many factors.
Why does my dog need to be revaccinated?
In most properly vaccinated dogs, the immunity should last more than a year, and often several years. However, immunity does decline with time and this decline rate varies with individuals. To maintain the best protection against infectious diseases, revaccinations have proven very successful."Immunity does decline with time and this decline rate varies with individuals."
As vaccines are improved over time, some do not need to be given as often, depending on individual circumstances. Most dogs with low-risk lifestyles can be vaccinated every three years with the core vaccines and as needed for any non-core vaccines (most non-core vaccines require annual boosters). Your veterinarian will discuss the need and frequency of booster vaccinations for your dog based on your dog’s needs and lifestyle.
Do vaccines provide 100% protection?
Vaccines have been highly successful in protecting the majority of dogs against disease. As a direct result of vaccination, previously common diseases such as distemper are now rare. But there are situations in which the dog’s immunity may be overcome and a vaccinated dog may still develop the disease. In such cases, the disease is generally milder than it would have been had the dog not been vaccinated.
As vaccines are improved over time, some do not need to be given as often, depending on individual circumstances. Most dogs with low-risk lifestyles can be vaccinated every three years with the core vaccines and as needed for any non-core vaccines (most non-core vaccines require annual boosters). Your veterinarian will discuss the need and frequency of booster vaccinations for your dog based on your dog’s needs and lifestyle.
Why is the same amount of vaccine given to a small dog and a large dog?
Vaccination doses are the same for all dogs, regardless of size. When these vaccines are tested, all dogs in the test group received the same dose of vaccine which has been proven safe for dogs of all sizes at the recommended dosage. Smaller doses of vaccine may not adequately protect small pets. In addition, there is no evidence that smaller doses of vaccinations are associated with a decreased likelihood of vaccine reactions.Do vaccines provide 100% protection?
Vaccines have been highly successful in protecting the majority of dogs against disease. As a direct result of vaccination, previously common diseases such as distemper are now rare. But there are situations in which the dog’s immunity may be overcome and a vaccinated dog may still develop the disease. In such cases, the disease is generally milder than it would have been had the dog not been vaccinated.
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