Why Should I Vaccinate My Dog?

by | Jan 13, 2014 | Veterinarian

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For dog vaccinations in County Durham you should contact a registered vet and make an appointment as soon as possible. All dogs, as with most animals and humans, do require vaccines to prevent them from contracting serious and fatal diseases and illnesses. Dogs are susceptible to a variety of canine viruses, illnesses and debilitating diseases that can not only cost you a fortune in veterinary bills, but also, potentially kill your dog.

How a Vaccine Works

A vaccine is a non-threatening strain of a specific bacterium or virus. As with people, when dogs and cats are vaccinated the vet is administering the weakened strain to see how the animal’s immune system responds. It should kick into action and prevent the ‘threat’ with a series of appropriate anti-bodies that eliminate the potential threat. Of course there is no specific threat, but the body will respond accordingly, giving the vet a positive inclination that the vaccine is a success and the dog is protected. These first courses of vaccines are usually given to a dog between the ages of nine and twelve weeks, but no later. Once their first course has been given the vet will then call the dog back for the second course. Once in a while a dog will have to have three series’ of treatments, but this is usually a booster about a year after the first course has been given.

Avoiding Illnesses

The Kennel Cough Vaccine is offered if a dog owner intends to house their dog in communal kennels. The vaccine is applied through the dog’s nostrils and provides protection against bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza. Your dog’s vaccines should include canine hepatitis, canine distemper virus, Leptospirosis, kennel cough and canine parvovirus. It is recommended that your puppies get vaccinated as early as possible before they start mixing with other animals. It’s important your dog is vaccinated to protect it from preventable diseases. These diseases can cause it misery and affect its quality of life. In the worst case scenario, it can be fatal. Your vet should provide you with a timetable for your pet’s vaccinations in county Durham. It will afford you great peace of mind knowing that you’ve done all you can to protect your dog.

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