To protect the health of dogs, it is necessary to vaccinate them to prevent diseases. However, the variety of vaccines available can confuse novice dog owners, leaving them unsure of where to start, such as how to administer the vaccines, how many shots are needed, and when to vaccinate. Today, let’s discuss some important things about dog vaccinations.
1、What are the types of vaccines?
Dual vaccines: Prevents canine distemper and canine parvovirus.
Triple vaccines: Prevents canine infectious hepatitis and canine parvovirus.
Quadruple vaccines: Prevents canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine influenza, and canine adenovirus.
Pentavalent vaccines: Prevents canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine influenza, canine adenovirus type I and II (canine infectious hepatitis virus, canine infectious tracheobronchitis).
Hexavalent vaccines: Prevents canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine influenza, canine adenovirus type I and II (canine infectious hepatitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis), and leptospirosis.
Octavalent vaccines: Prevents canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine influenza, canine adenovirus type I and II (canine infectious hepatitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis), canine coronavirus.
Rabies vaccine: Mainly prevents the risk of dogs contracting rabies.
Note: “Valent” refers to the number of antigens (viruses) targeted by the vaccine, and some antigens can provide cross-protection against different diseases. For example, adenovirus can provide cross-protection against respiratory diseases and infectious hepatitis. So, the “valent” does not equal the number of diseases prevented. Regardless of the valency, the vaccine is administered as a single shot; it doesn’t mean that an octavalent vaccine requires eight shots.
2、Which vaccines do dogs need?
Puppies receive maternal antibodies through nursing, but these antibodies gradually decrease after weaning, leaving them vulnerable to viral infections. When puppies reach 6 to 7 weeks of age, they should receive their first vaccination, usually a dual vaccine along with deworming. This means that puppies should receive the dual vaccine and deworming at 7 weeks old, followed by a quadruple or pentavalent vaccine a month later. Finally, at around 5 months old, they should receive the octavalent (or septavalent) vaccine and the rabies vaccine. This completes the initial immunization for dogs, and thereafter, they should receive vaccinations once a year (specifics may vary depending on the veterinarian). It is important to note that one week after vaccination, antibody testing should be conducted to ensure adequate antibody production. If the antibody level is insufficient, a booster vaccination may be necessary.
3、Post-vaccination precautions
(1) Precautions:
Within a week after vaccination, avoid feeding dogs spicy food, intense exercise, bathing, and ensure they stay warm.
There should be a one-week interval between vaccinations and deworming.
Spaying/neutering surgery should be performed at least 20 days before or after vaccination.
Avoid contact with sick animals within 2 weeks after vaccination.
(2) Adverse reactions:
Local reactions: In some cases, dogs may experience redness, swelling, hardness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. If this occurs, a warm towel can be applied to the area.
Systemic reactions: Very few pets may experience systemic allergic reactions, such as hives, erythema, rashes, numbness, and occasional fever. If any abnormal symptoms are observed, prompt medical attention is recommended.
After vaccination, dogs should be observed at the clinic for about 30 minutes. If no abnormalities occur, they can be safely discharged. In the following 3 days, dogs may experience drowsiness, decreased appetite, and low spirits. However, owners need not worry too much and should observe the symptoms. If the symptoms persist for 3 to 4 days, it is advisable to take the dog to the vaccination clinic for examination.
