VACCINATION SCHEDULE
*This schedule is subject to change per your veterinarian*Types of vaccine may vary per area
5-6 wks of age: Distemper*Measles*Parainfluenza*Bordetella
8-12wks of age: DHPP (distemper*Hepatitis*Parainfluenza Type 2*Parvo virus*Coronavirus*Leptospirosis*Bordetella*Lyme Disease
12weeks: Rabies
16weeks: DHPP(as above)*Coronavirus*Lyme disease*Leptospirosis
Annual Booster: Rabies*DHPP*Coronavirus*Leptospirosis*Bordetella*Lyme Disease
Booster every 1-3 years: Rabies
*Females should be vaccinated with a DHPP booster two to four weeks before breeding.
*Some rabies boosters are required at one year intervals....others at three year intervals. (Rabvac 1 or Rabvac 3)
*Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis vaccinations may be indicated twice a year in endemic areas.
*Bordetella my be indicated in show dogs, kennel dogs, dogs that are boarded with others or who are at high risk for exposure to the kennel cough complex. Boosters should be given within 2 weeks apart of each other (2 are given within 2 weeks apart...once a year). Boosters can be given twice a year in endemic areas. When vaccinating a litter of puppies, the first vaccine should be a HIGH TITER/LOW PASSAGE with the remainder vaccines being a varied TITER vaccine for better effectiveness.
BORDETELLA VACCINE:
The Bordetella vaccinations are of some help in controlling kennel cough and other respiratory infections caused by this bacteria. Anyone who has show dogs, kennel dogs or who boards their dogs may benefit from this optional protection. However, some dogs are sensitive to this vaccination and may develop coughing, runny nose, slight congestion. As with people, this is a live virus that can cause the symptoms of this disease although it will help boost the immunity. There are two vaccine types for this protection. One being an injection and the other being a nasal vaccine. (Spray type). The intranasal vaccine gives the most immediate immunity. The injectable bacterin must be given twice for optimum protection. The first injection is given at age 5-6wks of age and is repeated two to four weeks later. Puppies can be given the intranasal vaccine as early as 3 weeks of age.
PARAINFLUENZA TYPE 2 VACCINE:
Parainfluenza type 2 is the principal virus implicated in the kennel cough complex. While vaccinations will decrease the risk of contracting this disease, they can also cause flu like symptoms to occur in canine sensitive to vaccinations. While boosting the immunity of your canine, it can also be annoying for a few weeks if your canine contracts symptoms of the flu after receiving this vaccine. Immediate antibiotics are recommended when symptoms are noticed. If untreated, your young puppy can die if this disease turns into a bacterial infection.
Parainfluenza type 2 is incorporated in most vaccinations given to young puppies. This is why it is not uncommon to see "kennel cough" or symptoms occur in those sensitive to such vaccinations. The injectable vaccine protects against this disease but does not eliminate the virus from the nasal secretions. This means that dogs can still transmit the infection especially when in a group....such as litters who are being vaccinated or an entire kennel who are being vaccinated. The intranasal vaccine protects against both the disease and infection thereby eliminating the possibility of transmitting the disease to other dogs. Should your canine contract Parainfluenza from its vaccine, the medication "Tamiflu" may be of great help.
CANINE PARVOVIRUS VACCINE:
This vaccination is commercially available to the general public and can be given to your canine by you. Because of the availability of this vaccine, you would think that parvovirus could be wiped out in communities with dogs.
Although relatively inexpensive, you would be amazed at how many dogs and young puppies go unvaccinated for this dreadful disease. Laziness or owner irresponsibility....there really is no excuse NOT to vaccinate your dog when it is readily available in most pet stores, feed stores & internet canine supply sites. Because the age at which individual puppies can respond to parvovirus vaccination varies, all puppies should be vaccinated beginning at age 8 weeks. There should be a series of five vaccinations given at 2-4 week intervals. While there are many different brands available, most are within a single vaccine such as your 7-in one; 8-in one. Prices can range anywhere from $2 per vaccine to $15 per vaccine. (7-in one & 8-in one means there are a series of 8 various vaccinations combined into one shot.)
New high titer-low passage vaccines are most effective than older vaccines even in the presence of maternal antibodies, and have narrowed the window of susceptibility that occurs between declining levels of maternal antibodies and acquired immunity produced by the vaccination. Even after a puppy has received his or her first series of vaccinations, they should NOT be exposed to other dogs that may be a source of infection....this also includes NOT taking your new puppy to a pet store....pet shop....canine park.....or allowing your puppy to come into contact with dogs who may be at risk for infection. Most puppies have a built up immunity system by age 16 weeks if they complete all of the required vaccinations. Annual vaccinations are required to maintain immunity.
Even older dogs can acquire Parvo if NOT vaccinated, although they do have more of a built up immune system than young puppies. In unvaccinated dogs older than 16 weeks, give two vaccines within 2 weeks of each other. Breeding dogs should be vaccinated two to four weeks before being bred to ensure high levels of antibody in their colostrum. However, if you have a kennel, it is NOT recommended that you only vaccinate one dog. If you are vaccinating one dog, you must vaccinate them all. Parvo virus in the vaccine is eliminated through the stool and can cause unvaccinated dogs to pick up this disease. Parvo can transmit itself to other dogs whose immunity has not been built up, therefore causing parvo to occur in any aged dog. Some vets claim this virus is airborne and some vets and sites claim it is not, however, there is no actual...factual information available whether it is or it isn't. Puppies are the most affected by this disease and it is not always caused by the pup coming into contact with other sick pups, dogs or infected feces. Parvo can infect a dog or puppy from many various sources and ways. Symptoms are listlessness, vomiting, severe drooling, pale gums, high fever and acute abdominal pain. Parvo causes severe gastric damage and will cause internal bleeding if your puppy is left untreated, rapidly. The virus is shed in large amounts in the stools of acutely infected dogs as well as those who have been recently vaccinated. It can be transmitted by air current, oral contact with infected feces, carried by your clothing, shoes, hair and any other object. Parvo can last as long as 7 years in the ground....but sometimes can be killed with the first heavy snow fall. Parvo effects dogs of all ages but mostly young puppies from 6-20 weeks of age. Doberman and Rottweilers appear to acquire this disease quicker than any other breed and experience the more severe symptoms. The reason for lower resistance in these breeds are unknown, but many veterinarians know that most vaccinations do not fully protect these two breeds at any age. There was suppose to be clinical studies regarding this problem and a vaccination created just for these two breeds.......but there is not much known at this time whether this has occurred or not. Some dogs or young puppies can have a fever as high as 106. Puppies with severe abdominal pain exhibit a tucked up abdomen. Diarrhea is profuse and contains mucus and /or blood. Because dehydration occurs rapidly, it is extremely important NOT to wait for treatment. Intravenous or sub-Q fluids must be given immediately, along with a complex series of medications to try and combat this disease. While medications will not "cure" parvo since it is a virus, it will help alleviate the symptoms and help a puppy get over it, quicker. It must run its course as with all viral infections. Puppies and dogs surviving this dreadful disease will never get it again....but the actual survival rate is 50/50. Survival is dependent upon how quickly you have sought veterinarian assistance......treatment....experience from your vet in successful parvo treatment....and the dogs own ability to fight disease. The outcome also has to do with the strain of parvo that has taken effect. Each and every year, there is a new strain. Vaccines do not always protect dogs or puppies 100% because of the variable strains that occur. Treatment is expensive and not guaranteed, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to take the chance or to have the puppy euthanized. Because the treatment is not guaranteed (mainly because there are a series of factors that go into the ability of the puppy's chances for survival) many opt to have their canine euthanized even though it is possible for the canine to survive. While there are tests available through your vet to determine whether your canine has contracted the parvo virus, this test is not 100% accurate. If your puppy or dog has recently been vaccinated, this test will show a false positive. If a vet does not know that your puppy was recently vaccinated or does not have a history with your dog, there is no way for the vet to know whether the test is showing a false positive. An in-office test called ELISA is available for rapid veterinarian diagnosis but as I said, false positives do occur. Virus isolation techniques are more precise, but require an outside laboratory. If this test is a false positive and you have opted to have your canine euthanized, you may have just wasted the life of your dog without proper warrant. There are other communicable diseases that present themselves in a similar fashion but NOT be parvo related. Your dog could have parasites, a canine flu or gastric enteritis, coccidia or giardia (that show similar symptoms) that is NOT life threatening if treated properly by your vet and does not warrant euthanization. It is always difficult for an owner to make the choice of putting their dog down. Some may do this because of financial hardship and some may do it because they feel they do not want their dog to suffer any further pain. But it is possible, if your canine gets immediate treatment and there is no hesitation on your part at seeking professional treatment, for your canine to survive this illness. It is HIGHLY advisable that if you have lost a puppy or a dog to parvo or distemper, that you bleach your entire home as much as possible. Crates, toys, food dishes and any other item that your canine had contact with should be bleached or thrown out. The bottoms of your shoes must be bleached. Your car of which your canine was transported in should be thoroughly cleaned with a strong disinfectant. Door knobs, counters, doors, every inch of your home must be bleached with 100% bleach or Nolvasan (which can be purchased through your vet or by clicking here.)
You should make sure that you have disinfected as much as possible before introducing another puppy to the same living area. If you bring in a new puppy after losing a canine to distemper or parvo and did not completely disinfect, the otherwise healthy canine will contract this disease and you will go through the same cycle all over again. Many people believe that your puppy is protected because it was vaccinated once or twice. NOT TRUE! You should NEVER subject a young puppy to other canine that you are unfamiliar with.....canine parks....pet shops...pet stores....and it is unfortunate that your puppy can obtain infection by visiting your veterinarian's office if they have had a parvo or distemper ill canine in their office at the same time you are visiting or on the same day. It is HIGHLY ADVISABLE to call ahead of time.....to find out if your vet has had such an ill canine on their premises before taking your new puppy in for a routine visit. We also suggest that you take the first available EARLY morning appointment just in case a sick puppy or dog comes through their door sometime later that day before you arrive. This disease, when it presents itself, requires intensive hydration management; Even in mild cases, hospitalization may be required to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Medications to control vomiting as well as diarrhea may be required. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent septicemia and other bacterial complications which is most often the cause of death. Young Puppies can also become exposed to this virus while enroute to their destination either by car or plane. Exposure to this virus can occur in many ways. PARVO AND DISTEMPER IS NOT A KENNEL OR BREEDER DISEASE! This deadly disease has various strains that occur each and every year. Every year new strains come out that vaccinations do not always protect canine from 100%. NO SINGLE CANINE OWNER OR BREEDER is immune at any time of the year regardless of area!!! People who hop from one breeder to another, who handle multiple puppies while on their search for a family pet are the worst when it comes to spreading parvo and distemper to otherwise healthy puppies!!! It is very important for those seeking information regarding this disease to know that 2004 showed a new strain of parvo that is highly resistant to most common antibiotics used by many veterinarians! Enroflaxacin, Tamiflu & Gentocin may be of significant help with the new strain that is out. Your vet MUST PERFORM A DNA BLOOD PROFILE if your puppy is showing signs of parvo. This will not only verify that the symptoms are definitely parvo...but will tell your vet what strain it is and what antibiotics the strain is resistant and not resistant to. A simple parvo test is NOT ENOUGH to tell your vet how to treat your canine if he or she is showing symptoms. Most common Parvo testing only shows signs of blood in the stool....a simple blood test will only show the red blood cell count or white blood cell count showing the infection's severity...but does not, in any way, tell a vet what strain of parvo your puppy is showing symptoms from or if indeed it is parvo. ALL DOGS ARE AT RISK, THROUGH OUT THEIR LIVES, REGARDLESS OF WHO OWNS THEM OR WHERE THEY LIVE OR HOW THEY LIVE, to this common deadly canine disease. Unfortunately, Puppies are the ones most severely affected. CLICK HERE for parvo aids. It is also important to know that puppies can quickly come down with parvo or distemper if exposed to the deadly germs. There are so many numerous ways a puppy or dog can contract Parvo...these germs are literally anywhere and everywhere. If action is taken immediately once distemper or parvo is suspected, and providing your vet acts quickly using proper medications, your puppy has a higher chance of survival. If your vet only uses common antibiotics, the chances are slim to none that your puppy will survive since newer strains are more resistant to common antibiotics. Puppies who are being treated for this disease lose the desire to eat. Therefore, they must be force fed in small amounts. bland baby foods such as Powdered Gerber's' Rice cereal mixed with clear Pedialyte that has been slightly warmed, as well as other baby foods in a jar will help your puppy from starving while being treated with IV fluids and medication. Vet offices also carry what is called PET ID. This is a prescription canned dog or puppy food. This food can be mixed with warm water and is highly digestible. It is very palatable and can be fed to pups or dogs through a syringe if necessary. Should the puppy have problems with nausea, your vet will have to administer medications to reduce this problem. IV or Sub-Q fluids will help reduce the problem of dehydration and help maintain electrolyte balance. A critical problem in leaving an ill puppy or dog at a vets' office is the fact that few are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is critical that a puppy ill with parvo or distemper have someone able to watch over him or her around the clock, every day. Taking your puppy or dog to a hospital that provides around the clock care will allow your canine a higher survival rate. Providing that your puppy has had constant attention, the correct medications and kept hydrated, your puppy will have a greater chance at survival and have no lasting after effects once completely well. Every day that your puppy gets through, with proper treatment, improves its chances of survival. Unless you are experienced and are able to provide treatment yourself, it can be quite expensive.....but many people need to realize that deadly canine communicable diseases are literally every where and any where live animals roam or live and while unfortunate, canine owners as well as breeders can no more control canine viral diseases than doctors can the common cold or flu. Because humans can bring parvo/distemper onto a breeder's premises if they have come into contact with contaminated soil or an ill puppy or dog, we absolutely will NOT permit browsing for any reason. Because 2004 showed a new strain of parvo that regular vaccinations did not provide protection for in our Goldendoodles, we switched to NEO-PAR after much research. Here we are into 2006 and we have not had a single incident of parvo or distemper as a direct result of our strict policy and switching to Neo-Par. The NEO-PAR vaccine allows puppies to be vaccinated as early as three weeks of age where as other vaccines are for 6-8 week old pups only. We have found that NEO-PAR protects our Goldendoodles from newer strains of parvo and distemper and our strict policy change of not allowing any contact with our puppies until the day they leave for their new homes, has kept our pups alive and well.
PSEUDORABIES:
Pseudorabies is an acute fatal disease that attacks the central nervous system and it does affect dogs, cats and other mammals. It is rare in the United States, but is not a hazard to human health. This disease is caused by a herpesvirus that mostly affects pigs. Almost all cases that result in a dog contracting this disease is due to the dog eating contaminated raw pork. The incubation period for this disease is approx. 3-5 days. The dog often drools excessively....acts as though something were caught in its throat....becomes restless and depressed. Intense itching occurs about the head and shoulders and inside the mouth. The dog will stagger about, collapse and fall into a coma. Death occurs within a few hours. This disease can be prevented by not allowing your dog to roam about with pigs. Never feed raw pork to your dog. There are no current vaccinations within the United States to protect dogs from this disease. Signs of pseudo-rabies suggests the possibility of rabies, but the shorter course (just a few hours) , lack of vicious attacks and intolerable itching distinguish the two diseases. There is no known treatment available at this time.
INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS:
This disease is highly contagious and is considered to be a viral disease caused by adenovirus-1. In the United States this disease is quite rare. It is most often seen exclusively in wild canine and unvaccinated dogs. Most cases occur in puppis under one year of age. After exposure, this virus multiplies in the dog's tissues and is shed in all of its bodily secretions. During this stage the dog is highly contagious and can spread infection to other dogs that make contact with infected urine, stool and saliva. After the dog has recovered, he or she remains infective and sheds the virus in the urine for up to 9 months. Infectious hepatitis affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels, producing a mild infection at one extreme to a rapidly fatal infection at the other.
Dogs who have a mild case lose their appetite and simply appear lethargic. In the fatal form, the dog becomes suddenly ill, develops bloody diarrhea, collapses and dies within hours. Puppies may die without obvious illness.
Usually a dog with this acute infection runs a temperature of up to 106...refuses to eat, passes bloody diarrhea and often vomits blood. Their belly is tucked up caused by painful swelling of the liver. Light is painful to the dog's eyes and causes tearing and squinting. Tonsillitis, spontaneous bleeding beneath the gums and under the skin and yellowing of the whites of the eyes may occur.
Approx. 25% of dogs recovering from infectious canine hepatitis develop a characteristic clouding of the cornea of one or both eyes known as "blue eye". In most cases, the blue eye disappears within a few days.
Treatment involves intensive hospitalization care and management and vaccinating your canine is highly effective in preventing infectious hepatitis from occurring. This disease does not cause hepatitis in humans.
LEPTOSPIROSIS:
Canine Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused from a bacteria called Spirochetes. There are four species that can cause infection in dogs. This bacteria is spread through urine and can make its way into water sources. It remains infective in the soil for up to six months. Primary carriers of this disease include rats, pigs, cattle, skunks and opossums. This disease enters a dog's system through breaks in the skin or when the dog drinks contaminated water by infected urine. Dogs that spend alot of time in water are at high risk. Most infections are mild and do not show any clinical signs. Acute infection appears to show itself within 4-12 days of exposure. Fever is present in the early stage. The dog may have lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, depression, muscle pain and sometimes blood in the urine. Leptospirosis primarily affects the kidneys and liver. In most severe cases, the white's of a dogs eyes can turn yellow. This is due to jaundice. This indicates hepatitis with destruction of liver cells. Coagulation problems can ensue, with spontaneous bleeding from the mouth and presence of blood in the stools. Following recovery, a dog left untreated will become a carrier and can shed bacteria in their urine for up to one year thus causing infection in other dogs. Severely ill dogs should be hospitalized for public health reasons as well as to provide intensive care. Tests of kidney and liver function will be abnormal. Spirochetes can be detected in the urine and the blood by fluorescent antibody staining. Blood tests are available to confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotic combinations of penicillin and streptomycin are effective to combat this disease. Other supportive measures would be to control the diarrhea and vomiting and to correct the loss of electrolytes through intravenous fluids and maintenance of nutrition. This disease can be contracted by humans in the form of what is called "Weil's Disease". People who acquire this disease get it in the same way as the canine. Weil's disease is considered an occupational disease among dairy milkers and people who work around animals.
DISTEMPER:
Distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus similar to the germ that causes measles in a person. It is the leading cause, worldwide, of death among dogs. It only occurs sporadically in the United States. Any unvaccinated dog is a high risk for infection. Canine shed this disease in all of their bodily secretions. Inhaling the virus is the primary source of exposure. The highest incidence occurs in unvaccinated puppies 6-12weeks of age, at which time maternal antibodies fall below protective levels. 50% of dogs that become infected with canine distemper virus show mild signs of illness or no signs at all. Basically, the severity of cases is based on the overall health of the dog. Distemper mainly attacks the brain cells and cells that line the surfaces of the body to include the skin, conjunctiva, the mucous membranes of the breathing tubes and the gastrointestinal tract. This disease takes a variety of forms. Secondary infections and complications are common mostly contributed to the immunosuppressive effects of the virus.
The first signs of distemper is characterized by a spiking fever of up to 103-105 degrees. A second fever spike is accompanied by loss of appetite, listlessness and a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. These symptoms may be mistaken for a cold. Within a few days, the eye and nasal discharge becomes thick, yellow and sticky. The dogs develops a pronounced dry cough. Pus blisters may appear on the abdomen. Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent and may cause severe dehydration, especially in young puppies. During the next one or two weeks of onset, the dogs may appear to be getting better but then suffer from a relapse. This often coincides with the end of the course of antibiotics and the development of gastrointestinal and respiratory complications due to secondary bacterial invasion. Many dogs develop signs of brain involvement....this is characterized by brief attacks of slobbering....head shaking....and chewing movements that resemble the dog chewing gum. Epileptic seizures may occur in which the dog runs in circles, falls over and kicks all four feet wildly. After convulsive episodes the dog will appear confused and will shy away from its owner...wander about aimlessly and appear to be blind. With cases of brain involvement and uncertain diagnosis, a spinal tap and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid may be of assistance. The only problem is that this is not always diagnostic. While the dog may recover, if Myoclonus sets in, a condition called "distemper Myoclonus"" that is characterized by rhythmic contractions of muscle groups at up to 60 contractions per minute occurs. This jerking can affect all parts of the dog's body and it is indefinite. It is most common about the head. The jerking can occur both night and day and pain can accompany the symptoms causing the dog to whine and cry out. It can become less severe with time although there is no guarantee. Distemper should be treated by your veterinarian. Antibiotics are used to prevent secondary infections even though they have no effect on the distemper virus itself. Supportive treatment includes intravenous fluids to replace lost electrolytes and to correct dehydration. Medications may also be used to control vomiting and diarrhea as well as anticonvulsant to help control the seizures.
As you can very well tell, when a canine becomes infected with severe communicable diseases, they can be quite dreadful to the dog and very expensive to treat for the owner. The simple task of vaccinating your canine can prevent many of these diseases from appearing or affecting your canine. While some dogs are sensitive to the vaccinations themselves, even contracting mild forms of diseases from the vaccine, there is no way to prevent your canine from becoming ill from a communicable disease unless you have him or her vaccinated completely. Many people will blame a breeder if they purchase a puppy who later becomes ill with Parvo. Parvo & distemper does not discriminate! It can attack dogs of all ages no matter how well they are cared for. Puppies & dogs can become ill with Parvo easily because vaccinations do not always guarantee complete immunity and every year there are new strains of parvo that vaccinations may or may not protect a puppy from. Many people believe that puppies & dogs contract parvo by the touching of noses of other dogs or sick pups or stepping in contaminated feces. This is not completely true. Those are just some of the ways dogs and pups can become infected. Many become infected by being taken to your vet's office.....to pet shops....to dog parks....or being allowed to come into contact with someone who has unknowingly handled an ill or parvo infected dog or pup. Airborne diseases spread through wind current and parvo can remain on your clothing, shoes, personal items, car, or anywhere you have have been after handling or coming into contact with an infected dog or pup.
Giardia: Giardia is a pesky parasite that attacks dogs and can make them feel bad. Pets can pick this parasite up by drinking contaminated water and it can make them very sick. Giardia can be found in stagnant water, but while many vets believe this is the only way a pet can get giardia, this is not always the case. Many dogs like to stand in their water and if they have stepped in feces prior to standing in their water, they can contaminate the water in this manner. Young puppies are also susceptible to Giardia because puppies can step in their own feces.....then lick their paws or the paws of their littermates....they can also use the bathroom in their drinking water and drink out of it before the breeder or owner has the chance to change it. Giardia can be contracted in many other ways besides stagnant water or fresh water streams. Pets can be treated with Panacur through your veterinarian if this has been found in the stool. Signs of Giardia can be droplets of blood in the stool.....lack of appetite and loose stools. It is very important, especially in a young pup, to have this treated immediately.
NO PERFECT VACCINE:
While vaccinations are medically powerful agents, there are no perfect vaccines. Vaccinations are designed to minimize the adverse clinical signs associated with the disease, but may not prevent infection. Two new reports on vaccines issued in the past year indicate that adult dogs may not need to be revaccinated annually. These reports were issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Core vaccines such as "Distemper", "Parvovirus", "Adenovirus" and "rabies"are most likely to last more than a year. Duration of immunity (DOI)....how long immune protection lasts....is the critical determining factor, but is not simple to define because it is based on the complex interplay between a dog's immune response and the vaccine. This makes it difficult to measure in an individual dog. Vaccinations should be determined based on disease incidence and severity, vaccine protection and safety and the health, welfare and lifestyle of each individual dog. NEO-PAR is a very effective vaccine as a first puppy shot for Goldendoodles.
Bordetella is a non-core vaccine that protects against Bordetella Bronchiseptica infection....a cause of kennel cough syndrome. Noncore vaccines are those that are given only in special circumstances based on the exposure risk of an individual dog.......also taking into consideration geographic distribution and lifestyle. Kennel cough is not an illness to be taken lightly. It is highly contagious and extremely important that your dog is vaccinated if you have plans to kennel your dog. Many kennels require proof of the Bordetella vaccine prior to kenneling. The nasal cough vaccine is the most effective and dogs that are kenneled often should be vaccinated annually for this syndrome.
REPORTING ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Presently there are no federal or state laws requiring veterinarians to report adverse reactions associated with vaccines. There is an obvious need for reporting, but very few do. Both vet and pet owner would benefit by knowing the risks involved in vaccinating. Reporting adverse reactions could lead to detection of unrecognized reactions and increase awareness of known reactions and to the identification of vaccine lots with unusual events or unexpected numbers of adverse effects and could also lead to further studies. Consulting with your vet is the only way to ensure you have the latest information customized to the needs of your own personal dog. Vaccination schedules should be modified on the basis of changes in a dogs' age, health status, home, travel environment and lifestyle. Most dogs respond well to being vaccinated....but some vaccines do carry risks. Common adverse reactions are mild and short term and can include fever, sluggishness and reduced appetite. Some dogs can go into shock within a few minutes of receiving a vaccination...while others may experience temporary pain or swelling at the site of the vaccination. If a dog has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, whole body itching, difficulty breathing, collapse or swelling of the face and legs, your vet should be contacted immediately. These signs may indicate an allergic reaction and in rare cases, death may also occur. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE INTERESTING INFORMATION REGARDING CANINE VACCINATIONS.
