Benefits of Dog Vaccinations: Protecting Your Pet's Hea
Section 1: Why Do Dogs Need to Be Vaccinated Against Rabies?
Rabies vaccine is an essential shot for dogs, as rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that affects both humans and animals. Once infected, the fatality rate for both humans and dogs is 100%, with virtually no chance of recovery. Therefore, getting vaccinated against rabies is our only line of defense against this virus.
According to the "Animal防疫 Law," pet owners are required to vaccinate their dogs against rabies annually. This means that obtaining a dog license also necessitates a rabies vaccination. Thus, vaccination is an unavoidable part of pet ownership.
Section 2: At What Age Can Dogs Be Vaccinated?
Generally, dogs can receive vaccinations at 45 days old, but this refers to vaccines for other infectious diseases, such as parvovirus and canine distemper. Commonly available vaccines include the pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines. The first vaccination requires a series of three shots, with each dose administered approximately 20 days apart. After completing the multivaccine series, wait an additional week to ensure the dog is at least three months old before administering the rabies vaccine.
Section 3: What to Keep in Mind When Vaccinating Dogs?
1. Before Vaccination: Dogs should not bathe or be dewormed during the vaccination period, as parasites within the dog's body may affect the vaccine's effectiveness. It is recommended to deworm your dog before vaccination and wait a few days before bringing them to the vet.
Since vaccines contain weakened viruses, if a dog's immune system is low, they may experience adverse reactions after vaccination. Therefore, if your dog is suffering from a cold or gastrointestinal illness, it is advisable to wait until they have recovered and observed for a week before administering the vaccine.
2. After Vaccination: After receiving the vaccine, dogs should be observed in the vet's office for half an hour to ensure there are no allergic reactions or other abnormal symptoms before leaving. It is not recommended to bathe your dog within a week after vaccination, as their immune system is weakened, and sudden bathing may lead to a cold.
Additionally, the validity of vaccines is typically 12 months, so it is necessary to bring your dog in for a rabies vaccine and a booster shot for other vaccines every year.
Understanding the importance of dog vaccinations and the associated precautions is crucial. If you have any further questions about dog vaccinations, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert. In case of adverse reactions after vaccination, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention at a veterinary hospital.
