Top Tips for Safe Dog Vaccination: What to Know

1. When Can Puppies Be Vaccinated?

Newborn puppies or those under 6 weeks old should not be vaccinated prematurely due to the presence of maternal antibodies that provide them with immunity. Healthy puppies can receive their first vaccination at around 45 days of age, with each dose administered every 21 days, in a series of three. Vaccinations for dogs are required annually, and it's advisable to get them earlier than the previous year's schedule to avoid any unexpected occurrences when the vaccine is nearing its expiration. Therefore, a booster shot should be administered 11 months after the initial vaccination, which is a routine part of the annual immunization process. Puppies should receive the rabies vaccine at 3 months of age, followed by an annual shot thereafter.

2. Under What Conditions Can Vaccinations Be Administered?

Only healthy dogs, both puppies and adults, should be vaccinated. If a puppy is newly adopted, it's best to first test for any infectious diseases and keep it at home for about two weeks to allow it to adjust to the new environment. Puppies are particularly vulnerable when they arrive in a new home, so their diet and rest should be gradually adjusted. Vaccinating a puppy that already carries a virus can be counterproductive, potentially making the dog sick. It's safest to wait until the puppy's health, including appetite, drinking, and elimination, appears normal, and after a blood test has been conducted at the vet's office. Before vaccination, deworming and a physical examination can be done to ensure the dog is in good health.

3. Can Vaccinations Be Given to Pregnant Dogs?

Vaccinating a pregnant dog may weaken her immune system and potentially harm the puppies in her womb, affecting the normal course of pregnancy. Most vaccine instructions explicitly state "not for use in pregnant dogs." Therefore, if the timing of the vaccination coincides with pregnancy, it should be postponed until after the puppies have been weaned. Dogs in the gestation and lactation periods should not be vaccinated. Additionally, it's best to avoid vaccinations during the dog's heat cycle.

4. The Purpose of Vaccines is Prevention, Not Treatment

If a dog is already infected with a virus, vaccinating it could be harmful. It's essential to treat the symptoms first and allow the dog to recover before administering the vaccine. Remember, vaccines are for prevention, not treatment.

5. Possible Reactions After Vaccination

Most dogs do not experience any side effects after vaccination, but a few may show symptoms like lowgrade fever, listlessness, drowsiness, or discomfort or swelling at the injection site. These symptoms usually resolve within 23 days. If a dog remains unwell for several days after vaccination, it should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation. As a precaution, it's recommended to observe the dog for 2030 minutes after vaccination in a veterinary setting before leaving.

6. PostVaccination Care

Dogs should not be bathed, their diet or environment should not be changed abruptly, and they should not go outside to play or interact with other dogs during the immunization period. Failure to adhere to these precautions can weaken the dog's immune system or prevent optimal immunization results.

Dog owners must take the vaccination process seriously. Once you've decided to adopt a dog, remember to get them vaccinated. If you've committed to immunizing your dog, ensure that you follow through. Only by ensuring the dog's health can you enjoy more happiness and cherished memories together.

Tip: For more information on vaccination care for your dog, read "The Top Five Myths About Dog Vaccinations."