Step-by-Step Guide to Dog Vaccination Process

Specific immunity, a vital aspect of life for all animals, including dogs, is the ability to combat infections acquired through exposure to the environment or microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This immunity can also be acquired through the administration of vaccines. The microorganisms that trigger this immune response are known as antigens. This type of immunity is referred to as active immunity. Conversely, passive immunity in dogs occurs when they obtain immunity through external immune effect molecules, such as antibodies, or immune effect cells.

Initial Vaccination: At 42 days old, puppies should receive a combination vaccine (either pentavalent, quadrivalent, or hexavalent) along with a distemper vaccine. Note: The pentavalent vaccine covers distemper, parvovirus, rabies, canine influenza, and hepatitis. The quadrivalent vaccine covers distemper, parvovirus, canine influenza, and hepatitis. The hexavalent vaccine includes distemper, parvovirus, canine influenza, rabies, leptospirosis, and leptospirosis caused by Leptospira pomona.

Second Vaccination: Three weeks after the first vaccination, puppies should receive another combination vaccine (pentavalent, quadrivalent, or hexavalent) plus a rabies vaccine.

Third Vaccination: Three weeks after the second vaccination, puppies should receive another pentavalent vaccine.

Booster Vaccination: All vaccinated dogs should receive a booster shot every six months.

Important Notes: Distemper and rabies vaccines are voluntary and should be administered annually. At 30 days old, healthy puppies should be given deworming medication (commonly fenbendazole), and a booster should be administered every 23 months. When using alcohol as a disinfectant, wait until it is dry before injecting to prevent it from coming into contact with weakened vaccines. The vaccination route is subcutaneous, and only healthy dogs should be vaccinated. Immunity typically develops 1015 days after vaccination.

Vaccines should be used within their expiration date. Inactivated vaccines should be mixed well before use, and once thawed, they should not be reused. Live vaccines must be stored frozen and should be diluted with sterile water or diluent immediately before use. After vaccination, dogs should be observed for 2030 minutes before leaving the vaccination area.