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What Dog Vaccinations Are Necessary?

Just as children need to be vaccinated against diseases that have a potential of making them very ill, our fur children also need certain vaccinations to keep them healthy and give them a chance at a long life.  It is often confusing, however, to know what dog vaccinations are necessary, which are recommended and which may do more harm than good.  Hopefully we can clear up some of that confusion about dog vaccinations.

When a puppy reaches six weeks of age, it is important to get a dog vaccination for Parvovirus.  This is the most common cause of death in puppies.  Bordetella dog vaccinations are necessary for any dog that will be spending time living in a setting with numerous dogs.  This virus is the leading cause of kennel cough.  If your dog is not likely to come into contact with other dogs often, it is not necessary.

Two dog vaccinations that are necessary are those to prevent Lyme disease and Rabies.  Dog vaccinations for Rabies, as well as cat vaccinations for this, are required by law in most areas.  Ticks carry Lyme disease: particularly the deer tick.  This dog vaccination is especially important if your furry friend is going to be spending a lot of time outside where he can easily come into contact with both fleas and ticks.

The final two dog vaccinations that are important for your dog are those to combat Distemper and Heartworm.  Both of these diseases are fatal and can be easily picked up from other animals.  Puppies are most susceptible to Distemper and are apt to develop seizures if not vaccinated against the disease.

Most of the time, people take their pets to a vet for the dog vaccinations.  Treatments for various diseases or maladies are becoming more available outside the vet’s office, however.  There are various treatments for joint pain and arthritis in dogs.  Dog vaccinations are also becoming more popular, and less expensive, outside the vet’s office. 

A person who can measure correct dosage and administer a shot is perfectly capable of giving dog vaccinations at home.  Often this helps prevent nervous reactions in both the owner and the dog. It is important to check with a reliable source as to how much vaccine is necessary for your dog’s size and age.  Once you know this and the schedule of dog vaccinations that is considered best, a simple search for dog vaccination supplies will have you ready to help give your pet a long and healthy life.

 

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