Dog Immunizations – Should You Do It?
Optimum health is what a pet owner primarily wants for his beloved dog. And one way to ensure your pet’s maximum health is through prompt vaccinations. Basically, dog immunization or shot is an artificial way of giving the body an additional boost to the immune system. It is done by introducing either live, weakened or dead microorganisms to develop antibodies that prevents the progress of body illnesses. It also helps to eradicate the occurrences or cases of fatal diseases among dogs. Thus, it is part of a responsible owner’s task to ensure that your dog is vaccinated.
Upon birth, the immune system of a puppy maybe compared to a newborn’s. Having a suppressed immune system, most health experts advise the early introduction of breast milk as it contains the substance called colustrum, which has antibodies that serves as body’s warriors against harmful and disease-causing microorganisms. However, the effectiveness of colustrum isn’t permanent. At that point, dog immunization is then necessary. In contrast to what most beliefs, dog immunization does not make your dogs sick. Instead, they help the body to develop antibodies against possible microorganisms that will be beneficial through its life.
However, there may be instances that your dog may develop reactions in response to the immunization given. These may include the occurrences of pain, achy muscles, fever, decreased appetite, and prolonged hours of sleep. But all these reactions are temporary. They usually vanish 48 hours after. As when your dog develops vomiting, hives and facial swelling, immediately consult your veterinarian for possible prescription of medications like antihistamines to manage these fatal symptoms. In addition, it is important to stress out that even when your pet exhibited reactions, it is still recommended to continue with the rest of the immunizations. Yet, it is important to keep an eye on your pet’s physical and behavioral states. Once any further signs and symptoms are observed, consult it immediately to the veterinarian for proper medical advice.
Dog immunization is usually given in a number of shots over a period of time. It typically starts by giving parvovirus vaccine on the 5th week a dog’s life. Parvovirus, when developed, is a contagious disease that may lead to severe conditions of cardiovascular and respiratory failure conditions. furthermore, when your puppy reached its 6th and 9th week, a 5 way vaccine of adenovirus cough, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccines is recommended. This compound vaccine eliminates nervous system diseases like fatal seizures. Then, as when the dog reaches its 12th week of life, the introduction of rabies vaccine is advocated. This is an extremely important dog immunization. Rabies is a disease that can kill both your dog and its victim. Furthermore, other vaccinations and boosters are given afterwards. Through all these things, with the proper vaccination, you can help prolong your dog’s life.
Immunizations may impose several risks and possible body reactions but these risks are less or even nothing compared to the number of fatal diseases that may be prevented if you have your dog immunized. So what are you waiting for? visit your trusted veterinarian for a consultation.
