Vaccinations Demystified

Every dog owner knows at least something about the vaccines. He is usually aware of the requirement of the periodic sojourn to be undertaken to the pet clinic for the vaccinations. However, vaccinations remain one of the most vexing areas of veterinary medicine. Here, let me demystify the issue :

What is vaccination ?
Vaccination is the process of administering a material to stimulate the individual's immune response (disease fighting ability) so that the individual becomes protected against a disease. The material that is administered is the vaccine. Some vaccines are administered orally (Pulse Polio) and some are injected (Hepatitis).

I have vaccinated my dog. Why should I get it vaccinated again the next year? 
Vaccination imparts immunity for a particular period of time and thereafter the immunity wanes. That is why they are to be repeated after a specified period of time.

Are dog vaccines given orally or injected ?
Almost all the dog vaccines are injected. However, a vaccine against Kennel Cough is given by intra -nasal route (through nose). This vaccine is not available in India.

What are the vaccines that I need to give to my dog ?
Normally an adult dog is given the following vaccinations :-
    (a) DHLPPi - It is a vaccine against diseases like Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis,
    Leptospirosis, Parvo virus and Parainfluenza

    (b) Anti Rabies Vaccine (ARV) - As the name suggests, this vaccine is given against Rabies.

What should be the frequency of these vaccinations?
Normally, DHLPPi is given once a year in case of adult dogs. However, it may have to be given twice a year in areas where certain diseases are endemic (prevalent). Your vet would advise you on this aspect. The same applies for Anti Rabies Vaccine as well. However, latest findings indicate that the immunity imparted by an Anti Rabies Vaccine last for around two years and hence it may be given every alternate year.

What happens if I get my dog vaccinated with Anti Rabies Vaccine every year?
It is fine if one gets his or her dog vaccinated against Rabies every year. However, studies indicate that it is probably not required to be given every year.

What is Corona Virus Vaccine ?
It is not a core vaccine which means that it is not a "must" vaccine. It is a vaccine often given to pups to prevent occurrence of diarrhoea. This vaccine is not required to be given to adult dogs.

What are the vaccines given to pups ?
The pups are also given DHLPPi and ARV like the adult dogs but the frequency varies. It may also happen that rather than giving DHLPPi , the vet hospital may give the vaccines separately.

At what frequency are the vaccines given to the pups ?
Pups receive immunity from their mothers that lasts till about 06 weeks of age. Therefore, vaccinations in case of pups normally commence after 06 weeks of age.Thereafter, depending upon the policy being followed by the vet hospital, the vaccines are repeated (booster vaccination) every 2-4 weeks until the pup reaches 16 weeks of age.  At least 2 shots each of DHLPPi  and ARV are needed in the first year.

My dog was due for vaccination last year. However, I missed out in taking it to the vet. What do I do now?
That is not a problem. Let bygones be bygones. Take your dog to the vet. He will probably vaccinate it now.

Will the vaccination hurt my pup /dog ?  
More often than not, your pup /dog will not evince any pain or discomfort after the vaccination. However, mild pain, or mild fever is not uncommon. In rare instances some sort of allergic reaction may also occur. The same needs to be apprised to the vet immediately as it may become potentially life threatening.