Diseases abound, and canines, like any other animal, can fall victim to them. Even the most well-cared for dog could become exposed to any number of serious and sometimes fatal diseases. Fortunately, the veterinary industry has developed a number of vaccines against the most worrisome of these. It's your responsibility to ensure your dog stay healthy and not infect the rest of the canine population.

Most veterinarians will tell you that your dog should be given the DHLPP vaccination around the time that they are weened off their mother's milk. This vaccine is used for a couple of common canine infections: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Depending on the veterinarian and the geographical location, your dog may be given only some of these vaccinations. Typically, all five, or a combination of them, are lumped together in a single shot that is administered subcutaneously, or under the skin, once every two or three weeks for about two months.

All these diseases are very difficult to manage once infected, therefore getting immunity through vaccination is the best call for prevention. Unfortunately, some dogs do experience adverse reactions to some of these vaccines. For that reason, many vets have moved from giving this shot yearly, to giving it every three years. All of the vaccines have been shown in limited studies to last more than a year with the exception of the leptospirosis vaccine, which may last less than a year. But unless this bacterial disease is prevalent in your area, it may not be necessary.

Kennels and Vaccines

Many boarding facilities have very strict policies when it comes to admitting dogs. These policies nearly always state that if your dog has not been vaccinated,it will not be boarded. However, every kennels have their own set of rules when it comes to the vaccination requirements for your puppy. Beyond the DHLPP shot, your dog may need to be vaccinated against adenovirus or bordatella.

Because of the great number of dogs coming from a great number of different backgrounds, the likelihood that the animals at the kennel would be exposed to at least one type of communicable canine disease is fairly high. Some viruses such as parvovirus are well-known to have high resistance and cannot be eliminated easily. The disease is transmitted through dog poo, which is usually all over the place in a kennel environment. For this reason it is very important that you not only have your pet vaccinated, but that the kennel require vaccinations.

When is the vaccine effective?

If you are planning on boarding your dog or exposing him to other dogs, it is important that you vaccinate far in advance. Depending on your dog condition, it can take up to 4 weeks for a young puppy to fully build up his resistance after a full course vaccination.

Rabies

Rabies is a particular worrisome disease that unfortunately has no cure for dogs. A rabid dog will be euthanized without question. Dog owners should get the necessary vaccinations for their dogs as a first priority. This vaccine should be administered once between three and six months of age, and again at one year old to ensure immunity. It should also be given yearly. Vaccinating your pup against rabies will also protect you, your family, and neighbors from this deadly disease.

Adverse Reactions

Occasionally, a dog will have an adverse reaction to a vaccine it has received. After every vaccination, keep an eye on your pet and note any changes in activity, diet, or personality. If you notice these symptoms and they persist, get in contact with your veterinarian right away.