What vaccinations do dogs and puppies need: table for buyers and breeders

When and what vaccinations should dog puppies have? The question of the need for vaccinations for puppies worries many owners of four-legged friends. For some owners, a dog can live a full, long life without any vaccinations, while for others, a one-year-old puppy suddenly dies from an unknown disease. To understand whether your dog needs vaccinations, we recommend that you read this article. We have prepared for you the most complete calendar and vaccination table for puppies with detailed comments. In addition, we will tell you how to prepare your puppy for vaccination; what its consequences may be; what you can and cannot do after each of the prescribed vaccines.

The immunity of dogs, like other warm-blooded animals, is usually divided into two types: hereditary or passive (determined by genetic factors) and acquired (active).

• Hereditary immunity
  is the most stable, as it is formed in natural conditions and is transmitted from one generation to another. In turn, acquired immunity can be formed in a dog in two ways: as a result of a naturally transmitted disease, or as a result of artificial immunization - vaccination of the animal.
• acquired
  as a result of vaccination in puppies lasts for a period of 15 days to several years. Therefore, if you vaccinate your puppy in a timely manner, there will be no threat from infections to his health.

Why do you need to vaccinate puppies and adult dogs?

Vaccination helps curb the spread of infections and reduce the epidemiological burden in cities. Vaccines are not drugs and are used solely for preventive purposes. A vaccinated pet is less likely to become infected. When infected, a mild course of the disease without complications is noted.

Vaccination is a prerequisite for traveling abroad, participating in exhibitions and mating with other animals. Regardless, having the procedure done too early in life is a bad idea. Before being separated from its mother, the four-legged baby receives passive immunity along with her milk. After breastfeeding, developing your own immune response does not always work, and then vaccination comes to the rescue.

Why you can’t vaccinate yourself

Vaccination of puppies is a fairly simple procedure. Despite this, veterinarians do not recommend doing it at home for the following reasons:

1. Impossibility of obtaining a veterinary passport. This document is issued only by veterinary clinics that have undergone special accreditation. After self-manipulation, the animal will be protected from the disease, but will not be able to travel or participate in exhibitions.
2. Possibility of complications. Help for an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock will be provided faster in a clinic setting.
3. Risk of violation of conditions for transportation, storage or use of the vaccine. At best, the desired effect will be lost, at worst, negative consequences will appear.

Before the procedure, it is recommended to undergo a complete examination by a doctor. This will exclude hidden diseases that are contraindications. After the vaccine is administered, the four-legged patient is under the supervision of veterinarians for some time. If his condition is stable, he is sent home.

Can a vaccine cause harm?

The puppy vaccine contains a dead or weakened virus. It is not dangerous for a healthy and strong body, but in a patient it can provoke the development of infection. Contraindications include:

• pathologies occurring in acute form;
• change of baby teeth;
• severe decline in immunity or exhaustion of the body caused by recent operations or illnesses;

• allergic reactions;
• lack of antiparasitic treatment;
• fever accompanied by high temperature;
• 2 weeks before and after tail or ear docking;
• estrus, pregnancy and feeding;

• 2 months before mating.

In all these cases, the body is too weak to fight foreign bodies. To exclude hidden pathologies, blood and urine tests are taken before the procedure.

How to prepare a puppy for vaccination?

As mentioned above, vaccinations can only be given to a completely healthy puppy. A vaccine is not a medicine and cannot help an animal that is already sick.

To protect the mustache as much as possible from negative consequences after vaccination, you should follow a number of recommendations and prepare the puppy for vaccination:

• Refrain from contacting the puppy with other animals for 14 days from the date of vaccination.
• The puppy should be walked in a local area that is kept clean.
• During the week before vaccination, it is recommended to measure the puppy’s body temperature and monitor the condition of the mucous membranes and stool.
• It is better to carry out the vaccination on an empty stomach, and you can give the puppy enough to drink; if the vaccination is planned for the evening, then it is better to feed the puppy 3-4 hours before going to the veterinarian.
• Entrust vaccination only to a trusted specialist.
• Choose your veterinary clinic carefully and try to familiarize yourself with the list of vaccines your puppy needs in advance. If possible, invite an experienced veterinarian to your home, this way you will minimize stress for the puppy.

Always remember that the puppy’s condition may worsen during and after vaccination even if all recommendations are followed, since a trip to the veterinarian and the vaccination itself is a lot of stress for your pet. During and after the procedure, the puppy needs your care and protection much more than usual.

Deworming

2-3 weeks or a little earlier, treat the puppy for helminths using anthelmintics. It should be remembered that deworming should be carried out before each subsequent vaccination. It is important to consult your veterinarian about this first!

If you choose a drug that acts on both adult parasites and the larval stages (for example, Drontal, Milbemax), then you need to drive the worms once. If you have chosen an anthelmintic that requires dosing twice (for example, Pirantel, Prazicide and their analogues, which act only on an adult), then the puppy must be dewormed from the age of one month. Otherwise, you will delay the preparation process, the puppy’s teeth will begin to change, and this is an extra risk during vaccination.

What diseases are vaccinated against?

It is best to find out what vaccinations your dog needs and when they are recommended to be given by asking your veterinarian. The recommended list includes: rabies, distemper, enteritis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis and infectious hepatitis. The full list of required vaccinations depends on the epidemiological situation and differs by region. The listed diseases can be supplemented by lichen, adenovirus, piroplasmosis or Lyme disease.

Rabies

It doesn’t matter what vaccinations a puppy needs to have in your region - in Russia, rabies is always on the mandatory list. The virus is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. Unvaccinated dogs are prohibited from attending exhibitions and crossing the border. Some veterinary clinics refuse to accept unvaccinated pets due to the high risk of infection.

Plague

Canine distemper is characterized by rapid damage to the nervous system, followed by paralysis and cardiac arrest. Ask your doctor in advance when to give your puppy his first vaccination. Up to 3 months, the probability of death reaches 40-100%. Only timely adherence to the recommended schedule will help protect your beloved pet.

Enteritis

Another deadly pathology that threatens young animals and small breeds. Symptoms of enteritis include severe diarrhea and vomiting. Due to the resulting disturbances, the body rapidly becomes dehydrated and exhausted.

Parainfluenza

A viral disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. Accompanied by wheezing, whistling and pain in the sternum. It is especially dangerous for newborns, since with prolonged course it affects the intestinal system.

Leptospirosis

The disease is dangerous for humans - in dogs, cats and people it affects the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract. The causative agent of the pathology is bacteria of the genus Leptospira. They are carried by wild animals and small rodents.

Infectious hepatitis

In young animals the disease occurs in an acute form, and in older animals it occurs in a chronic form. Infectious hepatitis is not dangerous for people, but is often fatal in unvaccinated pets.

Basic rules for dog vaccination

Vaccination is a serious stress for the dog’s body, so it is necessary to minimize the risks of possible complications.

This becomes possible by following the basic rules of vaccination:

• Vaccination is possible only for healthy dogs;
• preliminary deworming, flea and tick treatment two weeks in advance;
• vaccination in advance of the intended mating (2-3 months).

Also, when vaccinating, you must adhere to the following basic principles:

1. Vaccinations for dogs are carried out strictly according to age;
2. It is not recommended to vaccinate puppies before 8 weeks of age due to the high activity of maternal antibodies;
3. vaccination is carried out using routine vaccinations according to the dog vaccination schedule;
4. Annual vaccination of dogs is carried out in order to maintain strong immunity;
5. The vaccination program includes: mandatory vaccinations (rabies, enteritis, canine distemper, parainfluenza and leptospirosis) and vaccinations in endemic areas (Lyme disease, coronavirus enteritis).

Vaccination depending on age

When deciding at what age a puppy should get its first vaccination, the veterinarian takes into account individual characteristics and external factors. The general condition of the four-legged patient, conditions of detention and outbreaks of epidemics in the region of residence are taken into account.

First vaccination

Most often, the first vaccination is given to a puppy at 6-7 weeks. At this age, passive immunity received from the mother gradually fades away.

An upward shift in the date is possible with a small litter and an abundant amount of milk in a nursing dog. Postponement of the procedure to an earlier date is explained by early separation from the mother, crowded housing, an imminent change of residence, or an outbreak of an epidemic. In these cases, the Puppy series puppy vaccine, developed specifically for the child’s body, is used.

Second and third vaccinations

The second vaccination is given at 7-8 weeks, the third vaccination is usually complex and includes rabies, it is given at 12 weeks. This period is explained by the low probability of infection of the baby through the main carriers of infection.

In addition to a schedule that takes into account specific diseases, it is important not to forget about revaccination (re-administration of the vaccine). It is carried out 3-4 weeks after the main one to consolidate the result and increase the volume of antibodies.

Vaccination schedule up to a year

Another danger of self-vaccination is explained by an individual approach when drawing up a schedule. Recommended regimens differ even among animals born from the same mother. In addition, the regimen may vary depending on the type of vaccine, especially if they are complex.

What vaccinations are given to puppies up to one year old, using the table as an example:

Note: the table is approximate, only the veterinarian can determine the exact dates!

Vaccination against other diseases and schedule shifts are agreed upon with the doctor. Carrying out the procedure too early will lead to a collision with passive immunity transmitted through breast milk. In this case, the body will remain vulnerable because it will not be able to create its own antibodies.

Revaccination of adults

The second revaccination occurs at 1 year of age, when the animal is recognized as an adult. It is pointless to get acquainted with what vaccinations are given to dogs by age using the table as an example. The principle of drawing up a schedule is similar, so it is better to ask your doctor all questions.

After 1 year, all further revaccinations are carried out no more than once a year. Exceptions include animals with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems. They are vaccinated every 3 years.

Veterinarians recommend observing seasonality. It is easier to cope with pathogenic infections in summer and winter, since heat and cold effectively kill bacteria and viruses.

Restrictions after vaccination: walking, swimming, etc.

Every puppy has what is called an immune gap period. It lasts 2 weeks. This is the time between when the antibodies obtained from mother's milk stop acting and before the formation of one's own protective forces after the first vaccination.

During this period, the risk of infection remains high. Therefore, a quarantine is introduced for 2 weeks, during which it is prohibited:

• take him outside;
• contact with other animals;
• underfeed or overfeed;
• overload the dog;
• wash the dog (bathing is allowed no earlier than 3 days after the manipulation);

Also avoid hypothermia, overheating, being in drafts or stuffy rooms.

You can cheat a little about walking. If the dog lives in a private house with a fenced area, he is allowed to go out into the yard or onto the lawn after just a few days.

Walking within the city is also not strictly prohibited. The main thing is to avoid contaminated places, not to contact other animals and carry the baby in your arms to clean clearings.

The choice of whether and when to walk the puppy remains with the owner. It is not recommended to carry the baby because his immune system is weakened after vaccination. But he also needs to be accustomed to the street, relieve himself outside the home and socialized.

Features of vaccination depending on breed

Breed does not affect the vaccination order. The dosage of the drug is standard for all breeds. Increasing or decreasing the recommended dose may result in a lack of effect or the development of complications.

Exceptions include breeds at risk. But even in this case, all changes are discussed with the veterinarian.

Keep to the schedule

Vaccination of dogs You need to create a vaccination schedule, this will protect your pet. As a rule, the first vaccination is done at intervals of two weeks; now many recommend complex vaccinations. In this case, the schedule changes - at eight to ten weeks a vaccination against distemper, enteritis, hepatitis and leptospirosis is given. At eleven - thirteen weeks - another vaccination against the same ailments, plus a rabies vaccination is added. Such a modern scheme is also possible. Tired of dicks getting into bitches' holes? Want to get more girls in one scene, but no guys? Then check out our section - Russian dykes. All guys will enjoy this topic, because only we have such cool girls. Their tight holes play with strap-ons and dildos so deliciously that it makes your hair stand on end.

If you have adopted an adult animal, you should find out whether the dog has been vaccinated. It's never too late to get vaccinated. What vaccinations does he need? Immediately after purchasing a pet, you need to get a primary vaccination, and a few weeks later - again. Later, you can take special tests to determine the level of antibodies in the animal’s blood. How often should an adult dog be vaccinated? One per year will be enough. Although, some veterinarians advise vaccinations every three years in order to avoid stress on the pet’s immune system. It is better not to vaccinate very adult and old dogs that are many years old, only against rabies. Vaccinations such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis enteritis, and leptospirosis are given annually.

Types of modern vaccines

When choosing a vaccine for puppies, take into account the place of its production and the breadth of its application. These indicators affect the final price, so it is necessary to understand their main differences.

What to choose: domestic or imported product?

Domestic products are always cheaper than foreign analogues. The main advantage of imported samples is their longer existence and a large number of positive reviews. Veterinarians recommend choosing a domestic manufacturer when vaccinating against rabies. After the use of foreign drugs, outbreaks of diseases were recorded.

Mono-vaccines

Single vaccines are aimed at preventing one disease. Their advantage lies in a more gentle effect on the body and better production of antibodies to the selected infection.

When vaccinated with mono-vaccines, it is easier to choose an individual schedule, but the pet will have to undergo many injections. If your four-legged pet experiences stress when visiting a veterinary clinic or you have too little free time, use polyvaccines.

Polyvaccines

Polyvaccines include up to 6-7 fragments of different viral codes. They are more difficult to tolerate by the body, so multicomponent formulations are indicated only for adult animals. For children, drugs containing up to 4 different viruses are used.

The disadvantage of polyvaccines is the possible suppression of some antibodies by others. The rabies virus is considered the most aggressive, so the body directs all its forces to fight this particular agent. In other cases, immunity to several diseases is achieved simultaneously with just one injection.

Effect of the vaccine on the body

When dead or weakened fragments of the viral code are introduced into the body, active production of T-lymphocytes begins - antibodies responsible for destroying the invading pathogen. These antibodies are called memory cells, so if successful, they remember the method of fighting the infection. In case of infection, they give an immediate response, preventing further spread of the virus.

This method of combating infectious diseases is used only for preventive purposes. In case of direct infection, the infected animal is injected with serum - a preparation with ready-made antibodies that forms short-term passive immunity.

Vaccines for dogs: which are best?

Vaccines for dogs can be divided into two groups: inactivated (“dead” vaccines) and attenuated (“live” vaccines). Attenuated vaccines include weakened modified live viruses, which, when entering the puppy’s body, begin to actively multiply and stimulate it to develop its own immunity. In fact, the puppy suffers from the disease in a very mild form. The advantage of this vaccine is that it is enough to introduce a very small number of viral cells, which subsequently themselves reach the required number. Immunity from a “live” vaccine develops much faster and lasts longer. One such vaccine can develop immunity within one week and maintain it for more than 3 years. Which vaccine for dogs is still better?

With inactivated vaccines the situation is a little different. A larger number of virus cells are required for administration, immunity is formed much more slowly, and the effect of the vaccine is limited to several months. To form stable immunity, you need at least two vaccinations with an inactivated vaccine with an interval of 3 weeks.

The only exception is the inactivated rabies vaccine, which after the second application provides stable immunity to the disease throughout the dog’s life.

What types of vaccines are there?

Different types of vaccines protect against different pathogens, and in order to accurately determine what exactly a particular drug is against, they are marked with specific symbols. Here's a quick overview of the main meanings:

• L - Leptospirosis = canine leptospirosis
• P - Parvovirus enteritis = canine parvovirus enteritis
• D - Distemper = canine distemper
• R - Rabies = dog rabies
• L. jcterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. pomona, L. Grippotiphosa
• H - Hepatitis infectiosa = Rubart's hepatitis
• PI2-Parainfluenza + Bordetella bronchiceptica = canine parainfluenza

What diseases are they protected from?

Today, veterinary medicine has stepped far forward and is able to cure many ailments of our four-legged pets. But there is a list of diseases against which only vaccination is effective. Here is a sample list of such ailments:

• Distemper (or canine plague);
• Rabies;
• Parainfluenza (as well as adenoviruses);
• Leptospirosis;
• Infectious hepatitis;
• Parvovirus enteritis;

If you do not vaccinate your puppy against these diseases in time, then most likely, if infected with any of these pathogens, your dog will either die or become very seriously ill, which will cause enormous, sometimes irreparable harm to the body.

Monovalent vaccines

Vaccines are also divided depending on their composition into monovalent and complex. Monovalent vaccines that create resistance to a specific disease in a puppy have a number of advantages.

• Firstly, vaccination with such a drug reduces the load on the immune system and the entire body as a whole.
• Secondly, the quality of the immune response also improves, since viruses do not need to fight for habitat. For example, parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis viruses will compete due to the fact that they will reproduce in the same place. And the canine distemper virus is generally the most aggressive and can suppress any other vaccine.
• Thirdly, with the use of monovalent vaccines, the veterinarian can select an individual immunization regimen that is suitable for your puppy. And among all the vaccines provided, you can choose the best one against each specific disease.
• Fourthly, the solvent for monovalent vaccines is usually chosen independently, and in this case it would be better to choose sterile water, when for complex vaccines the dry part of the vaccine is usually diluted in a liquid one.

Complex vaccines

Polyvalent or complex vaccines build immunity in a puppy to several diseases simultaneously. These vaccines consist of a complex of antigens. They are much better tolerated by adult dogs, as they affect previously acquired immunity, and in a puppy they can cause a number of side effects. However, these vaccines have their advantage: with one injection you can vaccinate your dog against several diseases at once, which will save you and your pet from further trips to the clinic and stress. At the moment, the quantitative limit in the composition of complex vaccines has been reached. Polyvalent vaccines should contain up to 6-7 varieties of virus strains as much as possible, since only in such a combination an effective immune response of the whole organism is guaranteed.

Thus, almost all vaccines have a prolonged effect and form long-term active immunity in the puppy. At the moment, there is a huge selection of monovalent and complex vaccines of domestic production and their foreign analogues.

Domestic vaccines for dogs (table)

Imported vaccines for dogs (table)

As can be seen from the table, the wide range of vaccines on the Russian market competes well with imported analogues. The general rule for choosing a vaccine is one: you need to carefully check the expiration date and storage conditions of the vaccine, as well as the conditions of its transportation (relevant for foreign vaccines). This is due to the fact that, depending on the type of vaccine, it may use live antibodies, which die under improper transportation conditions. However, consumers often have greater confidence in foreign veterinary drugs, since their prices are noticeably higher, and, therefore, the quality should be better.

But price should not always be the key factor in choosing a vaccine for a dog.

For example, it is recommended to vaccinate puppies against canine distemper only with Russian-made vaccines (Vakchum, 668-KF or EPM). There have been many cases of dog distemper reported in the country after vaccination with foreign drugs.

In any case, before vaccination, you must discuss all the details with a qualified veterinarian, who should tell you about all the advantages and disadvantages of available vaccines and adjust their prescription based on disease statistics in a particular area.

How does the procedure work?

To avoid complications, it is recommended to follow the recommendations for preparation for the procedure and mandatory quarantine after it. In this case, you don’t have to worry about the health of your four-legged pet.

Preparation at home

Preparation begins 2 weeks before the event. The owner needs:

1. Make sure there are no diseases. Check your temperature and stool quality daily. If alarming signs occur, contact your veterinarian.
2. Maintain your usual diet. The change is expected only on the immediate day of vaccination. If the procedure is scheduled for the morning, refuse feeding. In the case of an evening recording, reduce the usual portion by ½ with natural feeding and by ⅓ with dry feeding. The last feeding should be no later than 4 hours before vaccination.
3. Treat your pet against helminths, ticks and fleas. If infected with parasites, the vaccination period is shifted, and the pet is treated again.

Before the first vaccination, walks and contact with people dressed in outerwear are excluded. An unvaccinated baby should be next to his mother, away from the corridor with street shoes. For preventative purposes, regularly carry out wet cleaning and wash your shoes after going outside.

Choosing a veterinary clinic

Choose an institution that has received a special license to carry out veterinary activities. This guarantees the safety of the services provided.

The procedure can be performed directly in the clinic or at home. The advantage of the first option is a wide selection of equipment needed for complications and the absence of the risk of damage to the drug during transportation. The second option minimizes the stress factor and eliminates the transmission of infection from other four-legged patients.

Vaccine introduction

Typically, the most painful part of the procedure is the needle piercing the skin and/or muscle. The injection itself does not cause pain, so most dogs tolerate the injection calmly.

If a puppy is being vaccinated, it is enough to hold it firmly in your arms. You can wrap a particularly active baby in a towel. But an adult dog of any breed must be muzzled. Even very calm individuals who are not receiving an injection for the first time can become nervous and bite the doctor or owner. Therefore, follow all the rules for visiting the clinic: short leash, muzzle, and sometimes you will need an assistant.

Dangerous and non-dangerous side effects

Due to the activation of protective mechanisms, a temporary decrease in immunity occurs, causing a number of side effects. Non-hazardous ones include:

• one-time vomiting or diarrhea;

• lethargy and fever (not higher than 39.5°C) during the first 3 days;
• loss of appetite (fasting is permissible for no more than a day);
• pain accompanied by barking and whining, or temporary lameness (no more than 4 days);
• the formation of a lump at the injection site, which disappears on its own within a month.

If a month has already passed and the lump has still not resolved, contact your veterinarian. This phenomenon is typical for a benign tumor. Surgery is used to remove it.

Mandatory assistance from a veterinarian must be sought in case of progressive deterioration of the condition, growth and suppuration of the lump, as well as the development of anaphylaxis (allergy).

An allergic reaction is accompanied by swelling and discoloration of the mucous membranes, profuse salivation and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, give the animal an antihistamine and call a doctor immediately.

Cost of vaccine and clinic services

The final price depends on the chosen manufacturer and location of vaccination. Foreign drugs and calling a doctor to your home will cost the most. The most popular vaccines include:

• French Eurican;
• Dutch Nobivak;

• American Vanguard;
• Russian Polivac and Multikan.

The clinic’s services include not only the procedure itself and consumables, but also a preliminary conversation with a therapist. Prices vary greatly by city and region, so it is better to call the clinics yourself and compare the cost of services.

Where is it better to get vaccinated: at home or in a clinic?

You can vaccinate your dog at home or at a veterinary clinic. The main thing is to enter all the data about the procedure performed into the pet’s veterinary passport.

Features of vaccination at home and in the clinic:

1. Vaccination at home is easier for animals. In a familiar environment, the dog feels safe. In addition, you do not have to organize a trip to the clinic. You need to call an experienced veterinarian to your home. It is very important that he follows all vaccination rules and uses high-quality drugs for administration. The only drawback of this procedure is the additional costs associated with paying a specialist to visit your home.
2. Vaccination at the veterinary clinic is carried out as planned. You must make an appointment in advance. It is better to transport the dog to the clinic in a private car to avoid any contact on the street with other animals. The cost of the procedure is low.

The owner needs to think in advance which of these two options will be optimal for his pet.

Recovery after vaccination

Quarantine lasts 2 weeks after the procedure. For the safety of your four-legged pet, it is necessary to exclude contact with the outside world, ensure a comfortable environment inside the house and reduce physical activity.

On the first day there is a slight increase in temperature. It will go away on its own after a couple of days.

When can you go for a walk?

It is recommended to walk your pet only on the 4th day after revaccination. In this case, the likelihood of infection from other animals is minimal. If you are vaccinated for the first time, you will have to stay at home for the entire quarantine, that is, 28 days.

When can you bathe a puppy?

Weak immunity is vulnerable to colds, so any draft can end in tragedy. Avoid swimming for 4 days after the injection.

Feeding during quarantine

When feeding, it is recommended to stick to your usual diet. The introduction of new products is fraught with an allergic reaction. If the animal refuses to eat, there is no need to force feed it - it is better to wait until the appetite awakens.

Quarantine

After each vaccination, your pet must undergo a two-week quarantine. The fact is that a dog’s strong immunity is formed during this time, and the vaccine will not yet be able to protect its body from infection. During this period, it is not recommended to walk the dog, bathe it, overcool it, or subject it to physical activity. If there are other animals in the house that go outside, it is better to prevent the dog from coming into contact with them.

What to do if vaccination is missed

Violation of the recommended schedule leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the vaccine. Actions in case of absence depend on the amount of time missed.

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If more than 1.5 years have passed since the last vaccination, then a double injection is required, as for the first time. In other cases, the vaccine is administered as soon as possible, adjusting the original schedule.

Neglecting routine vaccinations for your puppy and adult dog puts not only other animals, but also people at risk.
Despite many controversies surrounding the advisability of vaccination, 90% of vaccinated dogs avoid cases of infection. The remaining 10% experience a mild course, but still avoid death. The article is for informational purposes only.
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What is vaccination like?

A vaccine refers to special preparations that contain weakened or dead viruses and bacteria. When vaccinations are introduced, dogs develop an immune system to certain diseases - specifically, antibodies are produced. They usually form within two weeks after vaccination.

How do vaccines work?

The effect of the vaccine is reduced to the creation of an antigen-antibody complex. Simply put, it contains a weakened microorganism - this is an antigen; once it enters the body, it causes an immune response that identifies the foreign agent and produces antibodies - T-lymphocytes - to eliminate it.

T-lymphocytes (memory cells) remember the “way to fight” the virus, which will further shorten the identification of the antigen and speed up the fight against it.

When a biological product is administered, the body independently produces an immune response, thereby providing long-lasting immunity.

Exceptions to the rules

Sometimes the vaccination schedule may shift. Typically, this may be influenced by the following factors:

• Epidemiological situation in the area. The standard vaccination schedule may change based on dangerous outbreaks of infection. In this case, puppies can begin to be vaccinated at one month of age with special vaccines.
• Being forced to move early can also shift your schedule. In this case, you must adhere to the following rule: vaccination should be given no earlier than one month of age and no later than 10 days before the planned trip.
• Particular attention should be paid to puppies raised without a mother; a very important factor is how many days the first vaccination was given. Since, on the one hand, they need to increase their immunity, and on the other, try to carry out immunization in the most gentle manner. They can begin vaccination at 6 weeks of age, and subsequently reinforced at 9 or 12 weeks.

Where is the best place to vaccinate?

Many owners try to vaccinate their pet at home. On the one hand, the dog feels more confident, which has a positive effect on its health and ability to tolerate vaccination. However, there is a danger that the animal’s condition may sharply worsen, for example, due to an allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, and then emergency veterinary care will be required.

It is best to bring your pet to the clinic, undergo a preliminary examination, get a vaccine and wait a while. You can walk around the clinic or sit in the car. After making sure that everything is in order with the body’s response, you can go home.

Any owner wants to see their pet healthy and cheerful. The key to such a dog’s condition is timely vaccination.

Contraindications and possible complications

Due to the invasion of the immune system by foreign agents, the body may exhibit severe “restlessness.” After vaccination, the dog may feel nauseous/vomit, the animal has a decreased appetite, slight fluctuations in body temperature, it is lethargic and trembling.

This is a normal reaction of the body, so there is no reason to worry. If the above symptoms do not stop after a long time and new ones appear, consult a doctor.

Also, a common complaint from owners after vaccination is the presence of a lump on the dog at the injection site - this is due to a violation of the injection technique; after 3-4 days it resolves on its own.

The question that concerns breeders is whether vaccination during estrus is possible or not? We answer - it is possible, but it is not recommended, it is better to wait.

What is a vaccine, how does it work and why is it needed?

Often, owners vaccinate their pets without thinking about what the vaccine consists of and how it works. Although understanding the whole process is not only interesting, but also necessary for preparing your pet for vaccination and further caring for it.

A vaccine is a biological product designed to create and maintain active immunity against certain infectious diseases.

In other words, this drug contains either live, weakened pathogens or killed ones. Based on this, vaccines are divided into groups.

Live vaccines

They consist of living but weakened strains of pathogens. Such biological products are not capable of causing disease, but are capable of inducing an immune response in the body.

Advantages of live vaccines:

• creation of long-lasting and intense immunity (more than 1 year, sometimes a lifetime);
• in most cases, single administration, small dose;
• immunity is developed in a short time;
• the production technology is cheaper than that of inactivated ones.

Disadvantages of live vaccines:

• post-vaccination complications in pregnant bitches and weakened dogs;
• reversion (return of the strain to its original virulent form);
• features in transportation and storage;
• duration of receiving the attenuated (weakened) vaccine.

Inactivated vaccines

Biological products based on a completely killed strain of the virus.

Advantages of inactivated vaccine:

• does not cause complications after vaccination;
• immunity is less tense;
• ease of production and relatively low cost.

Disadvantages of inactivated vaccine:

• low immunogenicity;
• need for 3-4 times application, large volume;
• immunity, compared to a live vaccine, does not last long;
• increased likelihood of allergic reactions.

Difference in vaccines by number of strains

1. Monovalent - against one strain of pathogen.
2. Polyvalent - against several strains of one pathogen.
3. Associated (combined) – against several pathogens.

Most often, associated live vaccines are used in practice.