We are all aware of what are vaccines and why do we need vaccinations. The same principle applies to dogs, who too need to be vaccinated. Vaccinations help keep dog illnesses at bay as well as prevent dog diseases to be transferred to a human host. Most pet owners take vaccine for dogs for granted or are too lazy to take their pets for their scheduled visits to the vet. Many times, pet owners have their own misconceptions regarding getting their dogs vaccinated. It is important to get your dogs vaccinated as it helps keep them healthy. It also helps keeping the number of visits to the vet regarding health issues to a minimum. Let's have a look at the various vaccines for dogs.

Vaccine for Dogs

Before you visit the vet, it is important to understand that there are two types of vaccines for dogs. These two types include the modified live and the killed vaccines. The modified live vaccines are stronger, impart instant protection and are more long-lasting then the killed vaccines. One needs to give only one dose of the modified live vaccine to the animal and are low-cost dog vaccinations. The possible side effects of this vaccine include the possibility that the vaccine may become active. This may cause disease in the animal instead of preventing it. This may happen in a dog with a very weak immune system. The killed vaccines do not provide local immunity like the modified live vaccines. They can cause allergic reactions in the animal. Also, one needs to give the animal frequent doses of the vaccines to keep dog health problems away.

Apart from the different types of vaccines for dogs, the vaccinations are further classified as core vaccinations and non-core vaccinations. The core vaccines for dogs are those that need to be given to each and every dog. Non core vaccines for dogs are those that are given to dogs on the basis of their geographical location or the type of lifestyle the dog. Let us have a look at the common canine vaccinations.

Common Vaccinations for Dogs

We shall go into the details of canine vaccinations according to the two categories: core and non-core.

Core Vaccinations

Rabies
Rabies vaccine for dogs is the first vaccine that you should think about. Rabies in dogs is a viral disease that proves to be fatal. It attacks the nervous system of the canine. If the disease spreads to other animals or even humans if the infected dog bites or scratches. The length of immunity for rabies vaccines for dogs depends upon the type of vaccine you give to the animal.

Canine Distemper
Another fatal viral disease is the canine distemper. This disease affects the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts of the infected animal. In some cases, it also affects the nervous system of the dog. The length of immunity for modified live virus vaccines for distemper is more than 1 year.

Parvovirus
The canine parvovirus causes severe dehydration in the infected dog due to continuous vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It may also lead to death in some cases. The white blood cells of the dog are destroyed that makes the immune system very weak. The length of immunity for parvovirus is more than 1 year.

Parainfluenza
This is a disease that affects the respiratory system of the dog. It can be caused due to either bacterial or viral agents. It causes mild to severe inflammation of respiratory organs like the trachea, bronchi as well the lungs. It causes the appearance of non-productive cough. This condition is generally self-limiting. However, a secondary bacterial infection in a weak dog may lead to pneumonia. The parainfluenza vaccination provides moderate immunity.

Kennel Cough
Kennel cough vaccine helps keep away the highly infectious viruses causing kennel cough disease. The virus affects the bronchi and trachea. This leads to a dry, loud, non-productive cough.

Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral disease caused by adenovirus. There are two types of adenoviruses, type 1 and type 2. The type adenovirus type 2 vaccine can provide protection against both type 1 and type 2 hepatitis.

Non Core Vaccinations

Bordetella
The main cause of upper respiratory tract disease in dogs is bordetella. This is a bacterial infection that causes severe dog coughing and gagging. This is an airborne disease that leads to kennel cough in dogs.

Coronavirus
The coronavirus causes severe diarrhea in dogs. The coronavirus vaccines are generally given to puppies that are about 7, 10, 13 and 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs who have never been given coronavirus vaccines are given two doses that are three weeks apart.

Giardia
The giardia vaccines help prevent occurrence of protozoan parasites that causes giardiasis or giardia in dogs.

Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis in dogs is a condition that affects the kidneys and liver of dogs. Most of the time the vaccine for leptospirosis is given in combination with other vaccinations for dogs.

Lyme Disease
Lyme disease in dogs is a very serious disease that leads to arthritis and lethargy. It spreads by tick bites and mostly seen as a geographical risk. Lyme disease vaccine for dogs is very important in areas that are prone to tick infestations.

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

You need to speak to a vet regarding the vaccination schedule for dogs that suit your pet. Many pet owners generally bring home pups and thus, need to go through puppy shots schedule. The following is a brief vaccination schedule for dogs that may help you plan the different vaccine shots your dog may need.

Age Vaccine for Dogs
6 - 8 weeks DHLPPC (Distemper, Adenovirus type 2, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Coronavirus)
11 - 12 weeks Second puppy shot for DHLPPC
15 - 16 weeks Third puppy shot for DHLPPC
Over 4 months Rabies (this vaccine should be repeated after 1 year)
7 - 9 months First test to check out heartworm
Dogs over 1 year of age Yearly dose of DHLPP, Bordatella, Rabies (every 3 years after second shot) and heartworm test.

It is important that you follow the vaccinations schedule for dogs as it helps preventing the various dog health problems. Hope you have found enough information related to canine vaccinations from the above paragraphs.