If you’re thinking about taking your labrador for those jabs or just wondering about how frequently he should get those, then just keep on reading.
Once a year is too much
It is a common practice around the globe to vaccinate dogs once a year for common infections diseases, slowly it is changing but you can see it happening easily even today. It is very recent that people have started to question the tradition of annual vaccination and over vaccination. Results of many researches shows that vaccination in dogs may not be life long but it can be long lasting. If your vet is suggesting that those shots are safe for your dog, then I’m sorry the information is arising from the drug manufacturers and not from any study.
How does dog vaccination works
A vaccination contain a small dose of an infectious disease. It is released in the body, so that cells in the body can learn how to fight with that particular disease. In this process, body makes antibodies against this disease, these antibodies will be present in the body and if the same virus attacks again in the future, antibodies will remember how to fight the microorganisms. Vaccination in a way, prepares our memory cells to remember how to fight with the microorganisms. Thanks to Louis Pasteur who created the whole concept of vaccination.
Core Diseases
However, there are some diseases which are core diseases. Annual vaccination for these diseases is wise, here are some of them,
- Leptospirosis
Immunity to this disease is short in dogs, so you should keep this one in mind.
- Lyme disease
This can require your early attention as well. Though, you should definitely look for the risk of this in your pet, if the vaccination for this one is needed or not because giving jabs unnecessarily can have its own downsides.
- Kennal Cough
It is another disease that is commonly found in dogs, it is mild and contracted to dogs who are involved in grooming or dog shows. Most dogs are not part of dog shows and do not have frequent contact other than their immediate family, then vaccine for this disease in not preferred in this case. Also, the effects of this vaccine is short-lived which is why it is only prescribed for dogs who expect exposure.
A core vaccine is really required according to everyone. Some essential vaccines are Canine Parvovirus (CPV), Distemper (CPD) and Canine Adenovirus (CAV, causes hepatitis). These vaccines are usually given together or separately approximately in 11, 14 and 16 weeks, after this full immunity to the disease can be achieved.
Downsides of unnecessary frequent vaccination
- As mentioned above, Vaccination of Lyme disease should be checked beforehand if needed or not because it can have negative effects like arthritis, allergy or other diseases.
- Immune system of your dog can be at risk due to frequent vaccinations.
- It may result into allergic reactions, facial edema, enteritis, lethargy, fevers, pruritis, nausea, coughing.
- Occasionally, all these reactions can lead to life-threatening results.
Precautions
- If the dog has experienced any reaction to any vaccination in the past, then yearly vaccination should not be considered.
- Vaccination should be given with a Tb syringe with 25 gauge needle.This small needle is less likely to carry a plug of skin into the injection site, which can cause swelling and inflammation.
- Certain rabies vaccine are certified for three years of vaccination but still in some countries, they are being used yearly. You should definitely avoid such vaccines which are certified to provide protection for more than a year.
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