Are Vaccines for Puppies Necessary?
Updated On: Thursday, June 24, 2021 16:53:20 PM America/Los_Angeles
Everyone has differing opinions on vaccines, and the debate on vaccinations for dogs can be equally divided. But unlike humans, dog vaccination schedules are a bit more flexible and individualized. This is great for dog parents who want to have more of a say in deciding which vaccines they would like for their puppies, but it can also lend to the confusion surrounding the numerous vaccinations out there today.
Photo by Jametlene Reskp
Which vaccines are absolutely necessary?
Depending on where you live, you may be required to get certain vaccines in order to get a license for your dog. The rabies vaccine, for example, is typically a vaccine that cities or counties will require before you can apply for a dog license.
The necessity of certain vaccines is hugely dependent on individual circumstances. For instance, if your pup will be kenneled or spend time in doggy daycare, getting the Bordetella vaccine can be a necessary precaution. If your dog is never kenneled and very rarely comes into contact with other dogs, the Bordetella vaccine might be less critical.
Listed below are some of the most common vaccines for diseases and what they protect against.
- Parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease.
- Distemper: Distemper is a viral disease that has no cure, but the severity of the disease is varied.
- Hepatitis/Adenovirus: For dogs, hepatitis specifically infects the liver and the kidneys.
- Bordetella: Bordetella is responsible for a majority of kennel cough cases.
Your puppy’s vaccine schedule is something that should be discussed with your vet, who can suggest which vaccines, if any, make sense for you and your puppy’s lifestyle.
What else do I need to know about puppy vaccines?
Until your new fur baby has gotten all their required vaccines, you’ll likely be advised to keep your puppy indoors. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor dog potty options available today. A dog bathroom like DoggieLawn allows you to provide your pup access to real grass while indoors.
It’ll also be important to inquire about possible side effects with your vet. Knowing potential side effects will help you in recognizing any bad reactions to the vaccine.
In the end, vaccination is a personal choice that can have very real consequences for your puppy’s health. Our responsibility to our dogs is to make the best choices we can with the knowledge we have. Doing your part to learn about diseases and their vaccines, discussing with your vet, and making the process as safe and easy as possible for your puppy are essential for whatever decision you end up making about vaccination.
