In this post, I have gathered 14 frequently asked questions about vaccinating your dog. No matter how silly the question feels like I got you covered. We all want the best for our dogs and vaccines can feel intimidating. All these are valid questions that all of us dog owners have thought about at some point.
If you are a new puppy owner, please check out this article to find out about an internationally approved vaccination program for your puppy!
1. Are Dog Vaccinations Mandatory?
YES, and no. In the U.S., most states require all dogs 3 months of age or older to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Check your state’s requirements here. Also if you want to attend any events like dog shows or travel abroad, your dog needs to be vaccinated comprehensively. Some groomers only take vaccinated dogs as their clients.
2. Do Dogs Need Vaccines to Fly?
YES, they do. Every country has its own rules and regulations. Vaccination against rabies is the most common and required all over the world.
Some countries require an anti-rabies titration test, which means the country’s authoritative officials want proof that your dog is carrying antibodies that neutralize rabies. So it is best to reserve enough time for the vaccination, time for it to establish protection, and for the anti-rabies titration test. All this needs at least 30 days.
3. How Does Dog Vaccination Work?
The dog’s immune system learns to fight the microorganisms by vaccinating a solution that contains the microorganisms in an altered or killed form. Because the microorganisms are either killed or altered, your dog won’t get sick. For example, your dog won’t get parvo virus from the parvo vaccine.
Once the dog’s immune system recognizes the microorganisms, it will create antibodies to protect the dog in the future.
4. Are Dog Vaccinations Safe?
Vaccines for dogs and humans have been thoroughly researched for decades. There is no need to doubt their legitimacy but there is always a chance of getting an allergic reaction. I talk more about allergies in the 7th question.
5. Can I Give My Dogs Vaccines?
NO. As a dog owner, you don’t have to be able to do everything on your own. Please leave the injecting to professionals who know what they are doing. Paying the price of vaccinations is a part of owning a dog.
6. How Protected Are Dogs After the First Vaccine?
Puppies need two vaccines with one month waiting in between. Therefore The first shot the puppy gets is not completely protective and a booster shot is needed.
Adult dog gets one vaccine shot and the vaccine protects them 1-3 years depending on what the vaccine is against for.
7. Can Dog Vaccinations Cause Allergies?
A dog can get an allergic reaction from food, grooming products (shampoos and conditioners), or insect bites for example. Dogs can be allergic to vaccines as well. It’s extremely rare and can’t be known beforehand if your dog is allergic. The most severe symptom is anaphylaxis which occurs shortly after the vaccination.
Read more about allergic reactions in dogs here.
8. Which Dog Vaccine Is Given Through the Nose?
Bordetella vaccination can be administered with nose drops or by injecting. Nose drops are an effective alternative because the drops have a fast onset of immunity.
The Bordetella (kennel cough) spreads easily when a dog is sniffing or licking infected dogs and surfaces. The bacteria can linger on surfaces for days but is weak against disinfecting sprays.
9. What Dog Vaccine Is DHPP?
DHPP vaccine is a one-shot that protects against four contagious diseases. The acronym DHPP comes from the diseases the vaccine protects against.
D = Distemper, H = hepatitis, P = Parainfluenza, P = Parvovirus.
It is a safe vaccine that is given to puppies at the ages of 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 16 months.
10. Do Dog Vaccinations Work Straight Away?
NO. After your dog has been vaccinated for the first time, the dog’s body starts to form antibodies against the disease in question. This formation of antibodies takes 2-3 weeks.
Many vaccinations need booster shots every 1 to 3 years. In this case, antibodies form quicker because the dog’s immune system has already been exposed before.
11. Can You Take Your Puppy Out Before Vaccinations?
YES. Many people tell you not to take your dog outside before they have all their vaccinations. That is an old practice that does not apply anymore.
The best time to expose a puppy to the world is when they are 7-14 weeks old. I have raised four dogs with this principle and that’s the best socialization period, if you shelter your puppy indoors that will do more harm than good to the puppy’s development.
12. Can I Wash My Dog Before Vaccination?
YES. You can wash and bathe your dog before their vaccination. It’s not required to wash your dog before vaccination but it’s always beneficial to groom your dog. It’s also nice for the veterinarian to handle a clean good smelling pup.
But after the vaccination, it’s best to let your dog just be because the vaccine can make them lethargic. That’s why it’s a great idea to bathe your dog the day before.
13. Do Dog Vaccinations Expire?
YES. Vaccinations do expire and lose their effectiveness. After a certain period, your dog becomes susceptible to easily contagious diseases like parvovirus and kennel cough. That’s why your dog needs booster shots every 1-3 years depending on what vaccine program they follow.
14. Can a Pregnant Dog Be Vaccinated?
NO. Veterinarians don’t recommend or advise vaccinating a pregnant dog. If you are planning a litter you should make sure that the dog is vaccinated beforehand. It’s part of responsible breeding to plan and make sure you are using healthy dogs with vaccinations and deworming up to date.
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