Vaccinating your dog should be considered as important as giving feed and water. Vaccinating your dog protects it from several diseases which confront it on a daily basis. The vaccinated dog, because of its greater immunological defence is better able to resist common debilitating diseases. Under similar conditions, when subjected to the same disease, vaccinated dogs have higher survival rates than the unvaccinated.
In Trinidad and Tobago the diseases most commonly vaccinated against are: Parvo, Leptospirosis, Distemper, Hepatitis and Kennel Cough. There are however several other canine diseases against which we have no vaccines. For discerning canine enthusiasts, a corona virus vaccine is suggested.
How does a vaccine work?
The actual process is somewhat complex. Simplified, the process is as follows: the vaccine which is actually the disease agent is “handicapped” or killed and injected into the body. The body then uses its immune system to generate antibodies and these, when exposed to the active disease agents, are able to attack them and defend the body.
How frequently should my dog be vaccinated?
Regardless of the breed, the first vaccine should be administered by your vet at 6 weeks of age. Under most vaccination programmes for puppies, further boosters should follow at 9 and 12 weeks of age. Some breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans require additional vaccinations at 15 and 18 weeks of age, as they are more susceptible to parvo. Recent studies suggest that old dogs may not require frequent vaccinations form some diseases, however, for all dogs less than 7 years a regular annual vaccination is recommended to protect against the common diseases.
See your TTVA vet for his advice.
Got a pet? See your TTVA vet!
In Trinidad and Tobago the diseases most commonly vaccinated against are: Parvo, Leptospirosis, Distemper, Hepatitis and Kennel Cough. There are however several other canine diseases against which we have no vaccines. For discerning canine enthusiasts, a corona virus vaccine is suggested.
How does a vaccine work?
The actual process is somewhat complex. Simplified, the process is as follows: the vaccine which is actually the disease agent is “handicapped” or killed and injected into the body. The body then uses its immune system to generate antibodies and these, when exposed to the active disease agents, are able to attack them and defend the body.
How frequently should my dog be vaccinated?
Regardless of the breed, the first vaccine should be administered by your vet at 6 weeks of age. Under most vaccination programmes for puppies, further boosters should follow at 9 and 12 weeks of age. Some breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans require additional vaccinations at 15 and 18 weeks of age, as they are more susceptible to parvo. Recent studies suggest that old dogs may not require frequent vaccinations form some diseases, however, for all dogs less than 7 years a regular annual vaccination is recommended to protect against the common diseases.
See your TTVA vet for his advice.
Got a pet? See your TTVA vet!
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