Vaccinating your dog is important
A puppy has to have a set number of vaccinations over a period of several weeks in order to help his immune system recognise and ward off infections that could cause him to have a serious illness. A new puppy is not allowed out in a park, or anywhere outside their new home, until he has had his full set of injections.
Many of the infections that a puppy or an adult dog can contract are run of the mill and are easily treatable. However, a pet who has received all his vaccines stands a much better chance of fighting off these diseases.
When a puppy is six weeks old, vaccine is administered, and then repeated two weeks later. A booster vaccine is required once a year to keep a dog’s immune system in good order.
Some of the worst diseases that can be contracted by a dog are Canine Parvovirus, Canine Hepatitis and Para influenza. One other well known disease, that can be fatal to dogs, is canine distemper; this disease affects a dog’s lungs, nervous system and gut.
Canine distemper is contagious and is easily transmitted from any other breed of dog. A dog that has not has his vaccinations can be affected by coming into contact with other dog’s urine and faeces.
The old saying comes to mind, ‘prevention is better than cure’; so for dog owners who think they have plenty of time to take their new puppy to the vets for his vaccinations, time is of the essence.
