CORE VACCINES FOR YOUR PUPPY!

You will see your pup’s doctor several times throughout the first year of his life. Although it can seem a bit inconvenient, core vaccines will shield our four-legged babies from dangerous and potentially deadly diseases! When researching and reading about so many different vaccinations it can sometimes be confusing on which ones are important, what is required and potential side effects to look out for! Below we list and explain the required core vaccines, our recommendations and what to look out for! Although vaccine side effects may seem scary, the risk out weigh the possibility of contracting these deadly diseases.

CORE VACCINES:

What is the 5 in 1 vaccine?

The 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs is typically referred to by its acronym (DHPP, DAPP, or DA2PP) to indicate the diseases it protects against. The canine 5-in-1 vaccine includes protection against canine distemper virus (indicated by the letter D), two types of adenoviruses, hepatitis, and kennel cough (named A, A2, or H), parainfluenza (P), and parvovirus (P). These diseases are all caused by viruses with no known cure, so vaccination is the primary way to keep dogs protected. They are also highly contagious and dogs of all ages are at risk of becoming infected.

• Canine distemper virus is related to the virus that causes measles in humans.
• Canine Hepatitis, (Cav-1, Cav-2) which is also known as infectious canine hepatitis, is the more serious of the two types. It spreads through the urine and feces and can severely damage the liver. Even after the initial infection clears, dogs may suffer long-term, irreversible changes to the liver, kidneys, and eyes.
• Canine parainfluenza is another virus responsible for kennel cough. It is also transmitted in the air and can spread rapidly, especially in areas where large numbers of dogs are kept together.
• Canine parvovirus is a serious and often fatal disease. Although dogs of all ages are susceptible, puppies that aren’t yet fully vaccinated have the highest risk of infection.

The 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs offers many advantages over single-pathogen vaccines. For one thing, your dog will only need to receive one shot during each visit rather than five, which saves time and money and minimizes your pet’s discomfort. This combo vaccine can even include noncore vaccines, like leptospirosis, which means your pup can get maximum protection without having to get multiple shots.

• We always recommend one vaccine at a time. The 5 in 1 is considered one vaccine.
• There is no weight consideration taken for amount of vaccine given. This means the vaccine given to your 2-3 lb. puppy is the same dose given to an adult Great Dane! Each vaccine comes with their own risk and reactions but by splitting them up we are doing what we can to limit these vaccine reactions. Small breeds are less tolerant.
• Your puppy will have received his first round prior to going home.

The routine we recommend for the remaining core 5 in 1 vaccine is below:

SECOND PUPPY SHOT DUE AROUND 10 WEEKS

THIRD PUPPY SHOT DUE AROUND 13 WEEKS

FOURTH PUPPY SHOT DUE AROUND 16 WEEKS

YOUR PUP’S IMMUNE SYSTEM IS NOT FULLY CAPABLE OF FIGHTING DISEASE UNTIL AT LEAST THE 4TH SHOT – HE/SHE CAN CATCH HUMAN AILMENTS LIKE STREP THROAT AND A VARIETY OF DOG DISEASES SO DO NOT BRING YOUR PUPPY AROUND SICK PEOPLE OR WHERE OTHER ANIMALS ARE OR HAVE BEEN.

NO PET STORE, NO PARK, ETC.

 

• Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death.

RABIES SHOT SHOULD BE GIVEN AS CLOSE TO 4 MONTHS AS POSSIBLE.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CORE VACCINES:

Here are three common side effects of dog vaccines

Feeling “Off”

• The most common vaccine reactions in dogs are lethargy and soreness, which may or may not be combined with a mild fever. This occurs because the dog’s immune system reacts both locally and systemically to vaccine administration.
• Prompting the immune system to respond is the whole point of vaccination. After receiving a vaccine, if your dog comes in contact with the pathogen in the future, their immune system can respond quickly and effectively, which reduces the chance that serious illness will result.

Lumps and Bumps

• When a vaccine is injected under the skin or into a muscle, a small, firm bump (or swelling) may develop at the site because of local irritation and immune cells rushing to the area.
• The lump may be somewhat tender to the touch but should not grow (after the first few days), ooze, or become more painful as time passes.
• Unless any of these more serious dog vaccine side effects are noted, just keep an eye on the area. If swelling persists, your veterinarian may want to perform tests to assess the possibility of a vaccine granuloma.
• Ordinary lumps and bumps associated with vaccines resolve on their own over the course of a few weeks. If this does not occur, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Sneezing and Sniffling

• Most vaccines are given by injection, but a few are administered through drops or a spray squirted into your dog’s nose.
• Intranasal vaccines were developed, in part, because these diseases are all respiratory in nature, and dogs can become infected through their noses. So, it makes sense to give a nasal vaccine to encourage immunity to develop at the first spot where an infection might develop.
• However, it’s not too surprising that adverse reactions associated with the respiratory tract are also possible. Dogs may sneeze, cough, or develop stuffy/runny noses for a few days after intranasal vaccines.

 

If your dog is still exhibiting a common reaction after 48 hours CALL YOUR VET.

Do not wait, as these side effects could get worse!

 

Severe/Rare Vaccine Side Effects:

Anaphylaxis

• A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis is one of the scariest. Soon after vaccination (usually minutes to hours), a dog undergoing anaphylaxis typically develops hives, itchiness, facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or difficulty breathing.

Infection or Abscess

• Additionally, any type of injection can lead to an infection or abscess where bacteria can gain entry through the skin and into underlying tissues. Signs to watch for include discolored skin (often red), discomfort, discharge, and swelling.

Immune-mediated disease response

• A strong and healthy immune system is necessary for combating many types of diseases and infections. In healthy dogs and cats, the immune system is tasked with recognizing foreign cells like bacteria or fungi, and then destroying and/or removing them from the body. There are diseases, however, in which the immune system responds inappropriately, and may begin attacking the animal’s own cells. These conditions, as a group, are called immune-mediated disease.

If your puppy is exhibiting any of these signs DO NOT WAIT! IMMEDIETLY bring him to your vet.

Here at Royal Flush Havanese, we are always here to guide and assist you! There are always risks associated with veterinary procedures including vaccinations. However, the risk of your pet experiencing a serious side effect to a vaccine is small. Although it can be frightening for those pet owners whose adorable animal companion does experience an effect. Remember you are your puppy’s voice so please be proactive and vocal to protect your puppy! Of course, your veterinarian should weigh in and can always provide more information and guidance if needed on necessary and optional vaccinations. Please be sure to read through our blog on Your Puppy’s 1^st Vet visit to help you prepare!