DHLPPCv (Distemper) and Rabies vaccinations are the most common vaccines you will need for your dog. There are a few others vaccines you may want to give. I have listed them below. It is important to talk it over with your veterinarian about your circumstances and lifestyle. The health of yourbest friend is of utmost importance. There are some vary deadly disease your pet can come in contact with. Without regular dog vaccinations they can become very sick and often die. The health of your pet depends on a few rather easy solutions. Vaccinations are one of the big things in a small package, we as responsible pet care providers need to do for our friends health and safety. When ever you acquire a new pet, call your veterinarian right away and make an appointment to have him/her seen. Has any dog vaccinations been given yet? Make sure to bring in any records you have gotten from the breeder on the dog vaccinations and dewormings.

As nursing puppies the animals are getting immunizing antibodies from the mother as they feed off her. This is called maternal antibodies or passive immunity. These maternal antibodies help to protect the young pups at an early age, however this protection dwindles fast during the puppies first few months of life and soon are totally gone. It is also important that the mother of the puppies has had her vaccinations. Dog vaccinations should be started at about 6 weeks of age. Some veterinarians will even suggest 4 weeks old. Your veterinarian will help you decide on what would be the best course of dog vaccinations for your pet. Immunity to most infectious diseases declines after a period of time in young puppies. Some vaccines will need to be repeated in about 3-4 week intervals until the animal is 19 weeks old. After that usually once a year will be recommended.
A rabies vaccination should be given at about 12 weeks of age. The first one will be good for a year.

The next booster vaccination will be good for a longer period of time. Your vet will know the laws in your area and go with them for recommending rabies boosters. Rabies pose a public health risk and I do believe there are laws throughout the US for this vaccination. The duration also will depend on the brand of vaccine being used.
All dogs are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Prevention of disease is the goal. It is much better to prevent something bad from happening than trying to treat and cure it once it has established itself in our beloved pets system. It is also much, much more cost-effective to prevent than it is to cure.
Vaccinations are an easy answer to what could be a life threatening problem.

1. The Risk Of Reactions

You do need to know about the risk involved when administering a dog vaccination to your pet. Like with us as human beings, every time we get a shot there are risks. There could be an allergic reaction to the vaccine or a reactions at the injection site. These are very uncommonbut do happen. It is always a good idea to watch your pet closely for a few days after a dog vaccination is given to see if there will be any reactions. Most reaction will occur within 24 hours. Some of the signs to look for are swelling, usually in the face, difficulty breathing, lethargy, stumbling, pale gums, animal seems unresponsive. These reactions can be very serious and life threatening. Immediate attentions is a must. If your pet is slightly uncomfortable or tired that is common and not at all something to be alarmed over. If your not sure about a reaction, call your vet and they can give you advice. There is never a dumb question when it comes to our pets safety, so don’t hesitate to ask.

2. Dog Vaccination Schedule
Below is a list to guide you with dog vaccinations.6 weeks of age: First combination vaccine. (DHLPPCv) Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus.
9 weeks of age: Second combination vaccine. (DHLPPCv)
12 weeks of age: Third combination vaccine (DHLPPCv) and Lyme vaccine. (Lyme vaccine is then repeated two weeks later, than once a year thereafter.
16 weeks of age: give the last combination vaccine. (DHLPPCv) One year from this date will be your yearly due date for the combination vaccine.
12-16 weeks of age: Rabies vaccine. Local and state laws apply. Your veterinarian will guide you with this time table for boostering the vaccine.
Note: Some veterinarians believe some breads need at least two parvo vaccinations with the last being given at 20 weeks of age. Your vet will let you know if this is the case.

3. The VaccinesA multivalent vaccine (DHLPPCv) is one that has more than one disease antigen in it. It is a combination of several antigens. A “cocktail” is a common term I like to use. The most typical “cocktail” would be the DHLPPCv Vaccine. The D is for Canine Distemper Virus. This is a dangerous viral infection. It is not connected in any way, means or form to the dog’s temperament. So please do not call it a distemperment shot. (That’s just a personal bug of mine.) H is for Hepatitis. This is also a viral infection caused by two related viruses that mainly affect the liver. L is for Leptospirosis. A bacterial infection affecting the kidneys. This specific class of bacteria can infect humans, cows, dogs, pigs and other wild animals See more about this disease below. P is for Parainfluenza.A virus that along with the Hepatitis virus can cause upper respiratory infections.

The other P is for Parvovirus. A severe and often fatal virus affecting the lining of the intestinal tract. Cv is Coronavirus. This is very similar to the Parvovirus. It can be severe but has a somewhat different effect on the intestinal tract and usually not fatal. This “cocktail” should notbe given to pregnant dogs.

Rabiesis a viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals. Rabies virus infects cells of the nervous system, producing incoordination and behavioral abnormalities. This could include unusual aggression or withdrawal. Once the signs of rabies appear the disease is fatal. Rabies is transmitted by a bite or scratch of an affected animal.

Infectious tracheobronchitisITB (kennel cough or canine cough) is a persistent respiratory disease with a harsh, dry cough, persistent, hacking or honking, gagging, sometimes spasmodic cough. Often caused by a viral infection complicated by Bordetella bronchiseptica. ITB can last for days or weeks if left untreated. Dogs that are at risk are ones that go to the groomer, boarding facility or dog parks. ITB is transmitted when dogs cough or come in contact with each other or with contaminated premises. The vaccine for ITB comes in an intranasal form or an injection.

Lyme Diseaseor Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted through the bite of a infected tick. There are 3 kinds of ticks that harbor the bacteria that cause lyme disease. The most common being the dear tick or black-legged tick. Every state in the USA has reported lyme disease in dogs. Certain geographical areas are much more likely to harbor bacteria carrying ticks than others. Lyme disease can cause arthritis, kidney damage and death. This disease has nearly tripled in humans since 1990. There is a vaccine for this disease. Your dog will initially need to be given 2 shots about 3 weeks apart then once a year thereafter.

More on Leptospirosis.This disease is carried in most animals including livestock and wildlife. Deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, rates and other rodents. The bacteria are passed form the urine into water sources where they live and reproduce. This bacteria can be found most any ware. It is present in stagnant surface water, moist soil and recreational water such as pond and lakes. Scary isn’t it. natural disasters like floods or earthquakes increase risk of exposure to the disease. This bacteria can enter your pets system via cuts in the skin, eyes, nose or mouth. This disease Leptospirosis is contagious. It can be passed from pet to pet. Risk increases in the summer months and early fall. Other periods of rainfall are also exposure risk times. Cats seem to have a natural resistance to this disease therefore thy are not vaccinated against Leptospirosis. People can also get this disease. It is rarely fatal in humans but can cause severe illness. To help reduce this risk you can vaccinate your dog. Avoid water sources that could be affected such as stagnate water. Always wash you hands, especially after handling anything that might have your dogs urine on it. Ware gloves if you need to handle wildlife or anything involving standing water. Some signs of the disease you can watch for in your dog would be: flue like systems. Fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, depression, lethargy. Jaundice, (a yellow cast around the gums and whites of the eyes). Most severe cases lead to kidney or liver failure and may be fatal. If you suspect your dog may have this disease call your veterinarian. This is a disease can look like many other diseases and is a challenge to diagnose quickly. It may take numerous blood and urine test. This could end up being costly and frustrating. Leptospirosis is genuinely treated with fluids and antibiotics as well as other aggressive therapies. Please help to prevent this disease and the spreading of it. Vaccinate your pet.

You may be thinking about vaccinating your own pets. Rabies can not be given by you. (Even if you can buy it.) This must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. It is the law. This is something you will really want to stick by. If some unforeseen thing were to happen (your pet bites someone) it is in every one’s best interest to have this vaccine up to date and legal. If you administer your own rabies vaccine it is not valid and you and your pet will be treated as if no vaccine were given. You really don’t want to suffer the consequences.

Here are some considerations if you are thinking of doing your own dog vaccination injections.
First, as I said earlier in this article there could be an adverse reaction to the vaccine. It is rare but does happen. The worst could be an ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION. This hypersensitivity reactions can cause a number of physiologic disturbances within the body that result in low blood pressure, slow heart rate and depressed breathing rate. The pet goes into a shock reaction. This is (among many other things) extremely low blood pressure and heart output. Blood vessels dilate lowering blood pressure, the brain is starved for oxygen and unconsciousness occurs. If this occurs the pet needs immediate attention. Certain life saving medications and fluids will have to be administered or the animal will not survive.
Second, vaccines and syringes need to be handled properly. Improper handling can cause infection at the injection site and also fibromas.
Third if a vaccine that is intended to be delivered subcutaneous (under the skin) is accidentally given intravenously a life-threatening reaction may occur. Same for an intranasal-nasal vaccine given incorrectly.