Vaccination

Vaccination: A Key Component of Pet Preventive Care

Vaccination is an essential part of preventive care for domestic pets. It prevents the emergence and spread of serious diseases and effectively protects animals from infection. During vaccination, a small amount of the disease-causing agent is introduced into the body; this amount is not capable of causing an infection itself. The goal is to stimulate the immune system so that, in case of infection, it can eliminate the disease at its onset, preventing it from ever fully developing.

Newly born puppies typically receive the largest amount of antibodies by consuming colostrum from the mother in the first 24 hours after birth. If a puppy is in contact with its mother after birth as is typical, it receives about 95% of antibodies through nursing. Sometimes, for various reasons, this doesn't happen, and it's then crucial to diligently protect the mother and puppies from possible infection, because if the puppy doesn't receive the first milk-gland-produced secretion (colostrum) from its mother, it isn't protected by her antibodies. A puppy that has been nursed normally by its mother is protected by maternal antibodies during the first few weeks of life. High levels of these antibodies remain in the puppy's blood for approximately up to 6 weeks of age and then gradually decline.

Since we can never be sure of the puppy's antibody levels without a blood test, the first vaccination is typically given before the puppy leaves its mother for a new environment, for example, one to two weeks before being handed over to the new owner.

The first vaccination can be started no earlier than 6 weeks of age. This first dose may still be neutralized by residual maternal antibodies, which is why the second dose of the vaccine is absolutely crucial. It's administered two to three weeks after the first dose. If revaccination doesn't occur within this interval, the entire vaccination schedule must be restarted. The third vaccination is given within 3–4 weeks of the second dose. This is then followed by regular annual boosters.

A separate topic is rabies vaccination, which is mandatory by law. This vaccine can be administered no earlier than 3 months of age. It's usually given along with the final vaccination for all other infections. By law, the owner is obliged to have their dog vaccinated against rabies from 6 months of age. It's therefore possible to vaccinate against rabies later, reducing the burden on the puppy's immune system. Rabies boosters are always given when the efficacy period of the previously used vaccine is nearing its end. The duration of this period depends on the brand of vaccine used. Accordingly, dogs are then revaccinated against rabies every year, or every two to three years.

What might a vaccination schedule look like in practice?

It's important to emphasize that a general vaccination schedule is always difficult to state definitively. Each puppy will have its individual vaccination plan, and subsequent boosters will depend on that. Your veterinarian will provide you with the specific vaccination procedure, including dates for further boosters, which vary depending on the vaccine brand used.

Basic Vaccination Schedule (this is just an example, each veterinary clinic has its own vaccination procedures):

  1. First Vaccination:
    • Starts no earlier than 6 weeks of age.
    • Vaccinates against 2 diseases: canine distemper and parvovirus.
  2. Second Vaccination:
    • At 9 weeks of age.
    • Vaccinates against 5 diseases: canine distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis.
  3. Third Vaccination:
    • At 12 weeks of age.
    • Vaccinates against 5 diseases: canine distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis.
    • Rabies can be added here or vaccinated separately in another 3-4 weeks.

Regular annual boosters follow thereafter.

A crucial rule is to only vaccinate healthy animals. In case of illness, it's advisable to postpone vaccination. On the day after vaccination, it's key not to overexert the animal and to maintain a resting regime. Don't let the dog get cold, and consult your veterinarian regarding the administration of any medications, including deworming tablets. It's usually advisable to deworm dogs no later than a week before and no earlier than a week after vaccination.

Vaccination itself is generally well-tolerated. Adverse reactions such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and a temporary increase in temperature are rare and quickly subside. Occasionally, itching and swelling at the injection site or head swelling may occur. Report such adverse effects to your veterinarian, who will change the vaccine brand for the next vaccination.