VACCINAL PROPHYLAXIS

Vaccine prophylaxis is essential in dogs as viral diseases are extremely dangerous and often fatal. Over the years, vaccination schedules have changed as more and better vaccines are created. Complete vaccines are commercially available today (distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, parvovirus, coronavirus, leptospira). They are essential for the active immunization of dogs and to reduce the mortality rate and prevent diseases caused by different viral strains such as: distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis virus, leptospirosis, adenovirus, parainfluenza and reduce the intestinal infection caused by the coronavirus. Immunity begins about 2 weeks after the second vaccination. The duration of immunity is at least one year for all antigens with the exception of the canine parainfluenza component whose immune period is still unknown but may be less than one year. Vaccination prophylaxis should be started at about six weeks of life and even beyond. The initial puppy vaccination course consists of two vaccinations: the first should be given between six and eight weeks, the second should be given from the tenth week. The recall of vaccinations is annual. After the first vaccination some puppies develop a small swelling that is generally visible and lasts for a few days. Following the second vaccination, a small palpable swelling at the injection site may occasionally occur and may last up to five days. These small and transient reactions at the injection site resolve without the need for treatment. It is essential, when purchasing the puppy, to check that the entire vaccination program has been completed.