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Suwanee Animal Hospital
85 Buford Hwy, Suwanee, GA 30024
Tel: (770) 271-8716
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| Canine Vaccines
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Vaccination helps prevent, not cure, disease. Vaccines contain disease-causing viruses or bacteria that
have been changed so they don't cause disease. When your dog is injected with a vaccine, the animal's
immune system produces special substances called antibodies that work against the viruses or bacteria
that cause the disease. Later, if your pet is exposed to that disease, these antibodies will help destroy those
viruses or bacteria.
There is not a general rule regarding vaccinations, however some basic rules apply to all dog vaccination schedules. At the very least, a minimum of two multivalent vaccines containing Distemper and Parvovirus are given three to four weeks apart to all puppies over three months of age. In Georgia, Rabies vaccination is also required. Other diseases such as Coronavirus, Bordatella (Kennel Cough), and Lyme Disease, require different vaccination protocols.
Young puppies are usually given their first set of vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. Additional vaccinations are given every three to four weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Recent evidence shows that Parvovirus vaccination should be continued even longer, especially with certain breeds of dogs. Thereafter, an annual or biannual vaccination is administered.
Animals sometimes react to vaccinations. These reactions are usually very mild and of brief duration. Muscle aches, slight fever, and drowsiness are the most common side effects. Rarely do animals have a more severe reaction, and if they do, the most common symptoms are vomiting, swelling of the face, and hives. If a vaccination reaction occurs, a veterinarian should be called.
The protection provided by a vaccine gradually
declines after a pet is vaccinated. That is why annual re-vaccination along with an exam is always
recommended. Remember, not only does your dog receive the proper vaccinations, but he or she also gets a thorough physical exam. This medical examination, along with some nutritional and behavioral advice, goes a long way in preventing problems in your adult dog.
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