Vaccinating
your Pug
Vaccinating your Pug against infectious and
potentially fatal canine diseases is an important part of
being a responsible Pug owner. A puppy should receive its
first vaccination when he is eight weeks old and will then
require subsequent vaccinations to build-up its initial immunity.
Below you’ll find some information about which vaccinations
your Pug should have and what diseases you are protecting
your new friend from.
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When
Your Pug is Eight Weeks Old…
Most veterinarians recommend a series of three vaccinations,
given every four weeks starting when your Pug is eight
weeks old. The first vaccine is usually a so called
combination shot, which protects your puppy against
five different diseases:
1. Adenovirus
Adenovirus is sometimes called “Dog Hepatitis”
because it targets the liver, but
it also affects the kidneys, pancreas, and vasculature.
Adenovirus causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and
tiredness and even though some dogs can be treated with
antibiotics and/or blood transfusions, it is often fatal
for young puppies.
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2. Distemper
Distemper is a serious disease that involves gastrointestinal,
nervous
system and respiratory complications. Distemper is similar
to our Measles virus and can affect all dogs no matter age,
even though it is most often seen in puppies. Distemper is
highly contagious and can cause everything from cough and
diarrhea to seizures, neurological problems and in some cases
even death.
3. Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is a flu-like disease that can be treated. The
symptoms include, but are not limited to, cough and discharge
from nose and eyes.
4. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis bacteria can be found in infected mammals´
urine or urine-contaminated bodies of water. It can penetrate
skin or mucous membranes and invade your Pug’s bloodstream
and infect his urinary tract, liver and kidneys. Its effects
range from diarrhea and vomiting to chronic renal failure.
The vaccine is often given at the same time as Distemper and
Adenovirus, but some Pugs are allergic to the lepto vaccine,
so lepto is available separately too. Unfortunately, the lepto
vaccine doesn't protect against all strains of leptospirosis,
and it only lasts about eight months. If you have a dog that
is exposed to swampy areas, ponds, or heavily irrigated lawns,
your vet may recommend boosters twice a year.
5. Corona virus
The Corona virus causes inflammation of the intestines and
diarrhea. Older dogs usually recover from the corona virus
infection, but for younger puppies it might be fatal. The
symptoms include decreased appetite, diarrhea, fever and tiredness.
The distemper combination vaccine is given annually after
the first three series.
When Your Pug is 12
Weeks Old…
Kennel Cough
When your puppy has reached the age of 12 weeks, he should
also be vaccinated for Kennel Cough (Bordetella Bronchispetica).
Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease that usually spreads
fast in areas where many dogs are concentrated, such as dog
parks and kennels. The symptoms include a dry, irritating
cough. Kennel Cough can quite easily be treated with antibiotics.
Remember that your Pug may need a booster after four weeks
and then Kennel Cough vaccine once a year after that.
When Your Pug is 16
Weeks Old…
Rabies
When your Pug is about 16 weeks old he can be vaccinated for
Rabies. Most of us probably associate Rabies with a mad dog
foaming at the mouth, eager to bite anyone in his way. But
what many people don’t know is that Rabies is almost
100% fatal and that vaccinating your dog for Rabies actually
is required by law in many states. Rabies is transmitted to
dogs via saliva (often from a bite from an infected animal
such as a raccoon or a rat) and the symptoms include, but
are not limited to, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Since the
prognosis for Rabies is fatal, the best way to protect your
Pug is to make sure that he is vaccinated properly.
Other Vaccinations
Your Pug Might Need:
Parvovirus
Parvovirus causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting and is often
fatal in puppies. Anywhere dogs come together there is always
a risk for parvo exposure and the only way to really protect
your Pug is to vaccinate him. Vets often recommend that parvo
vaccinations be given every 4 weeks from 3 to 20 weeks of
age, depending on your Pug's level of risk.
Annual revaccinations are recommended.
Lyme
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, you
should consider this vaccine. Lyme is the most common tick-transmitted
disease in the world, but with proper tick repellent the vaccine
isn't always necessary. Your local veterinarian will know
if your Pug will need the vaccine or not.
Remember!
Avoid walking your puppy in public places and contact with
unfamiliar dogs until your vet advises it is safe to do so.
However, your puppy doesn’t have to be separated from
your other dogs, as long as they are healthy and fully vaccinated.
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