Let's
Talk About Vaccines - Everyone Else Is!
By Connie Limon
There is no universal protocol for canine vaccination
schedules. Many vets recommend more vaccinations than most
dogs require to be protected from contagious diseases. A lot
of vets use the vaccination schedule they receive with the
vaccinations they buy from drug companies. Vets are now realizing
to trust vaccine makers may not be the best thing to do. Vaccine
makers are in the business of selling vaccines.
There are a number of things pet owners can do to make sure
their dogs are protected against contagious diseases without
overvaccinating. You need to learn about the diseases the
vaccines defend your dog against. Before you allow your vet
to vaccinated, ask your vet about the disease it prevents.
What is its incidence? How is it transmitted? Is it more prevalent
in your particular area? Ask your vet is the disease treatable,
and if so, how many dogs recover? If you find out the disease
kills many dogs who get it and the virus is everywhere, you
should probably authorize your vet to vaccinate your dog against
that disease. If you find out a particular disease is very
prevalent in your area, you should probably authorize your
vet to vaccinate your dog against that disease in addition
to other appropriate vaccines.
A list of vaccines for dogs that most experts agree puppies
and dogs should be protected against - diseases that are highly
contagious and potentially fatal would include:
- Canine Parvovirus type 2
(CPV-2)
- Canine distemper virus (CDV)
- Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2)
- Rabies virus (RV)
If you are concerned about overvaccination be sure to have
your puppies vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and adenovirus,
not before six weeks, and at least once after the age of 12
weeks, and a rabies vaccine given after 16 weeks. About two
weeks after the last vaccination with distemper, parvo, and
adenovirus, ask for a vaccine titer test to see if your puppy
has been successfully immunized.
Other vaccine tips you need
to remember:
- Use vaccine titer tests to see if your dog is adequately
immunized against the diseases that most experts aggree puppies
and dogs should be protected against. These are diseases that
are highly contagious and potentially fatal.
- Don't use low-cost clinics for your dog's vaccinations (unless
the clinic is operated by a professional you know and trust).
Instead make a relationship with a vet who will take time
with you, who will ask your about your dog's health history,
answer your questions about the benefits and risks of various
vaccines and recommend an individualized vaccination schedule
for your dog that takes into consideration his lifestyle and
environment.
- Take your dog to the vet at least once a year.
- Do not vaccinate dogs who suffer from chronic or acute health
problems, running a high temperaturem, or who have a history
of vaccine reactions. Do not vacciante elderly dogs just because
if your dog has been vaccinated many times in the younger
years, he is probably immunized against disease as much as
he can be.
This article is free to publish with the resource box.
About the Author:
Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies for
sale bred from champion bloodlines in a variety of colors.
We have the AKC small standard, imperial and teacups. Visit
us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
and http://shihtzuarticles.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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