patterdaleterriers.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites. Affiliate links may be used on this page and in patterdaleterriers.co.uk articles, but they do not impact on the price that you pay and they do help me to get this information to you for free. Read my privacy policy for more information regarding affiliates.
Although it’s not very nice to see your new pup squirm when he goes to get his puppy shots, the reality of the situation is that by taking him for dog vaccinations you could actually be saving his life. There are some horrible deadly dog diseases such as parvovirus and canine distemper that you will certainly want to protect your dog from as they may result in death.
What are Dog Vaccinations?
Dog vaccinations are injections that give your dog a small dose of a disease in order to build up immunity and therefore prevent it from getting that disease in the future, much like the shots that are recommended for babies and children. Dog vaccinations will be recommended by your breeder or rescue centre and vet.
It’s also essential to take your dog to get his puppy shots so that he can be socialised without risk of infecting or being infected by other dogs as some canine diseases or spread by contact. Some training centres and doggy daycare or boarding centres will require evidence of vaccinations before they can be allowed in, and so it’s in everyones best interest to get them.
Of course dog vaccinations are not free and often not covered by insurance policies and so you need to budget for these when you purchase or adopt your dog. We get Blake his boosters every year and the budget is about £50 for these with a private vet in Liverpool.
What are the different Types of Dog Vaccinations?
Two different types of vaccinations exist – a Killed or Dead Vaccine and a Modified Live Vaccine. A Modified Live Vaccine is the live disease being injected, while having been altered by the drug company to be unable to cause the disease it is protecting against. A Killed or dead Vaccine is when the virus itself has been killed before any injection occurs.
Do I need to get my Dog Regular Boosters?
Once vaccinations are given, your dogs immune system will recognize the presence of a disease and will then create barriers or reinforcements (antibodies) to fight it off, should it appear. These injections only last from around six months to a year, which makes regular appointments and boosters extremely important for your dog. Although some people just get puppy shots and don’t update with regular boosters, most vets recommend boosters annually for all dogs.
What Canine Diseases are Dogs Protected from with Vaccines?
A few of the more commonly known of diseases that affect dogs are often at the top of a vaccination list. These include: Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Rabies and Corona Virus.
Regular vaccinations can prevent your dog from contracting these diseases, but you should still have an awareness of what they are. Canine Distemper is caused by a virus that attacks the body and can be damaging to the dogs central nervous system. Sadly 50% of dogs who contract this disease will die. Distemper usually affects middle aged dogs.
Another vaccination, which is important to your dogs health and should not be confused with the human disease, Hepatitis is Infectious Hepatitis, which is a life threatening viral disease. It is transmitted through urine, saliva and feces (poop). Dogs of all ages are at risk of this disease. Luckily, it’s not contagious to humans.
Vaccinations for Rabies are probably the most commonly discussed about vaccine. The disease itself is the most well known animal disease and can quickly affect humans through saliva and bites. Aggression, excessive salivation and erratic behaviour will follow the onset of rabies.
Another disease that is commonly confused and is important to have vaccinations for is Corona Virus. This disease affects young dogs and is usually mixed up with Parvo, which is a totally different type of disease. Corona Virus is contagious and is passed through feces ingested by another dog, causing trouble with the intestinal system. This disease is usually treatable before Parvo sets in.
Overall Recommendation – Vaccinate your Dog!
As you can see, there are a lot of horrible dog diseases that can cause suffering or even death to your precious pooch. Vaccinations are extremely important to yours and your dogs health and it is your responsibility as a dog owner to have regular visits with the vet. For all the happiness that your dog brings into your life, he deserves to be health and happy.
You might also like to read about Maintaining Good Patterdale Terrier Health and Patterdale Terrier Lifespan.
