With an increase in the knowledge about the dog health and immune system, veterinarians and researchers have conferred vaccines for puppies and yearly boosters for adult dogs. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to the disease so that the dog is protected against various organisms in the environment. If the immunized dog is later exposed to the infectious agent, the antibodies react quickly to attack and destroy the disease.

State Vaccination Requirements

Every state in the United States has its own laws governing requirements for pet owners. When it comes to vaccination requirements, the states mandate only one vaccine: rabies. The frequency of the vaccine administration varies, with most states requiring one every three years (when the veterinarian is using a vaccine that lasts three years) or in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer. Washington D.C. and Vermont, however, require annual rabies boosters regardless of the manufacturer.

Vaccination Schedule

Pet owners should work with their veterinarians to design a vaccination schedule for each pet based on age, breed, lifestyle, travel habits, health status, reproductive status, and environment. The vet will most likely recommend a series of three sets of vaccinations, generally given at four-week intervals starting at eight weeks of age. If vaccines are given too early, protection from colostrum fights off the vaccine and the vaccine does no good. If given vaccinations too late, the puppy may contract a disease.

When not to vaccinate the dog?

As vaccinations put a lot of stress on your dog's immune system, do not vaccinate if

• The puppy or dog is too young

• The puppy or dog is sick

• The puppy or dog is malnourished or underweight

• The puppy or dog has a weakened immune system due to genetics, a previous disease, or drug therapy

Which vaccinations are important?

AAHA and AVMA suggest two vaccination programs for their clients: a core vaccine protocol for triennial vaccination against the high-risk, contagious, and potentially fatal diseases of rabies, parvovirus, adenovirus and distemper and a non-core schedule for protection against additional diseases that may be extant in particular regions of the country.

• Distemper is absolutely essential vaccine

• Adenovirus vaccination also protects against hepatitis

• Parvovirus is also very essential vaccine

• Rabies vaccination poses a lot of health risks on a dog but, it is mandatory by law

• May also be inoculated against Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Bordetella, Heartworm disease, Coronavirus, etc. if local conditions warrant or if the pet will be traveling in an area where these diseases are known to be a problem

Dog vaccinations are not without controversy and vaccine protocols are changing, so the best thing is to always understand what your vet recommends and why. Remember, routinely vaccinating your pet is often cheaper than paying for treating your sick dog later, and reduces virus transmission in the dog population.