The arrival of a dog at home, regardless of its age, requires taking into account a series of guidelines to guarantee its well-being. One of the fundamental aspects to consider is vaccination, as it plays a crucial role in preventing contagious or deadly diseases in dogs. Clinicanimal, Tiendanimal’s network of veterinary centers, provides a comprehensive list of mandatory and recommended vaccinations for these animals.
Nuria Gómez Constanzo, Clinicanimal’s veterinary expert, explains that “puppies initially receive antibody protection against external pathogens through their mother’s milk. However, as time passes, this protection diminishes, leaving animals vulnerable to diseases that can have serious health consequences if not prevented through vaccinations.”
The Importance of Regional Vaccination Requirements
It is important to note that the list of necessary vaccines may vary depending on the region. In Spain, the mandatory nature of these vaccines is determined by each autonomous community. For instance, the rabies vaccine is mandatory in communities like Madrid but not in others like Catalonia or Galicia. However, it is always recommended to ensure that our pets are protected against the virus, especially if international travel is planned. Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease with a high mortality rate, making non-vaccination a serious public health concern.
It is advisable to consult official sources of information that regulate vaccination requirements in each autonomous community and seek guidance from a veterinarian.
Vaccination Guidelines for Puppies
Puppies have a higher susceptibility to certain infectious diseases due to their developing immune systems. Therefore, during the first few months of their lives, it is crucial to protect them through vaccination against diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, rabies, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.
The recommended vaccination schedule may vary depending on the level of exposure to different microorganisms. Puppies that frequently visit canine daycare centers, residences, or rural areas are at higher risk.
In terms of age, vaccination should commence when puppies are between 6 and 8 weeks old with a bivalent vaccine for distemper and parvovirus. At 9-11 weeks, a polyvalent vaccine for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus should be administered. Ideally, two additional doses of this vaccine should be given, one between weeks 12-14 and another at week 16. The first rabies vaccine should be administered from the 16th week of the puppy’s life and revaccinated annually, along with the polyvalent vaccine.
Additionally, it is recommended to vaccinate against Lyme disease, a bacterial disease transmitted by ticks. This vaccine is typically administered during the first year of a puppy’s life, with two initial doses followed by an annual booster.
Vaccination for Adult Dogs
In adult dogs, the most common vaccinations are boosters for the polyvalent and rabies vaccines. Veterinarians usually recommend administering the polyvalent vaccine, which protects against viral hepatitis, distemper, and parvovirus, every three years.
Other vaccines, such as those for leptospirosis, leishmaniosis, and kennel cough, are typically reinforced annually. However, the frequency of these vaccinations may vary based on the veterinarian’s recommendations, taking into account the age and health of each individual animal.
It is essential to maintain regular visits to the veterinarian and keep the animal’s vaccination record up to date. This allows the professional to determine the appropriate dosage and timing for vaccinations.
