Why are vaccines a "life shield" for dogs?
According to statistics from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), the mortality rate of puppies who have not received core vaccines is as high as 90%! Vaccines stimulate immunity by simulating pathogens, but not all vaccines require mandatory vaccination. This article analyzes vaccine classification and scientific vaccination plans based on the latest 2024 AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines.

⚠️ Must-have core vaccines
Definition: Vaccines for high-risk infectious diseases that all dogs need to be vaccinated against regardless of their living environment.

1. Canine Distemper
Lethality: The virus attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, with a mortality rate of 50%-80%.

Symptoms: high fever, purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, and convulsions ("chorea").

Vaccination time: The first shot for puppies is 6-8 weeks old, and it is reinforced every 3-4 weeks, and basic immunity is completed at 16 weeks; adult dogs are reinforced every 3 years.

2. Canine Parvovirus
Transmissibility: The virus survives in the environment for several months, and the infection rate of unvaccinated puppies is 100%.

Symptoms: bloody stools, severe vomiting, and dehydration (can be fatal within 24 hours).

Vaccination time: Same as canine distemper, and it is often a combined vaccine with canine distemper (DHPP).

3. Canine Adenovirus-2

Protection range: prevent infectious hepatitis (CAV-1) and respiratory diseases (CAV-2).

Vaccination time: DHPP combined vaccine contains this component, the schedule is the same as above.

4. Rabies

Legal requirements: mandatory vaccination in most parts of the world, zoonotic and 100% lethal.

Vaccination time: first shot for puppies at 12-16 weeks, booster after 1 year, and every 1-3 years thereafter (depending on regional regulations).

🌡️ Non-Core Vaccines: Choose on demand
Definition: decide whether to vaccinate based on risk factors such as region and lifestyle.

1. Bordetella
Prevent diseases: canine infectious tracheobronchitis ("kennel cough").

Applicable objects: dogs that often go to dog parks, foster or compete.

Vaccination form: injection, intranasal drops (starting from 6 weeks of age, annual booster).

2. Leptospirosis
Risk environment: contact with contaminated water sources/wild animals (rats, raccoons).

Vaccination time: first shot for puppies at 12 weeks, booster after 2-4 weeks, and annual booster.

3. Lyme Disease
Transmission medium: tick bites, high incidence in dogs active in forests and grasslands.

Vaccination time: first shot ≥ 9 weeks, second shot after 2-4 weeks, annual booster.

4. Canine Influenza
Epidemic trend: H3N2 and H3N8 viruses have broken out in many places.

Vaccination recommendation: priority for dogs in high-incidence areas or group-living dogs.

❌ 5 common misunderstandings about vaccination
“My dog ​​doesn’t go out, so he doesn’t need to be vaccinated” → The virus can be brought indoors through human clothing and shoe soles!

"100% immunity after vaccination" → Antibody levels are affected by individual differences and need to be tested regularly (such as antibody titer test).

"Adult dogs do not need booster shots" → The protection period of core vaccines is about 3 years, and they may become ineffective after the expiration date.

"Vaccine side effects are very dangerous" → Mild drowsiness/low fever is normal, and the rate of severe allergies is less than 0.001%.

"Combined vaccines are ineffective" → DHPP and other combined vaccines are internationally certified and safe and effective.

🚨 Treatment of abnormal reactions after vaccination
Mild reactions (dissipate in 24-48 hours):
✅ Swelling at the injection site, loss of appetite → Cold compress and observation.

Symptoms of emergency medical treatment:
❗ Facial edema, persistent vomiting, and difficulty breathing → May be anaphylactic shock, and adrenaline needs to be injected immediately.

Alternative: Antibody titer test
Applicable scenarios: Avoid over-vaccination and check the residual immunity of core vaccines.

Limitations: Not applicable to rabies (usually not recognized by law).

Conclusion: Vaccines are the first line of defense for dog health! Share this article to help more owners plan their immunization plans scientifically. Check your dog's vaccination records immediately. If you miss any vaccinations, please consult a certified veterinarian!

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