Should my dog be vaccinated? When and why to schedule their shots

Sometimes it may seem like you are booking your dog in for vaccinations unnecessarily. Our South Plainfield vets explain how being vaccinated protects your dog from serious and potentially fatal diseases and when to schedule their booster shots. 

Should you get your dog vaccinated?

Vaccines are designed to protect your dog from a wide variety of diseases and viruses. Ensuring that your dog is fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them from life-threatening illnesses.  

While you are following your dog's vaccine schedule it may seem like an unnecessary expense, but your dog's shots are likely to cost far less than treatment for the illnesses vaccines protect against.

Does my dog need all of the available vaccines?

In the South Plainfield area, bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies are all deadly diseases that your dog will be protected against if they are fully vaccinated. 

The vaccines that your dog receives will be recommended by your vet based on your dog's age, where you live, and your dog's lifestyle. 

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies & Adult Dogs

Possible vaccine side effects

There is a chance that your dog may have an allergic reaction when getting their shots. These reactions are typically caused by a sensitivity to an individual ingredient of a specific vaccine and can be more common in certain breeds of dogs. 

German shepherds, various collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccinations. Your vet will skip any vaccines that contain ingredients that your dog may be sensitive to.

Some common side effects that could occur with vaccinations are lethargy, slight fever, localized swelling, sneezing, or cold-like symptoms. These mild side-effects should pass fairly quickly.

Very rarely your dog may experience serious side effects including facial swelling, vomiting, hives, itchiness, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties, you should contact your vet upon noticing any of these symptoms. 

If your pet shows symptoms of anaphylaxis after their vaccinations, contact your vet immediately.

The Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a key element of your dog's preventive health care. When your dog is vaccinated it stimulates their body's immune system to start forming cells to fight the various life-threatening diseases that they may encounter.

By taking your dog in for his/her shots early in life, then regularly as they move through adulthood, you give your furry friend the very best chance of living a long and healthy life. 

If it is time for your dog to get their shots, contact our South Plainfield vets to book an appointment.