Before the era of effective immunization a lot of dogs used to die from a lot of diseases that we can actually keep under control now. [dog care]
Vaccination of your dog can literally save your pet’s life not to mention your own life as well.
Some canine diseases like rabies make dogs a danger to themselves and to you as well. Vaccinating your dog extends the life of your dog and generally your dog lives a healthy life with very few things to worry about.
It is also your dog’s right to get the proper vaccines stipulated by the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). In puppies vaccination is very important, much more than in older dogs. That is why it is necessary to take your puppy for regular shots of canine vaccines.
Puppies usually get protection from a lot of infections from their mother’s milk but after a certain age this protection is no longer effective. It is this critical point that vaccination is necessary.
The most common type of canine vaccines is against rabies. This is the only type of vaccine required by the law. This is primarily to also protect humans from contracting rabies as well.
Dogs infected with rabies can easily pass it on to human beings through biting. And usually when a dog has contacted rabies it becomes very aggressive and its behavior is erratic.
Your puppy can be vaccinated against rabies at the age of four months and above. It is not recommended to take your puppy for canine vaccines shots before this age. Some feel it necessary to take their dogs for canine vaccination annually although taking them after every three years is just as effective.
Unfortunately your dog may get a bit sick after being vaccinated. Some may get sick well after the canine vaccines have been administered even after a month. After being vaccinated for rabies your dog may suffer from fever and malaise.
Some of the effects your dog may suffer from that are not immediate are muscle weakness, allergies, skin problems, seizures, aggression and you will notice that your dog chasing its tail or licking paws.
These symptoms may occur days or even months after vaccination. If these signs of sickness persist you should consult your vet because your pet might be reacting adversely to the vaccination.
If your dog has serious problems with immunization then it is not advised to repeat vaccinating it. Dogs that are sick should also not be vaccinated during the time of sickness.
