Your Veterinarian in Collierville Answers FAQs about Canine Vaccinations

Making sure your dog receives annual wellness exams and core vaccinations are the two best things you can do to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life. Our veterinarians urge all puppy and dog owners to get their pets on a vaccination schedule and adhere to that schedule as closely as possible.  Treatment for unvaccinated dogs suffering infectious diseases can be lengthy and difficult for the dog and owner. In some cases, ongoing vet care may be needed for dogs with permanent health issues resulting from bacterial or viral infections.

What are Canine Core Vaccinations?

Rabies (mandated by law), parvovirus, adenovirus, and distemper are the core vaccinations all dogs should receive according to schedule. These diseases are considered life-threatening and may cause severe neurological damage in dogs surviving these diseases.

What are Non-core Canine Vaccinations?

Dogs with individual exposure risks should receive non-core vaccinations in addition to core vaccinations. Non-core vaccines include Lyme disease, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and Giardia.
Our veterinarians can tell you if your dog should get non-core vaccinations according to your dog's lifestyle. For example, dogs boarded regularly or spending time in doggie daycares would benefit from having kennel cough vaccinations every six months.

At What Age Should a Dog Start on a Vaccination Schedule?

Six to eight weeks is the ideal age to begin vaccinating puppies, as long as they are deemed healthy by your veterinarian in Collierville. In general, vets do not recommend vaccinating puppies less than five weeks of age.

Do Canine Vaccinations Provide Immunity Immediately?

You can expect your dog to be protected by a vaccination within 10 to 14 days following administration. Antigens (molecules producing antibodies) must be first recognized and "learned" by a dog's immune system so it can identify and eliminate infectious bacteria and viruses invading a dog's body.

Can Nursing or Pregnant Dogs be Vaccinated Safely?

Vets do not recommend vaccinating nursing or pregnant dogs. Vaccine components that are "modified live" may infiltrate the placenta and harm fetuses. If a vaccination is necessary for a pregnant or lactating dog, your Germantown, Tennessee vet may consider a "killed" vaccine that won't cross the placenta. Be aware that vaccinating a nursing dog does not offer protection to nursing puppies.

What If I Don't Know Whether My Dog Has Been Vaccinated?

If your dog is over four months old, our animal hospital veterinarian may suggest giving your dog two combination distemper vaccinations about three to four weeks apart. Whether dogs are re-vaccinated after they have completed a series of vaccines is based on recommendations by manufacturers of canine vaccines and your vet.

Call Collierville Animal Clinic Today!

Collierville Animal Clinic is a full-service animal clinic serving pet owners living in Collierville, Germantown, Pipertown, Tennessee and their surrounding areas. To schedule an appointment today, call (901) 853-8519.