Vaccinations can prevent the outbreak of various infectious diseases and the associated consequences in dogs. As with us humans, the topic of vaccinations is often discussed controversially among dog owners. On the one hand there are supporters and on the other hand strict opponents. Therefore, an objective dialogue about the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinations for dogs is not always possible.
We would like to change that and help you to make the right decision for your four-legged friend. In the following we give you an overview of everything important about vaccinations for dogs.
Key facts at a glance:
- There are mandatory vaccinations and optional vaccinations
- Vaccinations can protect your dog from ticks and Mediterranean diseases
- A basic immunization is started in the eighth week of life
- Vaccinations must be refreshed and usually have different vaccination intervals
Why you should vaccinate your dog
In general, immunization as part of a vaccination in dogs can lead to intolerance. At the same time, however, vaccinations provide effective protection against many dangerous diseases.
In addition, side effects as a result of vaccinations occur far less frequently than opponents of vaccinations like to claim. In some cases, there may well be slight swelling around the puncture or allergic reactions, but there is not even scientific evidence for many side effects.
Optional vaccinations according to the Standing Vaccination Committee for Veterinary Medicine
- Lyme disease
- kennel cough
- tetanus
- leishmaniasis
- Coronavirus
- Canine herpes virus
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by tick bites. Infection manifests itself in non-specific symptoms, which often appear long after the bite, which makes timely diagnosis difficult. The course of the disease can vary greatly and, in severe cases, can lead to paralysis and damage to the organs.
kennel cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include a dry cough, choking, fever and vomiting. Kennel cough can be life-threatening for young animals as well as old and weak dogs.
tetanus
Although tetanus is relatively rare in dogs, it is no less dangerous for them. Without prompt veterinary treatment, infection with bacteria that can enter through wounds is usually fatal.
leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is widespread in the Mediterranean region and is transmitted by the bite of the sand fly. Once a dog is infected with leishmaniasis, there is usually no cure for the disease, and only the symptoms can be alleviated. If you are planning a holiday in southern Europe with your dog, vaccination against leishmaniasis is therefore a good decision.
Coronavirus
The coronavirus is a contagious intestinal disease that can lead to bloody diarrhea and severe vomiting. The viruses spread through the feces of infected dogs and must be treated with IV fluids and antibiotics.
Canine herpes virus
Canine herpes virus causes a respiratory illness that kills many puppies within their first few days of life. To prevent infection, bitches should be vaccinated prior to pregnancy.
When and how often dogs should be vaccinated
Dogs should be vaccinated when they are puppies. This basic immunization begins in the eighth week of life. Depending on the vaccine, the vaccination must then be repeated two or three times four weeks apart until the little four-legged friend is immune to the pathogen in question.
In the further course it is necessary to refresh the vaccination protection regularly. How often this is necessary also depends on the vaccine. While a booster vaccination every three years is sufficient for some diseases, the vaccination protection only lasts for one year for others. Which vaccinations were carried out on your dog and when is documented in its vaccination card or its EU pet passport.
Expect these costs when vaccinating your dog
The costs for vaccinating your dog are regulated in the fee schedule for veterinarians. However, this offers the veterinarian a certain amount of leeway in which he can set his own prices. The amount of the costs for a vaccination can therefore differ depending on the veterinarian. In addition, it also plays a role against which disease you want your dog to be vaccinated.
However, so-called combination vaccinations are often carried out, in which your dog is immunized against several diseases with one vaccination. For example, an annual 6-fold vaccination against parvovirus, distemper, HCC, leptospirosis, rabies and kennel cough will cost you around 50 to 70 euros.
covers vaccinations as part of the prevention budget
Our full health insurance includes a prevention budget – this can be used for vaccination costs. You can find out more about comprehensive dog health insurance here.
Vaccinations for dogs – our conclusion
Unfortunately, vaccinations for dogs are still viewed critically by many dog owners. But even if we are of the opinion that not all vaccinations are equally useful for every dog, we generally consider vaccinations to be an important part of preventive health care for dogs.
At the very least, you should not do without mandatory vaccinations against diseases such as distemper, rabies or parvovirus in your dog. Because even if there is a small risk of intolerance – the diseases mentioned have much more serious consequences for your four-legged friend.
With the other vaccinations, the benefit and risk must be weighed up and a decision made based on personal circumstances. For example, vaccination against leishmaniasis makes little sense, at least for the time being, if your dog does not leave Germany.