You’ve got a new beautiful puppy or the cutest new rescue dog. Yay, it’s too adorable and the fun times with your dog are about to begin. Playing catch, enjoying long dog walks in the park and having it snuggle up with you in your bed are all divine and fabulous things to do.
But you also have to take the health of your dog very seriously. Dog vaccinations are vital as they will stop your dog from getting life-threatening diseases, will boost their immune system against disease, and also, give you, the owner, peace of mind. Vaccines are vital for puppies, usually from about six weeks onwards, and your vet will also give you a schedule for future and booster vaccines. Older dogs need vaccines too.
When you get a new dog, irrespective of the age or the background of the dog, make an appointment with the vet for a check up. Get an inoculation card going, and ensure your dog is inoculated against all preventable diseases. The core vaccines that your dog must have, include, but are not limited to:-
- Parvovirus
- Rabies
- Hepatitis
- Canine Distemper
- Kennel Cough
There are other vaccines or medications that your puppy or dog may need, depending on where the pup has come from. Meds against heart worm may be needed, and if your dog has been rescued, it may need a whole lot of veterinary care.
Chat to your vet, let him or her examine your new (or old) and gorgeous dog, and let them communicate to you what needs to be done and when. Do the vaccines on time, keep them up to date, and enjoy a lifetime of health, fun and happiness with your dogs. It’s worth it.