What Vaccinations Are Mandatory For Pets?

It is very important to take care of the health of our pets and check them periodically. Also, it is necessary to follow a calendar of vaccines that will allow us to prevent diseases that could even be fatal.

With vaccines we are strengthening our friend’s immune system as he grows.  

Benefits of vaccines

Vaccines are antigens that produce antibodies, stimulating the immune system.

However, they have a temporary effect. Therefore, you need to repeat them from time to time throughout your pet’s life.

Only a veterinarian can administer the vaccines. As for when to take them, it is necessary to follow the vaccination dates to get the proper effect.

Diseases that are preventable by the vaccine

Although they are very important, it is not necessary to vaccinate our dog for everything. It will depend on the country where we live and the most common diseases in that area.

The animal’s owner must be informed about the vaccines that should be applied to the animal.

The case of Brazil

In Brazil, the Government does not oblige owners of dogs and cats to vaccinate their animals, except against rabies, and except in special situations, such as travel.

But every conscientious owner has this commitment to his furry friend. Check the calendar:

• At two months of age: Eightfold Vaccine, which prevents Distemper, Coronavirus, Hepatitis (adenovirus I), Adenovirus II, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. Additional doses are needed when the dog is 3 and 4 months old. Annually, a new dose of this vaccine must be given.
• Rabies Vaccine: Mandatory, should be given when the puppy is 6 months old, or as recommended by the veterinarian.
• Giardiasis vaccine: The first dose can be given from 2 months of age, with the second dose 30 days after the first application.

important vaccines

In Brazil, the most important vaccines are ÓCTUPLA and the rabies vaccine. As explained above, the eightfold should be applied at 60 days of age and at three and four months of age.

The first dose of rabies vaccine should be applied at six months of life.

Once the dog is no longer a puppy, from the first year of our pet’s life, both vaccines must be applied once a year, without exception.

This way, we guarantee the protection of our dog and prevent the appearance of diseases in them.

But what is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a mixture of antigens that are injected into the dog. It is used to stimulate the creation of antibodies by his immune system in order to eliminate the pathogen.

We can understand the vaccine as the same weakened disease virus, without it being able to harm the patient.

Vaccines are given so that the dog develops and creates antibodies to fight this virus. So if he ever comes into contact with the virus in real life, his body will be prepared to resist and defeat it.

The need for the vaccine

Failure to vaccinate a puppy or adult dog not only exposes the animal to the risk of contracting illnesses that could be lethal, it can also allow it to pass on illnesses to other dogs and humans.

Our pet could be a carrier of some disease and cause it to spread to another dog, which is in the process of vaccination or has a weak immune system.

Another consequence of not immunizing our dog is that serious fines are applied and even that your animal is taken from you.

If we have a puppy that has not yet been vaccinated, it is important not to mix it with other puppies or take it for a walk on the street.

We must know that only the urine of another dog, cat or an infested rodent could infect our little friend and his life would be in danger.

Side Effects of a Vaccine

The symptoms and side effects that cause the vaccine can range from pain and itching, inflammation, swelling, etc.

In addition, gastrointestinal damage, flu, respiratory or skin diseases, and even more serious cardiovascular problems can occur.

In this sense, vaccines are tested and tried to know the possible side effects they can cause in the animal.

When a vaccine enters the official vaccination calendar in Brazil, it surpasses the strict quality controls that guarantee the dog’s health.

The vaccine fulfills the commitment to immunize the dog against a certain disease. In the case of rabies vaccination, the Brazilian government carries out regular campaigns to vaccinate dogs and cats free of charge. Take advantage of these opportunities and protect your pet and your family.