A new born puppy is not naturally immune to diseases, they only get their protection against diseases from their mother’ milk. Newborn puppies need to suckle immediately after they are born to obtain immunity; however, this protection lasts for just a few weeks after they are weaned. Puppies five weeks of age could be immunized.

So how does vaccination work? Vaccination is simply stimulating the dog’s immune system to protect itself against diseases. It is a process wherein an antigen or infectious agent is being introduced into the dog’s body. Once a vaccine is administered, the antigens must be recognized, responded to and remembered by the immune system.

Vaccines are grouped into two categories, the core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines include rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus and canine hepatitis virus. Non-core vaccines for dogs include bordatella or kennel cough, canine parainfluenza virus, leptospirosis, corona virus and Lyme disease. Puppies five weeks of age are at high risk of Parvovirus, so it is important to ask for your veterinarian’s recommendation prior to vaccination.

Vaccines can be currently administered in two ways, intranasal (through the nose) and by injection. Injectable vaccines are given into the muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous). Some vaccines can be given either way, while some should only be given one way. It is important to read the vaccine label to know the proper administration and avoid committing mistakes and problems. On the other hand, some vaccines which protect against kennel cough and other respiratory diseases are manufactured to be given as drops into the nose. These vaccines are effective in providing faster protection compared to those given through injections. Intranasal vaccines are less likely to cause allergic reactions; however, they may need to be given more often than Injectable vaccines.

Regular vaccinations can prevent your dog from contracting diseases but some dog owners are concerned of the dangers of vaccinating repeatedly. Fortunately, experts say that repeated vaccination won’t harm your puppy’s health condition.

The best thing for you to do is to continue vaccinating your dogs according to local laws and most of all, the recommendations of your vet. There is no evidence to suggest that repeated vaccination poses danger to the dog so there is no reason for alarm or panic.