There are different theories and opinions on how often and the actual necessity of giving domestic dogs vaccinations. The facts prove out that vaccinations are very much needed to help keep your pet in good health throughout his or her life. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to make sure these vaccinations are given to their puppies and adult dogs if necessary. Vaccinations help to improve the resistance of the animal against many common diseases among dogs.
Vaccinations usually start at a very young age, five or six weeks. Prior to this age, the maternal immunity prevents your puppy from getting any serious diseases. It is best to de-worm your pet before giving any kind of vaccinations so the vaccine won't pull down the animals immune system. The Parvo virus is very deadly to dogs and the vaccine for this disease needs to be given at a very young age. It's important to give vaccinations at the proper time to be most effective. One thing you don't want to do is waste your time and money on a vaccine given a the wrong time.
Many countries give vaccinations for rabies in these times, and more times than not, tags are placed on a dogs collar to let others know they have had their shots. Usually, rabies shots should be given between thirteen and fifteen weeks and then again about fifteen months later. From that time on, rabies vaccine should be given once every three years for constant protection.
If you plan to take your dog to the groomers or plan to board your pet while you are on vacation, bordetella and lyme disease vaccinations are very commonly asked for before they will accept your pet in to their kennels. It is a very good practice to eliminate possible infection of other dogs and this is the most reliable way to assure your dog doesn't contract some deadly disease that could be passed along through contact with a grooming table or through a kennel.
Most vaccines are given by subcutaneous, which means it's given under the skin, or intramuscular, which means given into the muscle. In some cases, the respiratory tract disease vaccination may be given intra-nasally, or through the nose. So there is a variety of ways to recieve vaccinations.
For the most part, all vaccinations should be given by a professional, like a veterinarian. Check-ups once a year are recommended so that your Vet can properly advise you on what vaccines to give your dog and what time they are to be given so as the vacine has the maximum benefit possible. If you keep up with these check ups, your dog should live a happy and healthy life and you can live with the knowlegde that you have done your job in giving him the best care possible.
