Vaccines are an important tool in keeping your Dachshund healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.Knowing which are optional and which are vital can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.
- Rabies
Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog. While the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most vets still recommend it.
Rabies vaccinations are normally given every year to puppies and every two to three years thereafter.Most states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being revised as research now reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.See your veterinarian for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.
Serious side effects from the vaccination are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.
Distemper shots used to be routine. Today they are still common, but schedules have lengthened.Current research shows that puppies given a series of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First shots should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccine, the agenda can deviate from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.See your veterinarian.
- Parvo
A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.Keep in mind that “combo” vaccinations represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the source of any issue more difficult.
In some dogs, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces facial swelling, redness of the gums and other symptoms.If a problem occurs, it normally happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s facility after any vaccination.Watch your Doxie carefully.Have Benadryl in stock and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.
- Hepatitis
This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Once again, the disease is not common and the shot carries a small risk of allergic reaction.Moreover, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to review the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.Being as modified live virus is used, kidney infections are possible following the vaccination.
- Lepto
Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.This is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Since the disease itself is uncommon, this vaccination is considered “non-core” by many vets today.
- Bordatella
The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.The name originates from the fact that the organism can be airborne and can spread when dogs are housed close together.It is not a serious disease, but does necessitate treatment when it arises.
If your Doxie does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not needed.Exceptions are in areas where the disease has gone unchecked, or when you intend to go on vacation and board your Dachshund.
Summary
Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” doesn’t mean “no risk” and what was once habitual has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.
Apprehension about vaccines is unfounded.Nevertheless, the risk of disease is not zero, either.However, careful contemplation of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.
