Vaccinating your Dogo
Vaccinating your Dogo against infectious
and potentially fatal canine diseases
is an important part of being a
responsible Dogo owner. A puppy
should receive its first vaccination
when he is eight weeks old and will
then require subsequent vaccinations
to build-up its initial immunity.
Below you’ll find some information
about which vaccinations your Dogo
should have and what diseases you
are protecting your new friend from.
When
Your Dogo is Eight Weeks Old…
Most veterinarians recommend a series
of three vaccinations, given every
four weeks starting when your Dogo
is eight weeks old. The first vaccine
is usually a so called combination
shot, which protects your puppy
against five different diseases:
Adenovirus
Adenovirus is sometimes called “Dog
Hepatitis” because it targets
the liver, but it also affects the
kidneys, pancreas, and vasculature.
Adenovirus causes abdominal pain,
diarrhea, fever and tiredness and
even though some dogs can be treated
with antibiotics and/or blood transfusions,
it is often fatal for young puppies.
Distemper
Distemper is a serious disease that
involves gastrointestinal, nervous
system and respiratory complications.
Distemper is similar to our Measles
virus and can affect all dogs no
matter age, even though it is most
often seen in puppies. Distemper
is highly contagious and can cause
everything from cough and diarrhea
to seizures, neurological problems
and in some cases even death.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is a flu-like disease
that can be treated. The symptoms
include, but are not limited to,
cough and discharge from nose and
eyes.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis bacteria can be found
in infected mammals´ urine
or urine-contaminated bodies of
water. It can penetrate skin or
mucous membranes and invade your
Dogo’s bloodstream and infect
his urinary tract, liver and kidneys.
Its effects range from diarrhea
and vomiting to chronic renal failure.
The vaccine is often given at the
same time as Distemper and Adenovirus,
but some dogs are allergic to the
lepto vaccine, so lepto is available
separately too. Unfortunately, the
lepto vaccine doesn't protect against
all strains of leptospirosis, and
it only lasts about eight months.
If you have a dog that is exposed
to swampy areas, ponds, or heavily
irrigated lawns, your vet may recommend
boosters twice a year.
Corona virus
The Corona virus causes inflammation
of the intestines and diarrhea.
Older dogs usually recover from
the corona virus infection, but
for younger puppies it might be
fatal. The symptoms include decreased
appetite, diarrhea, fever and tiredness.
The distemper combination vaccine
is given annually after the first
three series.
When Your Dogo is 12 Weeks Old…
Kennel Cough
When your puppy has reached the age of 12 weeks, he should also be vaccinated for Kennel Cough (Bordetella Bronchispetica). Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease that usually spreads fast in areas where many dogs are concentrated, such as dog parks and kennels. The symptoms include a dry, irritating cough. Kennel Cough can quite easily be treated with antibiotics. Remember that your Dogo may need a booster after four weeks and then Kennel Cough vaccine once a year after that.
When Your Dogo is 16 Weeks Old…
Rabies
When your Dogo is about 16 weeks old he can be vaccinated for Rabies. Most of us probably associate Rabies with a mad dog foaming at the mouth, eager to bite anyone in his way. But what many people don’t know is that Rabies is almost 100% fatal and that vaccinating your dog against Rabies actually is required by law in many states. Rabies is transmitted to dogs via saliva (often from a bite from an infected animal such as a raccoon or a rat) and the symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Since the prognosis for Rabies is fatal, the best way to protect your Dogo is to make sure that he is vaccinated properly.
Other Vaccinations Your Dogo Might Need:
Parvovirus
Parvovirus causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting and is often fatal in puppies. Anywhere dogs come together there is always a risk for parvo exposure and the only way to really protect your Dogo is to vaccinate him. Vets often recommend that parvo vaccinations be given every 4 weeks from 3 to 20 weeks of age, depending on your Dogo's level of risk.
Annual revaccinations are recommended.
Lyme
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, you should consider this vaccine. Lyme is the most common tick-transmitted disease in the world, but with proper tick repellent the vaccine isn't always necessary. Your local veterinarian will know if your Dogo will need the vaccine or not.
Remember!
Avoid walking your puppy in public places and contact with unfamiliar dogs until your vet says it is safe to do so. However, your puppy doesn’t have to be separated from your other dogs, as long as they are healthy and fully vaccinated
