On the other hand, with the killed-virus type of immunization, there is
no danger of your dog developing the disease regardless of how weak its
immune system is or if your dog is pregnant. The main downside of this type
of immunization is that your dog will never develop immunity to the disease
after only one shot. In order for the immunization to provide an adequate
amount of protection for your dog, you will have to take your dog back to
the vet several times for a series of shots.
Which is Better: Single or Combination Shots?
Some veterinarians will tell you that it is better to give your dog new
shots every few days than combination shots. But most veterinarians believe
combination shots are better for animals. Single shots, according to them,
are less effective since a new shot is given every few days until the animal
receives the complete dosage. In this case, the animal's immune system are
very likely to reject or fight off the new shots.
Is It Worth It to Have Your Dog Immunized?
Immunizations do have risks, but those risks are nothing compared to the
risks associated with your dog developing diseases if it is not immunized.
Immunizations can protect your dog from contracting serious and fatal
diseases such as rabies, parvo and distemper.
Why Do Some Dogs Develop a Disease Despite Being Immunized?
Some dogs still end up developing a disease despite being immunized. The
immune system of these dogs are unable to create the antibodies needed to
fight off a disease. This ability to create antibodies may be hindered by
the antibodies already present in the animal, steroids and fever.
Improper handling, storage or administration of the immunization can also be
the reason that dogs develop a disease despite being immunized. In addition,
if your dog does not receive its series of shots on schedule, it could
render the immunization useless. A shot given too soon after the last one
could be blocked by the earlier shots. A shot given too late after the last
one could improperly stimulate the dog's immune system.
Then again, if a dog's immune system is weak to begin with, immunization is
basically ineffective. In addition, immunizations given to puppies that are
less than six weeks old would be ineffective and won't be able to protect
them from developing diseases.
How Often Should Your Dog Get Immunizations?
Dogs need immunizations beginning six weeks old, and will continue to need
immunizations every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After
that, dogs need boosters every year. Of course, you need to talk to your
veterinarian for your dog's immunization schedule.
