Dog Vaccination Guide: 8 Common Infectious Diseases and Puppy Vaccination Schedule

📌 Key Points

• ✅ Canine distemper has a mortality rate of over 50% in adult dogs, and even higher in puppies
• ✅ Core vaccines start at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with one dose every 2 to 3 weeks for a total of 3 to 4 doses
• ✅ Rabies vaccine is given at 3 to 4 months of age, with annual boosters thereafter
• ✅ Dogs that don't go out still need vaccinations; viruses can enter the home via shoe soles and objects
• ✅ Observe for half a day to a day after vaccination; seek veterinary care immediately if facial swelling or rapid breathing occurs

Did you know? Canine distemper has a mortality rate of over 50% in adult dogs, and even higher in puppies, yet its early symptoms are almost identical to a common cold, so many dog owners fail to notice! Canine parvovirus can kill a puppy within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms appear. Vaccinating your dog is the most effective and cost-effective way to prevent these deadly infectious diseases. In this article, PetChill summarises the key points of 8 major canine infectious diseases, the puppy vaccination schedule, and debunks the common myth that 'dogs that don't go out don't need shots'.

Why must dogs be vaccinated?

The transmission routes of infectious disease viruses are wider than you might think. Take canine distemper: the virus can spread through the air or inanimate objects, and healthy dogs can become infected even without direct contact with an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is mainly transmitted via faeces, and contaminated cages, shoe soles, or even the fur on an infected dog's limbs can bring the pathogen into the home. Vaccines stimulate the dog's body to produce antibodies, which quickly activate the immune defence when the dog actually encounters the virus, greatly reducing the risk of infection and severe illness.

Understanding 8 common canine infectious diseases

1. Canine distemper: A highly contagious viral disease with early symptoms resembling a cold. In addition to respiratory problems, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even neurological disorders; survivors may have permanent neurological damage.

2. Canine parvovirus enteritis: The virus attacks the intestines, white blood cells, and heart muscle. Symptoms include vomiting, severe diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, and high fever; puppies under 3 months of age are prone to myocarditis.

3. Infectious canine hepatitis: Caused by canine adenovirus type 1, it mainly attacks the liver and can cause corneal oedema and opacity, resulting in 'blue eye'. It can be transmitted through objects contaminated with the urine of infected dogs.

4. Canine leptospirosis: Damages kidney function, causing nephritis and kidney failure. The course of disease is about 4 to 8 days. It is a zoonotic disease, and humans can also be infected.

5. Infectious tracheobronchitis: Also known as kennel cough, it is common in places where dogs gather, such as kennels and veterinary clinics. It is characterised by paroxysmal severe dry coughing, with an incubation period of 5 to 10 days.

6. Rabies: Attacks the central nervous system of all warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is incurable once infected. Symptoms include behavioural changes, altered barking, jaw drooping, drooling, paralysis, and convulsions. Hong Kong law requires dogs to be vaccinated.

7. Canine coronavirus enteritis: Mainly causes intestinal symptoms and often occurs as a mixed infection with other pathogens; puppies are especially vulnerable.

8. Lyme disease: A bacterial disease transmitted by ticks that can cause fever, arthritis, and lameness. The course of disease can last 1 to 3 years.

'My dog doesn't go out, so no need for shots?'

Wrong! Leptospira and canine parvovirus can attach to everyday objects such as shoe soles, carpets, and boarding cages and be brought into the home; kennels, veterinary clinics, and park lawns are all high-risk locations. The dog care manual clearly states: many owners believe their dogs won't be infected if they don't go out and refuse vaccination, but this is a misconception. Vaccines are the most basic and economical health protection.

Puppy vaccination schedule

• Core infectious disease vaccines: The first dose is recommended at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by one dose every 2 to 3 weeks, generally for a total of 3 to 4 doses
• Rabies vaccine: First vaccination at 3 to 4 months of age, protection lasts for one year, with annual boosters thereafter
• Lyme disease vaccine: Two initial doses 2 to 3 weeks apart, then an annual booster
• Adulthood: Boost core vaccines annually as directed by the veterinarian; do not interrupt

After vaccination, observe your dog at the clinic or at home for half a day to a day, watching for allergic reactions such as facial swelling, vomiting, or lethargy; avoid bathing and strenuous exercise on the day. If persistent vomiting or rapid breathing occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

PetChill's Reminder

Prevention is better than treatment; vaccination is the most practical health investment you can give your pet. Note the date of annual boosters and do not stop vaccinating just because your dog 'looks healthy'. To learn more about dog health and care, stay tuned for the latest articles from PetChill!