Vaccines are an important tool in keeping your Dachshund healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction. Knowing which are vital and which are optional 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.Even though 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 usually given every year to puppies and every two to three years subsequently.The majority of the states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being reviewed as research now proclaims 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 hives, fever, swelling, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.
Distemper shots used to be routine.Although schedules have lengthened, they are still common today.Current research shows that puppies given a series of vaccinations will develop antibodies that last several years.First vaccinations should be administered at roughly eight weeks.As with any vaccination, 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 vet.
- 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” shots present a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the basis of any issue more difficult.
In some dogs, the immune systems goes into “hyperdrive” and produces redness of the gums, swelling of the face and other symptoms. If a problem occurs, it typically happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s office after any vaccination.Watch your Dachshund carefully.Keep Benadryl available and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.
- Hepatitis
This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Here again, the disease is not common and the vaccine carries a small risk of allergic reaction.Nevertheless, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to review the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.Kidney infections are possible following the vaccination because modified live virus is used.
- Lepto
Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.Keep in mind that this is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Because the disease itself is rare, this vaccination is condsidered “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 confined close together.It is not a serious ailment, but does necessitate treatment when it arises.
If your Dachshund does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not necessary. Exceptions are when you intend to go on vacation and kennel your Doxie, or in areas where the disease has gone unchecked.
Summary
Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” doen’t mean “no risk” and what was once a routine habit has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.
Paranoia about vaccines is unsupported.Nevertheless, the chance of disease is not zero, either.But careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help accentuate your dog’s health.
