Vaccination

Vaccinating your Pug




Vaccinating your Pug against infectious and potentially fatal canine diseases is an important part of being a responsible Pug 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 Pug should have and what diseases you are protecting your new friend from.
 

  
hen Your Pug is Eight Weeks Old…

Most veterinarians recommend a series of three vaccinations, given every four weeks starting when your Pug is eight weeks old. The first vaccine is usually a so called combination shot, which protects your puppy against five different diseases:
1. 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.
 

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Pug’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 Pugs 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.

5. 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 Pug 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 Pug may need a booster after four weeks and then Kennel Cough vaccine once a year after that.

When Your Pug is 16 Weeks Old…

Rabies
When your Pug 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 for 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 Pug is to make sure that he is vaccinated properly.

Other Vaccinations Your Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug'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 Pug will need the vaccine or not.



Remember!
Avoid walking your puppy in public places and contact with unfamiliar dogs until your vet advises 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.