Shots and Sterilization
Keep your dog healthy with vaccinations and booster shots.
DCL
Shots
Unless your dog lives in a secure room closed off to all people, animals and even circulating air, he will no doubt come into contact with communicable diseases, bugs and other assorted nasty things. Vaccinations and booster shots will help to keep him safe. Yearly vaccinations include those for the more common fatal diseases, including distemper. All-in-one shots will generally protect your pooch from distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. Depending on local risks, protection from coronavirus, leptospirosis and Lyme disease may also be included. Also ask your vet about heartworm testing and prevention. A rabies shot will be needed every few years. If Fido is boarded often, make sure he gets a preventative shot for kennel cough.
Some vets suggest testing your dog's immunity to distemper and hepatitis, among other diseases, and vaccinating only those at high risk for these illnesses. The cost of these tests can sometimes be higher than those of the shot, but there are some indications that too many vaccinations can over-stimulate your dog's immune system, which can sometimes lead to an increase in immune-related diseases.
Some vaccinations may have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, hives and breathing trouble. Don't leave the vet's office right after your dog gets his shot, since most allergic reactions will occur within 15 minutes. Keep a close watch on him for a few days after, and be careful when touching the tender areas where the shot was given. Inform the vet of any lumps, changes in skin color, or changes in behavior that persist for more than a few days.
Sterilization
While sterilizing your pet is a very safe, very common procedure, there are a few things you'll have to keep in mind. Your vet will no doubt advise that you not feed your dog for at least eight hours before surgery. The dog will be given preanesthetic drugs to reduce anxiety, and to get his body ready for the general anesthetic. With an IV hooked up to his shaved forelimb or hindlimb, the sedative will allow the vet to insert a tube through your dog's mouth into his windpipe to administer gas anesthetic and oxygen. For females, the ovaries, uterus and most of the cervix are removed through an incision in the abdomen. For male castration, the vet makes an incision in or near the scrotum and removes the testes. Your dog will awaken soon after the stitches are tied. He might be in pain, so make sure your vet has prescribed painkillers. Never decide on your own to use human painkillers. They can be toxic. Usually you can bring males home a few hours after the surgery, but females will often be kept overnight. Both will be back to normal in one or two days. Monitor your dog's health, and watch for fever, swelling, vomiting or discharge. Keep the affected area clean and dry. Usually you can begin feeding small meals and water a day after surgery.
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