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Dog Vaccinations
Keeping your dog vaccinated is one of the most important and effective ways to protect their well-being at every life stage. Whether you are training a new puppy or enjoying life with a laid-back senior, staying up to date on their vaccines will be part of the foundation of your dog’s care.
We know every dog is unique, so we believe their care should be, too! We will create a personalized vaccination plan specifically for your dog based on their age, lifestyle, risk factors, and health conditions. At Northwest Animal Hospital, we are proud to partner with pet parents to keep their pets healthy and happy every step of the way.
Your dog’s vaccine needs and requirements will change as they grow and enter into different life stages.
Every stage of your dog’s life comes with different health considerations, and that includes which vaccines are most important and how often they should be given. At Northwest Animal Hospital, we evaluate your dog’s needs to determine which vaccines are essential for your particular dog. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs to protect against common, serious diseases, while non-core vaccines are given based on lifestyle and risk factors.
We follow guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) when building your dog’s vaccine schedule.
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and protect against common, contagious, and potentially fatal diseases.
Non-core vaccines are given based on lifestyle and risk, such as exposure to other dogs, travel, boarding, grooming, or wildlife.
Our team will help you determine which vaccines are necessary based on your dog’s daily life and potential exposure to the illness.
In Ohio, rabies vaccination is required by law for all dogs. The rabies virus can be transmitted to humans from animals, so this vaccination is important for both four-legged and two-legged family members.
The general guidelines we follow for your dog’s vaccines depend on their age and lifestyle. The following is an overview of the vaccines typically recommended at each life stage to help protect your dog from preventable diseases.
While your puppy doesn’t need to be strictly isolated, it’s important to be mindful about where and with whom they socialize before they’re fully vaccinated. We typically recommend avoiding dog parks, pet stores, or areas where animals or wildlife may gather. These viruses and bacteria can linger in urine, feces, and on shared surfaces, so it’s best to steer clear of these areas if possible.
If you are in a multipet household, you don’t have to keep your pup in a bubble. It’s usually safe to let your puppy interact with dogs you know to be healthy, up to date on their vaccines, and free of any symptoms of sickness like diarrhea or coughing.
Puppy vaccines should always be given by a veterinarian. Vaccines sold outside of veterinary clinics, like through feed stores or online, may not be properly temperature-regulated and this will alter their effectiveness and possibly the safety for your dog. Vaccines administered at our hospital are stored under strict conditions and are backed by manufacturer guarantees, so you can know that your puppy is truly protected.
After your dog receives their vaccines, it is normal for the area where they received the vaccine to be slightly swollen or sore. If a reaction other than this occurs, it may be an allergic reaction to the vaccine, and your pet needs to be monitored. While most pets handle vaccines without any issues, it’s important to be aware of the signs, just in case.
At Northwest Animal Hospital, we have protocols in place to manage vaccine reactions if they occur, and we take extra precautions when vaccinating pets that have experienced a reaction in the past. Keep in mind, these reactions are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
At Northwest Animal Hospital, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. We’ll work with you to create a personalized vaccine schedule for your dog, taking into account their age, lifestyle, and risk factors, so you can feel confident they’re protected at every stage of life and your pet will receive the best care possible, every time
The AVMA is another excellent resource for pet vaccinations.
At Northwest Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (614) 451-4772, or you can email us at nwah@nwah.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
