Immunity means that there is little or no risk of falling ill to a certain disease. In adult dogs immunity can result from either vaccination or the dog suffering and survived the disease.

Vaccination stimulates the dog's immune system to produce its  disease-fighting cells and proteins or what is known as antibodies to protect against diseases. Regular and repeated vaccinations  are required. There are vaccination schedules for certain types of diseases for puppies and adult dogs.

For the first vaccination, a course of two vaccinations are usually given as a primary course. This may be administered starting from the sixth week of your dog.

The vaccination history of your dog is an important document. If you happen to not know the history, you may want to consult your veterinary surgeon regarding vaccination right away. A general check up will also be helpful to see if your puppy is in good health condition before giving the vaccines. Having a good health is an important factor to make the vaccines work for your dog or puppy.

Re-vaccination is also necessary as immunity loses its effectiveness after a time, leaving your dogs at risk. Regular boosters are available to maintain the immunity your dog needs. A certificate will be given to you after completing your entire vaccination program. In the certification, the record of vaccinations and the advice for the next booster are indicated. Things you have to remember are:

* that regular booster is necessary to maintain your dog's vaccination;
* record of vaccination has to be kept in a safe place for reference; and,
* consult your veterinary doctor if your dog appears to be unwell.

Vaccinations are made for the protection of your dog from certain types of diseases. Be guided and keep an eye on the early symptoms:

CANINE PARVOVIRUS DISEASE. This is cause by an extremely hardy virus that can last for long periods of time in an environment. The main source of this infection is the feces of infected dogs. Highly contagious and weakening. Symptoms of this disease are as follows: high fever, severe vomiting, listlessness, refusal of food and water and profuse smelly, bloody diarrhea. Common among young puppies and elderly dogs. Combination vaccines are due on the fifth to ninth week of your dog.

CANINE DISTEMPER. This hard-to-treat disease is highly contagious and the main source of infection is by inhalation during close dog to dog contact. The first signs are: fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting followed by unusual tiredness and lack of appetite. Usually dogs under one year of age suffer from this disease. Survivors often develop nervous system breakdown later in life.

CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (Canine/Kennel Cough). Caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses, this infectious bronchitis is a contagious upper respiratory disease which occurs when dogs are in close contact. Signs are a distressing dry cough, tiredness and loss of appetite and moderately raised temperature. This disease may lead to pneumonia.

RABIES. An incurable, viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of almost all mammals including humans. This disease can be transmitted through bites, while the saliva is in contact with the skin. Once you have this disease, there is no cure and would already lead to death. Vaccine during the twelfth week is a great ounce of prevention.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS. This is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type I. Liver is the attacked organ and can be rapidly fatal. Transmission is through secretions like saliva, infected urine or feces. Early symptoms are general discomfort and lack of appetite, high temperature, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. This can cause also liver failure, clouding of cornea known as "blue eye" and breathing problems.

Other vaccinations that need booster recommendations from your veterinarian are as follows:

LEPTOSPIROSIS, a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver; vaccines are due on the twelfth to fifteenth week of your dog;

CANINE CORONAVIRUS, which attacks the intestinal system; and,
Lyme Disease, transmitted by ticks to both dogs and humans which results in chronic arthritis and, sometimeS, death.

It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination and schedule for your dog. Recommendations on what vaccines to give may vary on the age, breed and health condition of the dog, susceptibility and risk, type of vaccine and the geographical setting.

Issues on vaccines having side effects are lurking but the benefits outweigh tremendously the danger of having it. Effectivity may not be guaranteed 100% but with the combination of proper nutrition and eating habits, a good and sanitized environment, vaccination is a great way to protect your dog and other of your pets as well.