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GSD Vaccinations Schedule
GSD vaccinations, scheduling of vaccinations for our dogs, and administering vaccinations is a very important part of any preventative German Shepherd health care program. Possibly even more important is how to know what to vaccinate for and how often vaccines should be administered to our dogs.
Generally speaking for adult GSD's, the most important things to vaccinate for are canine parvovirus and also for canine distemper. There are many combo vaccines on the market that can be purchased that containe vaccines to cover several things (such as distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, etc) at one time.
Many factors are important when deciding on which combo shot to purchase and give your GSD when needed - for example, depending on the age of the animal to be vaccinated, it's actual vaccine history, it's current health, etc. Never vaccinate a sick or injured GSD.
For optimal immunity German Shepherd puppies can be vaccinated at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age, and then every 3 years as adult pets. If, however, there are any degenerative or immune mediated diseases or history of cancer, then the pet should be evaluated to determine the necessity of vaccinations after the puppy hood series has ended.
While a vaccination for rabies is required by law in most states, and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, many German Shepherd owners, for financial reasons, will choose to vaccinate their pets at home for all other infectious diseases.
Administering GSD vaccinations:
When using any vaccines that must be mixed first, there are four simple steps to follow in vaccinating dogs.
1) First step, mix the vaccines by tightening the needle on the syringe and withdrawing all of the liquid from the appropriate vial.
2) Next, you will inject the liquid into the vial containing the dried portion of the vaccine. Shake mixture thoroughly.
3) Re-insert the needle and withdraw the entire liquid contents of the mixed vaccination.
Since most vaccinations are given by subcutaneous injection (just under the skin), the most convenient area to give the shot is located in the shoulder area, just behind the neck (near the collar area).
4) Lift a tent of skin into a triangle with one hand, and use the other hand to inject the vaccine just under the skin.
Other important factors in giving GSD Vaccinations:
Always use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each injection, and a fresh and clean needle for each dog you're giving a vaccine to (never share needles among your pets) and then safely dispose of all used needles and syringes.
As always, if you have any questions about administering your own GSD Vaccinations yourself, contact your veterinarian or your German Shepherd breeder. They will be happy to answer your questions and to show you the proper way to give your German Shepherd the vaccines that it needs to prevent it from getting many horrible diseases.
