Why Vaccination and Preventive Care Are Important
Even if your dog seems healthy and lively, regular vaccinations and preventive check-ups are important. Vaccinations protect him from dangerous diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, or rabies, which can be fatal in the worst case. Particularly important: core vaccinations, which all dogs need regardless of age or lifestyle.
But not only vaccinations count. During annual preventive check-ups, your veterinarian can also detect other problems early – for example, cardiovascular weaknesses or metabolic disorders. This way, you stay one step ahead and ensure that your dog remains healthy for a long time.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs – Core and Optional Vaccinations
Not all vaccinations are equally important for every dog. There are core vaccinations that are considered basic protection for all dogs, and optional vaccinations that may be useful depending on lifestyle or region.
Core vaccinations:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Hepatitis
Optional vaccinations (depending on risk):
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Kennel cough
- Herpesvirus (in breeding females)
And don’t worry: You don’t have to make all these decisions alone! Your veterinarian can advise you on which vaccinations are appropriate for your doggo and when they need to be boosted – so your four-legged friend is always well protected.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Ein Piks für den Schutz: Impfungen sind ein wichtiger Teil der Gesundheitsvorsorge für deinen Hund.
Titer Tests and Boosters – When Are They Useful?
Not every vaccination necessarily needs to be boosted annually. Titer tests help check your dog's actual vaccination protection. The antibody level in the blood is measured – if it is high enough, a booster vaccination can be temporarily omitted.
Especially for core vaccinations like distemper or parvovirus, a titer test can show whether your dog is still adequately protected. Nevertheless, it is advisable to regularly boost certain vaccinations like rabies or leptospirosis, as protection can diminish over time. And: For foreign travel, a valid rabies vaccination is mandatory, so be sure to check in time!
If you are unsure which vaccinations are truly necessary for your four-legged friend, it's best to ask your veterinarian. This way, you ensure the best possible protection with minimal vaccination burden – and your doggo stays fit and happy.
Preventive Care: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy
In addition to vaccinations, regular preventive check-ups play a significant role in your dog's health. Once a year, you should take your four-legged friend to the veterinarian. There, not only is the vaccination protection checked, but a general health check is also performed.
During this, the heart, lungs, teeth, and joints are examined, for example. Especially in older dogs, such checks can help detect and treat diseases early before they become serious. Many practices also offer blood tests to check metabolic or organ functions. This is particularly important to identify potential changes early and should definitely be part of the annual health check from a certain age onwards.
And don’t worry: With a few treats and a relaxed visit to the practice, you can make the appointment as pleasant as possible for your dog!
