The world is a nasty place to live in because of all the pollution and the diseases humans can pick up and our innocent dogs.
It is no longer new knowledge that vaccinations are integral for the secured growth and development of puppies to full-fledged dogs.
However, the question remains, should you buy a puppy without the requisite vaccinations? Would that be all right? Technically, the answer is a no.
Stay tuned and keep reading because we will be providing very relevant information on the matter that will shed light on people who plan on adopting some cute little pups.
And further information on buying unvaccinated puppies is not advised.
Before dwelling into the matter’s nitty-gritty, it is essential to understand why vaccination is necessary, especially for the new crowd interested in pets.
Why Should Puppies Be Vaccinated?
Unlike humans that have the liberty to visit physicians whenever they feel something awful in their bodies, dogs do not have the same privilege.
Vaccines serve as a defense against common viruses that infect dogs, causing adverse effects that disturb their average growth and development, even their body’s integrity.
Here is a list of common viruses that vaccines protect dogs from:
Kennel Cough
This bacterial slash viral infection specifically inflames the upper airways of dogs, causing dry and hacking coughs.
In extreme cases, dogs refrain from eating because of it. It is not particularly dangerous if it happens in dogs.
However, this may lead to more acute complications like pneumonia or death if left untreated.
It is highly contagious. That is why boarding kennels are not an option unless pups are vaccinated for this.
Parvovirus
One of the viruses that have the most detrimental effect on dogs that catch it is parvovirus.
Parvovirus affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, causing vomiting, bloody stools, and loss of appetite.
The scary thing about this virus is that it has no treatments.
Thus, dogs infected with such are expected to die in 48-72 hours upon inoculation unless they are vaccinated against parvovirus.
Rabies
This virus affects the Central Nervous System (CNS), which causes hallucinations, anxiety, hydrophobic characteristics, paralysis, and death among the dogs involved.
Canine Distemper
Like the parvovirus, this also targets the gastrointestinal tract but also affects the nervous and respiratory systems.
Dogs with this virus experience discharge in their eyes and noses.
Additionally, they exhibit diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and paralysis.
These are, but a few viruses that dogs need to be protected from, and vaccination provides such services in building the resistance among dogs to counteract the virus. With all that has been emphasized on vaccines’ importance, is it okay to buy unvaccinated puppies?
Should You Buy Unvaccinated Pups?
Many would probably say that it is okay, but the answer here really is a big no.
And there are generally two reasons as to why this is so.
The following aims to give insight as to why buying unvaccinated puppies is highly discouraged:
1. It is illegal to buy and sell unvaccinated puppies
Although different states mean different regulations for selling pups, there are general guidelines that govern the conduct of selling puppies.
As a rule of thumb, puppies must be sold when they are no less than eight weeks old because this is when they are fully weaned from their mothers.
Selling underaged, pre-weaned puppies has shown to have more susceptibility to diseases and health problems.
Written statements must be provided by the dealer when selling puppies.
And one of the records must include the administered immunization vaccines, date of application, and the name of the veterinarian who issued it.
Not having the details above is punishable by law.
Perhaps the first point already speaks for why the sale of unvaccinated puppies should be discouraged.
2. It is disadvantageous for puppies to be sold without prior vaccination
Indeed, some will argue that they can be the ones to administer the vaccination after the point of sale. It is essential to consider the proper weaning age of puppies before selling.
Otherwise, the puppy may miss weeks’ worth of immunization.
And typically, puppies who are sold without adequate vaccination have higher tendencies to catch the virus.
Vaccination is administered to puppies even before they are weaned.
That is why records of immunization must be presented to the buyer before sale to ensure the legality of the transaction, and ultimately, the puppy’s welfare.
Here is an example of the vaccination schedule puppies must follow before and after the point of sale:
Time | Vaccine |
---|---|
6-8 Weeks | Distemper; Parvovirus |
10-12 Weeks | Distemper; Parvovirus; Hepatitis; Parainfluenza |
16-18 Weeks | Distemper; Parvovirus; Hepatitis; Parainfluenza; Rabies |
12-16 Months | Distemper; Parvovirus; Hepatitis; Parainfluenza; Rabies |
Every other Year | Distemper; Parvovirus; Hepatitis; Parainfluenza |
Every 1-3 Years | Rabies |
That being said, there is a strict guideline that encompasses more than just the legality and the safety of puppies when they are sold without proper vaccination.
What to Do If You Adopted Unvaccinated Puppies?
There might be some who have adopted puppies without going through the standard legal process.
Sometimes buy them because they are on sale, while others are just in a hurry to get puppies.
For whatever reason, make sure to keep it isolated from other dogs to avoid possible transmission of the “assumed” virus to other dogs.
Bring the pup to a veterinarian’s attention to have them checked out for any symptoms.
The vet can also provide you with a vaccination schedule to strictly follow.
Older puppies may exhibit temporary immunity against viruses until they are 16 weeks old.
This immunity is inherited from their mother and initially protects puppies from diseases.
However, it wears off after the 16th week. Therefore, administration of the vaccines must be done as soon as possible to ensure the puppy’s safety.
Key Takeaway
There are disadvantages to buying unvaccinated puppies.
Generally, puppies have to be vaccinated first before they are sold to you.
However, if you happen to take in a puppy from the streets that you are not clear of whether it has been vaccinated or not, best to get it checked.
It is also important to get it vaccinated as soon as the vet confirms that it is mature enough to get the vaccine.
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