Dog vaccinations are recommended by vets and are often given in combination shots. They are usually given about 4 weeks apart, starting from 8 weeks of age.

The first shot is a combination vaccine that covers hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This is followed by two other vaccines that protect against Bordetella Bronchiseptica, and rabies. The last two shots are not given together however.

The following gives some information about the diseases these dog vaccinations protect against:

* Hepatitis

Young puppies who contract hepatitis usually die, unfortunately, although the severity of the disease varies. Hepatitis affects the kidneys, pancreas, the liver, and the walls of the blood vessels. Symptoms of hepatitis infection include lethargy, pain in the abdomen, fever, and diarrhea. Treatment will include fluid and antibiotics, and in more severe cases, a blood transfusion may be needed.

* Distemper

Distemper is a very contagious virus that is quite similar to measles. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Symptoms a dog infected with distemper will have include lethargy, vomiting, a discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, and diarrhea. When the disease reaches an advanced stage, neurological problems start to show. These include seizures, weakness, and lack of coordination.

Treatment is usually fluids and antibiotics, but in as many as half the cases, affected dogs die. Dogs of all ages can be affected, but usually cases of distemper are seen in unvaccinated puppies.

* Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is not as severe as many of these other illnesses. Sometimes, no treatment is needed for infected dogs. Symptoms of dogs infected with parainfluenza include coughing, watery eyes, and a nasal discharge.

* Coronavirus

This is a disease that affects puppies more than older dogs. Symptoms of a coronavirus infected puppy include orange or yellow diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and a lower appetite. These symptoms result from the fact that the coronavirus causes the intestines to become inflamed. Dogs usually recover from a coronavirus infection. They are treated with fluids and antibiotics.

* Leptosporosis

Some dogs are allergic to the leptosporosis vaccine, so this should be discussed with your vet. The leptosporosis vaccine is often not included with the regular dog vaccinations your puppy will get, but is given separately, starting the next year your dog is due for a vaccination. Leptosporosis infections occur from water that is contaminated with infected urine. So, always keep your dog's water fresh and change it regularly.

Leptosporosis affects the kidneys, liver, and the urinary tract. Symptoms include lethargy, pain in the abdomen, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, dogs can get a low temperature, and become very thirsty. Infected dogs are given fluid and antibiotics.

* Bordetella Bronchiseptica

The Bordetella Bronchiseptica vaccine is given during your second visit to the vet for vaccinations, or at 12 weeks of age. This is a very infectious disease that is highly recommended your dog is vaccinated against if you're planning on taking him to puppy classes, or a boarding kennel. Indeed, anywhere where he is likely to interact with a lot of other dogs, including dog parks, is a potential place of infection that a vaccine can guard against. Dogs love to socialize, so it's not in his best interests to isolate him either.

Symptoms of infection with bordetella bronchispetica include a dry cough, and treatment is usually antibiotics. If you do get the vaccination, you may need to get a booster. This can be discussed with your vet. Vaccines aren't 100% effective, but they do reduce the risk.

* Rabies

Rabies vaccinations can be given when your dog reaches 16 weeks of age. In countries where rabies is a problem, this is a highly recommended vaccine as it is nearly always fatal. Some states in the US require compulsory rabies vaccinations.

Rabies infections occur from a bite by an infected animal. It can affect all warm blooded animals, but skunks, bats and raccoons seem to be more affected. Given that humans can be infected, this is an important vaccination. Subtle behavioral changes are the first to occur if your dog becomes infected. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.