Things You'll Need
- Calendar
- Vaccines
Instructions
Developing Antibodies
Ensure the mother is vaccinated before giving birth. The mother will pass maternal antibodies on to her young through the colostrum, or first milk. Consult a veterinarian about which vaccines are appropriate for you area and the optimal time to give those vaccines.
Vaccinate the animal as soon as possible. Antibodies from the mother last between three and six months depending on the species. The idea is to vaccinate the young animal before its mother's antibodies dissipate in the body. Again, your veterinarian can assist you in deciding which vaccines are appropriate for your area.
Booster the animal between three to four weeks from giving the first vaccine. This will further stimulate the body to produce its own antibodies to the killed virus contained in the vaccines.
Booster the animal again in another three to four weeks. This will be the animal's last booster shot ensuring that it has created ample antibodies to protect i. At this stage, the animal can be allowed to socialize normally as it is now fully protected.
Give additional vaccines every six months or annually. Animals that visit high traffic areas, such as competitions, may need a more aggressive booster program due to the increased risk of exposure. A veterinarian can help you design an appropriate schedule for your animal.