Vakderm for dogs
Vakderm is an effective vaccine against dermatophytosisIt is intended for the prevention of ringworm and other fungal infections in puppies and adults. It can also be used for treatment if the infection is in the incubation period. The drug is considered safe, but it is still necessary to read the instructions for Vacderm before vaccinating your dog.
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Composition and release form
Fungal diseases, particularly ringworm, are dangerous for animals and can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, it's important to vaccinate animals promptly to prevent infection, as fungal spores can survive for long periods in soil, manure, and on various surfaces. Vakderm, developed by the domestic manufacturer Vetzverotsentr, is an excellent choice for this purpose.

The vaccine consists of spores of several species of dermatophytes, including microsporia and trichophytosis. They are artificially grown in a nutrient medium. Formaldehyde (0.3%) is used as an inactivator. When used correctly, the medication is safe for animals. It provides immunity against fungal diseases for one year.
The vaccine is available in two forms: a ready-to-use liquid for injection and a powder that must be dissolved before use. The liquid is uniform in appearance and light brown in color. The medication is most commonly packaged in 1 ml (single-dose) vials, sealed with rubber stoppers and aluminum caps for a completely airtight seal. Another packaging option is sealed glass ampoules, which also hold 1 ml.
The drug is a dry powder packaged in glass vials sealed with rubber stoppers and covered with aluminum foil. It is diluted with saline or water for injection before injection.
Indications for use
The drug is intended for vaccination. Indications for use include the prevention of infection with:
- microsporium;
- trichophytosis.
For therapeutic purposes, the medication is used only when the disease is in the incubation stage. Typically, there are no external manifestations of fungal infection, but after a Vakderm injection, mycotic lesions appear, which eventually begin to peel, and the skin and coat recover after a booster vaccination.

The drug develops immunity within 25-30 days and lasts for one year. For this reason, dogs should be vaccinated against ringworm with Vacderm annually. Failure to follow the recommended immunization schedule (i.e., not administering the drug on time) may reduce its effectiveness.
Instructions for use in veterinary medicine
According to the instructions for use, Vakderm for dogs should be used in the following doses:
- For puppies and dogs weighing up to 5 kg, a single dose is 0.5 ml (half the pharmacy dose).
- For animals over 5 kg, 1 ml of the drug must be administered at a time.
Vaccination is administered by double injection into the thigh. There should be an interval of 10-14 days between the first and second injections, with the second injection administered into the opposite thigh. If, after immunization, the animal is found to be in the incubation period (indicated by the appearance of fungal lesions), the vaccination is repeated at the same interval, resulting in a total of four injections every two weeks.

Puppies can be vaccinated with this product starting at 2 months of age. A consultation with a veterinarian is required before administering the injection.
When vaccinating with Vakderm, it is necessary to follow a number of simple recommendations:
- Deworming is performed 10 days before the first injection. For this, the pet is given a one-time deworming medication.
- Injections are administered intramuscularly into the back of the thighs. The first injection is given in one thigh, and the second (two weeks later) in the other.
- When performing vaccinations, it is necessary to observe the rules of asepsis and antisepsis.
- The injection site must be wiped with alcohol.
- For injections, it is necessary to use disposable syringes or sterile needles (sterilized by long boiling).
- When immunizing several animals, a new syringe or needle must be used for each pet.
- If the medication is in powder form, it is diluted with 1 ml of water for injection or saline solution. The drug is administered only after the powder has completely dissolved.
- Booster vaccinations are required annually. Two injections are given, 10-14 days apart.
- Before administering injections, the dog must be examined by a doctor for possible diseases, including those that are latent.
- The vaccine temperature should be the same as body temperature.
- If signs of lichen are detected, it is necessary to treat the animal’s bedding and habitat.
The time of year for vaccination is irrelevant, although experts note that outbreaks of fungal diseases occur in the fall and winter. This is because high humidity and cool temperatures are ideal conditions for the development and reproduction of spores, while summer heat and ultraviolet radiation are detrimental.
Vakderm injections should not be administered during treatment with drugs that suppress the immune system.
Contraindications and side effects
The Vakderm ringworm vaccine should not be administered to dogs in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- up to 2 months of age;
- in infectious diseases;
- for chronic diseases that reduce immunity;
- at elevated temperatures.
If your dog has a chronic or infectious disease, treatment is necessary before vaccination. Only healthy dogs should be vaccinated.

Some dogs experience a local reaction, manifested by a lump at the injection site. This can be caused by several factors:
- use of cold vaccine;
- non-sterile syringe;
- failure to treat the injection site with alcohol;
- increased sensitivity of the animal.
In rare cases, a lump can develop into an abscess. To prevent this, follow these steps:
- Lubricate the area of the lump and the skin around it with iodine.
- Provide your dog with rest for a few days, avoiding any possible stress.
- If you have inflammation, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, but you should not use them without a specialist's recommendation.
The lump will go away in 3-5 days.
Precautions and storage rules
The packaged drug can be stored for 1 year, but subject to simple rules:
- The temperature should be between 2 and 10°C. A refrigerator is ideal.
- The storage area should not have high humidity.
- Avoid exposure to harmful sunlight.
- Prevent contact of the medicine with children and animals.
- Maintain temperature control during transportation.
- If the bottle has not been opened and the medicine has not been used within half an hour, it must be discarded.
If the expiration date has expired, the bottle packaging is damaged, or the label is missing, do not use the medication. Discard the medication if sediment, mold, or cloudiness appears in the liquid.

Vacderm is considered safe, but it's important to follow simple guidelines for handling veterinary medications. When administering the vaccine, wear protective equipment and protective clothing, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water afterwards. If the medication comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, rinse the area with water.
Price
The medication is typically purchased individually (one vial = one dose) rather than in packages. The price of Vakderm for dogs ranges from 150 to 200 rubles per ampoule or vial, depending on the region and pharmacy.
Owner reviews
Larisa, owner of an English Cocker Spaniel:
"After visiting a show, we developed ringworm. The vet prescribed treatment and then recommended Vakderm for prevention. We've been vaccinated with this medication every year for two years now. No side effects have been observed. They consider the medication effective, as we haven't had any further cases of ringworm."
Taya, the mongrel's owner:
"When our stray dog gave birth to just one puppy, we decided to keep it. When the baby was two months old, the cats brought ringworm home and infected the dog. We went to the vet, and the doctor prescribed the Vakderm vaccine. The cats tolerated the shots well, but the dog became ill. Seeing this, we went back to the vet, and she recommended deworming, but the puppy died two days later. The cats recovered quickly. I can't say anything bad about the medication, as I believe the incompetent doctor is to blame for what happened."
Veterinarian Reviews
Tamila, veterinarian:
"I've heard a lot of negative reviews about Vakderm, saying that any negative effects are caused by improper use. The drug is intended for disease prevention. It is not recommended for treatment, as it can significantly worsen the animal's condition. Another important rule for using Vakderm is mandatory deworming."
Alexander, a veterinarian with 5 years of experience:
"The primary purpose of the Vakderm vaccine is to prevent fungal diseases. I recommend that clients get vaccinated annually to prevent ringworm, which is dangerous for both animals and humans. It's important to vaccinate promptly and at the manufacturer's recommended doses; otherwise, it won't produce the desired results and won't provide protection against spores."
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6 comments
Svetlana
My Chihuahua had three vaccinations: she tolerated the first one well, but with the second, her paw swelled up and she couldn't sleep, wouldn't stand on it, and was moaning. They gave her a painkiller, and everything seemed to go away. When they gave her the third shot, in her other paw, she also swelled up, and the same thing happened, but the painkiller didn't help. She developed a severe lump on her paw and was limping. I'm further convinced that dogs thrive in a non-vaccinated environment. As the saying goes, "the more dirt, the wider the face."
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Well, when your pet catches a viral disease and starts vomiting and having bloody diarrhea, you'll remember that you could have gotten a comprehensive vaccination once a year and slept soundly. You've apparently fallen into the hands of "specialists" who still administer the old-fashioned Vacderm vaccine for ringworm. Good clinics abandoned this practice long ago. It's just unnecessary holes in the animal, unnecessary stress, and, well, a waste of money. Local therapy with antifungal shampoos, ointments, and sprays was sufficient. Sometimes, the effect is enhanced with antifungal tablets administered as a course (dogs don't need them, but cats should).
Elena
We had Vakderm administered seven months ago. Our German Shepherd has recently developed a patch of alopecia on his hind thigh, which he scratches and licks, causing it to grow exponentially. A vet from the same clinic came today and gave him a lighted exam to rule out ringworm. He administered Vakderm again and said it's effective for six months, not a year. He didn't prescribe anything else. He said applying it to the area was pointless because he'd lick it all off, and that it would clear up after the second injection. The article says the vaccine protects for one year and that the medication shouldn't be administered while he's sick, but the doctors say something completely different! Who should I believe?!
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Vaccination against trichophytosis (ringworm) is the only vaccination used both for the prevention and treatment (!) of trichophytosis and/or microsporia in animals. This means that if the diagnosis is confirmed, the vaccine CAN be administered, but! Almost all veterinarians have abandoned the use of the ringworm vaccine for treatment, since with proper treatment, the disease resolves in the same timeframe (or even faster) as with the vaccine. However, vaccination does maintain a prolonged period of sporulation (meaning an animal without clinical signs can infect others). As for the six-month immunity, it's completely unclear. Where do these figures come from?
Elena
Our Yorkie, 8.5 years old and neutered, got ringworm. We took him to the vet, and she immediately gave him a Vacderm shot without deworming him first. The first shot had no side effects, but we had to repeat the shot 14 days later. A day later, he had a fever and was dragging his leg, unable to stand on it. There was no swelling. The vet recommended 1/4 tablet of analgin, and he's been using analgin and a compress on his thigh for four days now. Not only that, but she also gave him the same shot in the same thigh. I've read the reviews and now I don't know what to do or what to expect.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! We've long since abandoned this treatment plan! Modern veterinarians no longer vaccinate for ringworm treatment! Simply wash your pet with antifungal shampoo and give them antifungal tablets. You can also apply an antifungal ointment to the affected area (clotrimazole will work, even stronger ones are available) several times a day. The course of treatment can last up to a month. You can get many over-the-counter medications from a human pharmacy. Analgin shouldn't be given for long periods of time; it's also been discontinued a long time ago. And don't forget to wet-clean your home daily to prevent reinfection.
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