Vanguard 5 for dogs
Vanguard 5 is a vaccine for dogs used to develop immunity against deadly viral diseases. It is used exclusively for the prevention of infectious diseases, including distemper. It was developed by the American company Zoetic Inc.
Content
Peculiarities
Vanguard 5 is a two-component vaccination system, each packaged in glass vials. To ensure a hermetic seal, they are sealed with rubber stoppers and then sealed with aluminum caps.

The dry component is a lyophilized (i.e., dried using a special method) mass. It contains strains that cause dangerous diseases, such as:
- plague;
- parainfluenza;
- parvovirus enteritis;
- adenoviral infection;
- leptospirosis.
The following are used as auxiliary components that ensure the preservation of viral strains:
- gentamicin;
- sucrose solution;
- gelatin solution;
- Hanks' environment and others.
The dry component is a light yellow or white mass with a porous structure. The liquid component is aluminum hydroxide, a clear or light pink liquid. It is used to dissolve the dry component.
The components are packaged in cubic centimeters, equivalent to one dose. The vials are packaged in special plastic containers—25 vials of each component, for a total of 25 doses. Pharmacies sell single or multiple doses.



Principle of action and indications for use
Vanguard 5 for dogs contains pathogens against a number of infectious diseases. After administering the solution, the animal develops a strong immunity to these pathogens within three weeks, helping prevent life-threatening conditions. The vaccine remains effective for one year. Therefore, booster vaccinations are administered annually to maintain the immunity.
Vaccination components are used for prophylactic purposes. They can prevent the development of the following pathologies:
- plague;
- parainfluenza;
- diseases of the upper tract caused by adenovirus;
- leptospirosis;
- parvovirus enteritis.
Application scheme
According to the instructions, Vanguard 5 is first administered to dogs at 6 weeks of age. The vaccination is administered three times, with a 21-day interval between doses. Immunity develops after the second injection, and the third helps to consolidate it. If the vaccination at 1.5 months of age was missed for any reason, the first dose is given at 9 weeks of age. In this case, two doses, 2-3 weeks apart, are sufficient.
Pets need to be revaccinated once a year, as immunity lasts for 12 months. A single injection is administered for revaccination. If the vaccine is used on an adult animal that has not previously been vaccinated, a second injection is given 2-3 weeks after the first injection.


Please note! The same single dose of 1 ml is used for dogs of different ages, breeds, and weights.
Avoid interrupting the Vanguard 5 administration schedule and scheduled injections, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the medication and reduce protection against dangerous viral diseases. If vaccination is not completed on time for objective reasons, such as an illness, the pet should receive the standard dose as soon as possible.
How to get vaccinated
The following steps should be performed:
- Shake the liquid component lightly in the bottle.
- Carefully draw it into the syringe and then pour it into the bottle with the dry component.
- Shake thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture (suspension) is obtained.
- Draw the vaccine into the syringe.
- Wipe the injection site with 70% alcohol. Administer the suspension subcutaneously.
- Pull back a fold of skin and inject the prepared solution.
When performing all these procedures, strictly observe safety precautions. Adhere to antiseptic and aseptic techniques. Use only single-use sterile syringes. If vaccinating several dogs with Vanguard 5 at the same time, use a new syringe for each animal. Used syringes must be disposed of. Reusing them is strictly prohibited.
All vaccination procedures should be performed wearing rubber gloves. A first aid kit should be kept nearby.
Contraindications and side effects
The vaccine cannot be used:
- during pregnancy;
- when feeding offspring;
- for weakened and old animals;
- for sick pets.


Vanguard 5 is generally well-tolerated by dogs and does not cause side effects. Even with overdose, there are no symptoms of distemper, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, or other diseases. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may occur. Symptomatic treatment is used to alleviate side effects.
When the vaccine should not be used
To preserve the biological properties of the vaccine, it must be transported and stored at a temperature of 2 to 7˚C, away from sunlight, and in a dry place. Keep the vaccine out of reach of animals and children.
Vaccination of dogs with Vanguard 5 cannot be carried out in the following cases:
- storage rules were not followed;
- after freezing;
- the bottle's seal is broken;
- there is no information on the packaging about the composition, manufacturer or expiration date;
- the appearance of the components has changed;
- there is no label on the bottle;
- the expiration date has expired.
Important! Any remaining vaccine not used within half an hour of opening the vial must be decontaminated. This can be done by boiling or treating the liquid with a 2% alkali solution for 30 minutes. The vaccine can then be discarded.
Advantages and disadvantages
Vanguard 5 has many advantages, making it popular among both dog owners and veterinarians:
- It is highly effective and helps prevent infectious diseases, including those that are deadly for pets.
- It is considered safe and harmless when used as directed.
- It's packaged in pre-prepared doses that are consistent for pets of all ages and weights. Its ease of use eliminates the risk of overdose.
- It is administered subcutaneously and is often used by dog owners at home.


The main disadvantages include:
- the need to comply with special storage conditions;
- difficulty of transportation;
- the need for annual revaccination;
- strict observance of asepsis when using the product.
If you don't know how to properly administer injections to animals, it's best to leave vaccinations to specialists.
Precautionary measures
When using the Vangrad 5 vaccine, it is important to follow the general rules for handling veterinary drugs and also pay attention to the following precautions:
- If the suspension accidentally comes into contact with mucous membranes or skin, rinse with plenty of water. Clean running water is recommended.
- If the product is accidentally injected into a person's body, wipe the injection site with rubbing alcohol and then seek medical attention. Do not delay a visit to the hospital.
Price
The price of one dose of Vangarde (2 vials) for dogs is approximately 250 rubles. The price may vary depending on the pharmacy. You can purchase the vaccine at any veterinary pharmacy. When purchasing, make sure the product is refrigerated. If you order the vaccine online, it's best to pick it up from a pickup location, ensuring it's stored properly.
Owner reviews
Dog owners have the following to say about the product:
Oksana, owner of the Moscow Watchdog:
“I used to use Nobivac for vaccinations, but on the advice of a new veterinarian I switched to Vanguard"I think the main advantage is that it contains adenoviruses. Over the past three years, while we've been using the vaccine, my dog hasn't had the flu or other respiratory illnesses. I attribute this to the vaccination, as there have been several epidemics. The only drawback is that it's not always available in pharmacies in my small town."
Julia, the owner of several dogs:
"We've been successfully using Vanguard 5 for five years. During this time, neither our adult dogs nor our puppies have ever suffered from any infectious diseases. We spend most of the year in the city, but in the summer, we take our dogs to our dacha. The vaccine provides strong immunity. The main thing is to follow all the rules and recommendations."
Veterinarian Reviews
Veterinarians recommend the vaccine to breeders:
Victoria, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:
"Vanguard is one of the best vaccines for the prevention of plague and other infectious diseases. I've been using it in my practice for a long time, and I've never had any complaints or side effects. Among its advantages, I'd like to note the simple and convenient administration schedule; it's impossible to get confused about it or the dosage. And the cost is low compared to similar products."
Gennady, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:
"Vanguard is an excellent American vaccine. When administered correctly and at the recommended dose, it does its job perfectly – providing lasting immunity to various viruses. It's well-tolerated by animals, but I would recommend that dog owners vaccinate at a clinic rather than at home."
Video from the veterinarian: How to vaccinate a puppy with the Vanguard vaccine
Read also:






Add a comment