Many people believe that when they get a dog all it needs is food and water and vaccinations really aren't that important. Almost all pets need vaccines that are essential for their well-being. The price of keeping a pet healthy is quite high, which is one reason why most owners refuse to vaccinate their pets, but the cost of vaccinations is nowhere near as high as the cost of treatment necessary to restore a sick animal to health. There are five vaccinations. dogs need Rabies, DAPP, Lyme, Bordetella and Lepto every year. “During vaccination, a modified bacteria, parasite or virus is given to your pet by injection or intranasally (through the nose). “Vaccination triggers an immune response in your pet’s body to protect it against a specific disease.” According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, these vaccinations are typically "scheduled approximately three to four weeks apart, with the last round of vaccinations administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age." On the “Dog Time” website it is explained how “Some pet owners are concerned that vaccinating their dogs also carries health risks. Although any medical procedure, including vaccinations, carries some degree of risk, the risk is usually much greater if you do not vaccinate your dog at all. It is healthier for your pet and cheaper for you to prevent rather than treat. All of these vaccines are administered by injection other than the Bordetella vaccine. Rabies vaccination protects your dog against the deadly rabies virus. Rabies is a “contagious viral disease of dogs and other mammals that causes madness and convulsions, transmitted by saliva and is very fatal.” Rabies can "incubate" for up to 2 to 8 weeks before middle of paper...... CitedWebMD. “Rabies in dogs”. Healthy dogs. Np, nd Web. “Differences between distemper and Parvo. » VetInfo. Np, nd Web. April 21, 2014. “Kennel Cough: An In-Depth Review.” » Information and questions about pet health and nutrition. Np, and Web. April 21, 2014 “Rabies in Dogs – Rabies Information for Dog Owners.” » About.com Dogs. Np, nd Web. April 17, 2014 “Rabies in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination. » Rabies in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination. Np, and Web. April 17, 2014. “Healthy dogs. » Rabies in dogs: vaccination, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Np, and Web. April 17, 2014. Dog Lyme Disease Symptoms and Canine Treatment. " Dog Lyme Disease Symptoms and Canine Treatment. Np, nd Web. April 22, 2014. " How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Leptospirosis in Dogs. " About.com Veterinary Medicine .Np, nd Web April 22.. 2014.