Having a large dog had always been a dream of mine, and that dream came true unexpectedly when Thor, a gorgeous German Shepherd, became part of my life.
He’s the kind of dog that turns heads — strong, loyal, protective, and somehow still the biggest sweetheart.
What I didn’t expect was the level of responsibility that came along with those alert eyes and upright ears.
At our very first vet appointment, the vet mentioned the V10 vaccine, and I’ll be honest — I had no idea what that was. It sounded super technical.
But that was the beginning of a whole new world for me, filled with vaccines, prevention, and learning how taking care of Thor’s health was just another way to love him.
What is the V10 Vaccine?
The V10 vaccine is a multivalent vaccine — meaning it protects dogs from ten different serious diseases all at once.
It’s an upgraded version of the V8 and helps prevent:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Adenovirus
- Canine coronavirus
- Parainfluenza
- Four types of leptospirosis
Sounds like a lot, right? When the vet explained everything, I was honestly a bit shocked.
I had never realized just how exposed dogs are, especially large ones like Thor who love the outdoors, sniffing around, and getting into all sorts of adventures.
Why Large Breeds Really Need the V10
Breeds like German Shepherds are strong and full of energy.
Thor, for example, is always running around, exploring trails, chasing birds, and playing with other dogs.
This active lifestyle means he’s more likely to come into contact with viruses and bacteria — whether it’s from puddles, soil, other dogs’ waste, or even airborne particles.
What many people don’t know is that it doesn’t take much for a virus to spread.
A simple walk in the park is enough. And when symptoms show up, it can be too late for an easy fix.
The Moment I Understood the Value of the V10
A friend of mine, Lucas, has a Golden Retriever named Bruce. One day, he casually told me he’d never vaccinated Bruce with the V10.
He thought since Max was healthy and mostly stayed in the backyard, it wasn’t necessary.
Well… not long after, Bruce got really sick. He stopped eating, started vomiting, had diarrhea, and just laid around. The diagnosis? Parvovirus.
Bruce had to be hospitalized for almost a week. It was intense and expensive. Thankfully, he pulled through, but it was a close call.
Lucas never skipped a vaccine after that, and I was just relieved that I had followed through with Thor’s vaccinations from the start.
How the V10 Vaccine Works
With Thor, he got his first V10 dose at around 6 weeks old. Then he had two more doses, each one spaced about 21 days apart.
Now that he’s an adult, he gets a booster once a year.
He never had any major side effects — maybe just a bit sleepy the day after.
Honestly, it was the perfect excuse for some extra cuddles on the couch.
What I Think About It
If there’s one thing I’ve learned with Thor, it’s this: preventing is way better (and cheaper) than treating.
The V10 might seem like just another item on your vet checklist, but for active dogs who are constantly exposed to the outside world, it’s essential.
If you’re still unsure, think about it this way: it’s one quick little shot, but it protects your best friend from deadly diseases.
And that peace of mind? Totally worth it.
My tip? Keep track of the dates, set a reminder on your phone, or download a pet care app if that helps — just don’t skip it.
Thor is happy, healthy, and full of life, and a lot of that started with getting the V10 vaccine at the right time.
So, if you’ve got a big pup at home: don’t wait. Get that vaccine and enjoy your days together stress-free. 🐾💉