Your Puppy’s Vaccination Schedule: What Shots They Need and When

Bringing a new puppy home is a joyous occasion! Protecting their health through a proper vaccination schedule is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. Vaccinations help build your puppy’s immune system, preventing them from contracting serious and potentially fatal diseases.

Core Vaccines: The Essentials

Core vaccines are considered essential for all puppies, regardless of their lifestyle or location. These protect against highly contagious and dangerous diseases. The standard core vaccines are typically administered in a series of shots.

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): This combination vaccine protects against four common and often deadly canine diseases.
  • Distemper: A severe viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Hepatitis (Adenovirus): An infectious viral disease that affects the liver.
  • Parvovirus: A highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough.

  The DHPP vaccine series typically starts around 6-8 weeks of age and is boostered every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is around 16 weeks old. This ensures that the puppy is protected as maternal antibodies (received from their mother) wane.

• Rabies: A fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.

  The rabies vaccine is typically administered between 12-16 weeks of age, depending on local regulations and your veterinarian’s recommendations. Boosters are required regularly, usually every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and local laws.

Non-Core Vaccines: Consider Lifestyle and Risk

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle, geographic location, and exposure risk. Your veterinarian can help you determine which non-core vaccines are appropriate for your puppy.

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Protects against a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly seen in dogs who frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, or groomers.

  Bordetella is often administered as an intranasal spray or injection and may require annual boosters.

• Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and soil. Leptospirosis can cause kidney and liver damage.

  Leptospirosis vaccination is usually recommended for dogs who spend time outdoors, especially near bodies of water. It requires an initial series of two shots followed by annual boosters.

• Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): Protects against highly contagious respiratory viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms.

  Canine influenza vaccination may be recommended for dogs who frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, or other areas with high dog populations. It requires an initial series of two shots followed by annual boosters.

Working with Your Veterinarian

This is a general guideline, and it is vital to consult with your veterinarian to create a personalized vaccination schedule for your puppy. Your veterinarian will consider your puppy’s breed, age, health history, lifestyle, and the prevalence of diseases in your area. They can answer your questions and ensure your puppy receives the best possible protection.

Remember to keep accurate records of your puppy’s vaccinations. These records will be important for boarding, grooming, and other activities.

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