Puppy vaccination Schedule
Every dog lover understands the joy and complexity of welcoming a new puppy into their home. Puppies require attention, love, and a secure environment. While playing with and training a puppy is rewarding, it also presents challenges, as their well-being depends entirely on you—from their sleeping arrangements to their daily safety.
One of the crucial safety considerations is vaccinations. While visiting a vet is the best way to ensure your puppy receives the best care, it’s helpful to be informed about the vaccines your puppy will need and the diseases they prevent.
In this guide, we cover the essential vaccinations for your new puppy and the bacteria and viruses they protect against. We also discuss why vaccinations are crucial—not only for your puppy’s health but also for the safety of your family and others. Additionally, we provide a list to help you understand what to expect during your puppy’s first year and how to discuss your puppy’s specific needs with your vet.
WHATVACCINES DO PUPPIES NEED
You might have heard that your new puppy needs various vaccinations to stay safe. Just like children, puppies need protection from viruses and diseases from an early age. Here’s an overview of key vaccinations and what they prevent:
Bordetella Bronchiseptica: This vaccine prevents kennel cough, a highly contagious bacteria causing severe coughing, vomiting, and, rarely, death. It’s also advisable to avoid letting your puppy share water with other dogs.
Canine Distemper: Spread through the air by sneezes or coughs from infected animals, this virus affects many vital systems. Symptoms include discharge, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and more. There is no cure, so vaccination is crucial.
Canine Hepatitis: This contagious disease affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes. Symptoms range from fever to jaundice and liver pain. Severe cases can be fatal, so prevention is essential.
Canine Parainfluenza: This virus contributes to kennel cough and is easily preventable with vaccination.
Corona Virus: This virus affects the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. While there is no cure, vaccination can help prevent it. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Heartworm: Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms can grow up to 14 inches long and cause severe health issues. Monthly preventative treatment is recommended.
Kennel Cough: Known as infectious tracheobronchitis, this condition inflames the upper airways and is often mild but can be serious in crowded conditions like kennels.
Leptospirosis: Caused by bacteria, this zoonotic disease can spread from animals to people. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and more. Antibiotics are effective, especially if used promptly.
Lyme Disease: This tick-borne disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, leads to symptoms like limping, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. It requires antibiotic treatment, though relapses can occur.
Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies under four months old, causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration. It’s often fatal without prompt treatment.
Rabies: This viral disease affects the central nervous system, leading to severe symptoms and death. It’s transmitted through bites from rabid animals and is required by law in many places.
Be sure to consult your vet for specific recommendations based on your location and your puppy’s needs.
Why Should You Vaccinate Your Puppy?
For many, vaccinating a new pet might seem like a given, but there are several compelling reasons why it’s essential. Here are five key reasons why vaccinations are crucial for your new puppy:
Widespread Vaccination Prevents Infection: Vaccinating your pet helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated. Even if most pets are vaccinated, an unvaccinated pet is at a higher risk of infection, which can also pose a threat to other animals and people.
Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases: Some diseases, like leptospirosis and rabies, can be transmitted from pets to humans. Vaccinating your pet helps safeguard not only their health but also the wellbeing of you and your family.
Legal Requirements: Many cities, states, and countries have laws requiring pet vaccinations. While rabies is commonly mandated, other vaccines might also be required depending on your location. Checking local regulations can prevent fines or the removal of your pet.
Avoiding Costly Medical Bills: Unvaccinated pets are at a higher risk of serious illnesses that could lead to expensive emergency veterinary care. Vaccinations can help prevent these costly medical issues.
Ensuring a Long, Healthy Life: While no vaccine is foolproof, vaccinations play a crucial role in extending your pet’s life and ensuring they remain healthy. Following your vet’s vaccination recommendations helps protect your puppy from preventable diseases and contributes to their overall longevity and quality of life.
Vaccinating your puppy is a proactive step towards ensuring their health and happiness.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Each dog is unique, much like each person, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all vaccination schedule. Your puppy’s vaccination needs will vary based on factors like location, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. Always discuss your puppy’s specific needs with your vet during regular appointments.
In terms of cost, the average expense for the first year of vaccinations is around $100. However, some animal shelters offer vaccinations at a lower cost or even for free. Core vaccines (DHPP) are administered in a series of three shots, with additional vaccines given as needed. Keep in mind that the cost of puppy care is highest during the first year, but it generally decreases as your dog matures.
Vaccination Schedule:
6 – 8 Weeks:
- Recommended: Distemper, Measles, Parainfluenza
- Optional: Bordetella
10 – 12 Weeks:
- Recommended: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Optional: Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease
12 – 14 Weeks:
- Recommended: Rabies
14 – 16 Weeks:
- Recommended: DHPP
- Optional: Coronavirus, Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis
12 – 16 Months:
- Recommended: Rabies, DHPP
- Optional: Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease
Every 1 – 2 Years:
- Recommended: DHPP
- Optional: Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease
Every 1 – 3 Years:
- Required by Law: Rabies
Bringing a new puppy into your home involves numerous responsibilities, including vaccinations, training, and other care considerations. With so many factors to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
We hope this guide helps you navigate your puppy’s vaccination needs and facilitates informed discussions with your vet. Always consult with your vet to ensure you receive the most relevant advice based on their experience and local regulations.