Routine vaccinations and other preventive care measures offer your pup the protection they need against many diseases and illnesses. Today, our Mandeville vets discuss the importance of vaccinations and share a puppy vaccination schedule to keep handy.
Why is it important for my puppy to have their shots?
We all know there are vaccines designed for use in people. However, our puppies also need shots to protect them from a wide range of serious, and potentially even fatal, conditions and diseases that can spread rapidly between unvaccinated pooches.
While it may seem inconvenient (and even somewhat costly) to bring your new puppy to your vet's for regular, frequent appointments during their first year, your puppy's first vaccinations and their annual boosters are critical to protecting them from illness and ensuring they're set up to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
What illnesses will my puppy's vaccinations address?
Our vets in Mandeville recommend vaccines for puppies and adult dogs to help prevent and reduce the severity of illnesses such as bordetella, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and rabies.
We can offer advice about which set of vaccinations are most suitable for your puppy based on where you live, along with your dog's age, lifestyle and other factors.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that triggers inflammation in a dog's upper respiratory system, which can lead to coughing and illness. Your pooch can also be exposed to secondary infections. Many veterinarians also refer to the diseases as kennel cough.
Bordetella is a non-core vaccine that's given to dogs that are frequently around other dogs in daycare centers, dog parks, boarding facilities, dog shows, and other social settings.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
Canine distemper (D), infectious hepatitis/adenovirus (H) and parvovirus (P) are nasty, often fatal viruses. This combination five-in-one vaccine offers protection against all of these serious conditions. These are core vaccines, which means that every dog should receive them, regardless of location or lifestyle.
Leptospirosis
Leptospira bacteria is often found in water and soil in streams, rivers, and lakes. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to people.
This disease has potentially serious symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle tenderness, loss of appetite, shivering, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. In the long-term, it can cause permanent residual damage to the liver or kidneys.
This non-core vaccine can potentially benefit dogs that are at increased risk for exposure. Ask your vet if they would recommend this vaccine based on your pup's lifestyle.
Rabies
This deadly virus can severely affect the brain. Rabies is transmitted through contact with an animal's saliva, brain, or spinal tissue, and is almost always fatal. Once your pet is displaying symptoms of the deadly virus, he or she can typically be expected to die within a few days. Since there's no treatment for the virus, the rabies shot is an important one to protect your pet's health. Our Mandeville vets recommend this core vaccine for puppies.
Puppy Shots & Vaccination Schedule
Your puppy's first shots should be given on a specific schedule throughout their first year, with boosters provided during their lifetime. Here is a typical charted schedule of vaccinations for puppies and dogs.
6 - 8 Weeks
- *DHPP Shot 1
- Bordatella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
10 - 12 Weeks
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
- DHPP Shot 2
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
14 - 16 Weeks
- DHPP Shot 3
Adult Dog Shots & Vaccination Schedule
Annually
- Bordatella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
Every 3 Years
- DHPP Booster
- Rabies
*DHPP: This vaccine protects against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Vaccine Conflictions
Our vet may decide to alter the vaccine schedule or skip vaccines altogether if your puppy is too young if they are a senior, or if they have a compromised immune system. Your vet will be able to explain what they recommend for your dog's individual situation.
Why are vaccinations important for your dog?
Vaccines help to protect your dog from a variety of serious and potentially fatal disorders and diseases. Vaccinating your puppy from the very beginning and following a deworming and vaccination schedule as recommended by your vet will help ensure your dog will live a long, healthy life free of preventable diseases. When you vaccinate your puppy you provide a solid foundation for their well-being in the future.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.