Vaccines are vital in order to preserve the health of your beloved pet. In this post, our vets at Marcello Veterinary Hospital share a general vaccination schedule owners should follow for their puppy.
Why Should You Get Your Dog Vaccinated?
Vaccines can help protect your pet from a huge variety of serious, and even fatal, diseases that are highly contagious among dogs.
While it may appear inconvenient (and even costly) to bring your new puppy into your vet's office on a regular basis during their first year, your puppy's first vaccinations and annual renewals are critical to protecting them from illness and preparing them for long, healthy, and happy lives.
What Illnesses Are Addressed by My Dog's Shots?
The vaccines recommended for puppies and adult dogs help prevent and treat illnesses such as parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper, bordetella, and rabies.
Our vets will be able to recommend a set of vaccinations that are the most appropriate for your dog based on their age, the area you live in, your dog's lifestyle, and other factors.
Dog Vaccine Schedule
Puppy Shot Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- DHPP*
10 - 12 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Optional)
- Leptospirosis (Optional)
14 - 16 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP*
- Rabies
- Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
- Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
Annually
- Bordatella
- Leptospirosis
- Rabies (Frequency depends on vaccinations used)
Every 3 Years
- DHPP* Booster
- Rabies (Frequency depends on vaccinations used)
*DHPP: This vaccine protects your dog against a combination of illnesses: Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza.
Age Restrictions
Inquire with your veterinarian about the vaccines that are appropriate for your puppy. Depending on your pet's age, their immune system may not be strong enough to benefit from all of the shots.
Possible Vaccine Side Effects in Puppies
Side effects of vaccines are quite common, including:
- Cold-like symptoms
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
However, some dogs may have severe allergic reactions to their vaccinations. This is usually due to a reaction to a specific ingredient in a vaccine. These reactions are not bred or vaccine-specific and may vary depending on your dog, though certain breeds may be predisposed to allergies to certain vaccines.
Some breeds like collies, sheepdogs, and German Shepherds are known to be predisposed to more significant reactions to some vaccines. Your vet will be sure to skip any vaccines that your dog may be sensitive to or allergic to.
If your dog does have a reaction to a vaccination, take them to your vet as soon as possible and make note of the kind of vaccination they received. This will be important information to keep on hand if you move or switch vets in the future.
The Importance of Dog Vaccinations
Vaccinations are the cornerstone of your puppy's preventative health care.
By bringing your dog in for vaccinations at a young age, you are helping to protect them from some serious diseases that may prey on them while their immune systems are still developing. Then, by continuing this practice into adulthood, you can help ensure that they avoid serious health issues for the rest of their lives.
Maintaining the schedule of vaccinations recommended by our vets at Marcello Veterinary Hospital will not only protect your pup's health but will help to save you time and money in the long run by avoiding more serious veterinary visits (or even emergencies) in the future.
Preventive treatments for diseases are nearly always less expensive and time-consuming than treatments for them in their advanced stages.
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.