One of the most important aspects of preventative healthcare is vaccinations or shots. By boosting their immunity, they guard your dog against serious illnesses. One of the most crucial things to do in your first few weeks as a dog owner is to vaccinate your puppy. You can learn when to give your puppy their shots by reading this article.
The Purpose Of Dog Vaccination
The immune system of your dog is exposed to an incomplete or dormant strain of infectious agents as a result of vaccination. As a result, their body can develop immune cells that are prepared to fight off the real thing when it arises.
Vaccines have occasionally been referred to as “dangerous” in recent years for a variety of reasons, but there is little to no scientific evidence to back up this claim. In fact, the illnesses they shield us from are at best inconvenient and at worst deadly. In addition, vaccination administration is simple, inexpensive, and largely painless.
What Are Dogs Immunized Against?
Dog vaccines come in a variety and can be divided into core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccinations are those that are thought to be crucial for your dog’s health, whereas non-core vaccinations are optional and may be advised for your dog depending on its lifestyle. Which non-core vaccinations are best for your dog can be determined with the assistance of your veterinarian.
What Are The Core Vaccines For Dogs?
- Rabies: Rabies is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease transmitted via a bite from an infected animal, such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Humans are susceptible to it, and they are also fatally affected. Most of the United States have laws requiring vaccination against rabies. states for all dogs.
- DHPPi: Sometimes known simply as the Distemper vaccine, this is actually a combination vaccine that protects against Distemper, Parvovirus, Acute Hepatitis B and Parainfluenza. All of these illnesses are dangerous and extremely contagious, and they may even be fatal. They may cause pain or organ damage.
- Leptospirosis: This vaccine, also known as the “lepto” vaccine, guards against a harmful bacterial infection. Whilst some vets do not consider this a core vaccine, at Small Door we strongly recommend it for all dogs in New York, as leptospirosis is found across all five boroughs and is even more prominent outside of the city.
What Are The Non-Core Vaccines For Dogs?
- Bordetella: The unpleasant respiratory condition kennel cough is also referred to as bordetella. Grooming, boarding, and daycare facilities for dogs all require vaccination.
- Lyme: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can harm both humans and pets. It can cause organ damage, fever, and painful joints. Dogs who travel to areas where there is a high risk of encountering ticks may find the vaccine helpful.
- the canine influenza virus In contrast to the previously mentioned parainfluenza, the canine influenza virus, also known as “dog flu,” is a serious respiratory condition that resembles the flu in humans.
When Do Puppies Get Their First Shot?
As soon as they are weaned or around 8 weeks old, puppies should typically get their first shots. Once your puppy reaches the age of about four weeks, it should continue receiving its shots every roughly four weeks. Typically, three initial visits to the veterinarian are used to complete this.
Although your puppy’s exact dates may vary slightly (and your veterinarian will advise you on this), it’s crucial that their boosters are given within a specific time period, typically 4 weeks, as failing to do so could result in your dog having to repeat the entire series of vaccinations.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
- First vaccination: 6 to 8 weeks – DHP
- Second vaccination: 9 to 11 weeks – DHP
- Third vaccination: 12 to 15 weeks – DHP
- Fourth vaccination: 16 to 20 weeks – DHP
- Booster DHP: 1 year of age or 12 months after the last puppy shot, then as recommended (usually every 1-3 years)
- Typically, rabies vaccination is mandated by law between the ages of 3-6 months, with booster shots given 12 months later and then every 1-3 years after that.
- For social dogs (day camp, dog parks, boarding, grooming, and dog shows), Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Canine Influenza vaccinations are advised.
- Leptospirosis or Lyme disease: If you reside in or take your dog on a trip to a region where these are endemic, your veterinarian might advise this.
Who Is Qualified To Vaccinate My Puppy?
The first thing you should do after getting your puppy has registered it with a local veterinarian who can administer the necessary vaccinations. The best place to learn about the shots and treatments your new puppy will require is from your veterinarian.
What If I Adopted My Puppy From A Shelter Or Charity?
We will have given a puppy or dog their initial shots if you adopt them from us. When we rehome an animal, this is one of the reasons we charge an adoption fee. Continue to register with your veterinarian, and consult them about future vaccinations.
Start your puppy search right away, or read our puppy buying guide for tips on how to purchase a breeder’s healthy, content puppy.
When you’re ready to bring your puppy home, we have a ton of great advice about the puppy-buying process to help you welcome your new pup to the family. You can also learn more about caring for your puppy.
How Much Are The Shots For Puppies?
Depending on factors like where you live and whether they are core or non-core vaccinations, the cost of shots for your puppy may vary.
It’s also important to keep in mind that because there are more of them in the first year, the initial puppy vaccination costs are typically higher than they are once your dog is an adult.
Animal shelters frequently offer low-cost vaccination clinics if you’re looking for a less expensive option, though they might not provide all the shots your dog may require.
