It is recommended for you to regularly vaccinate your dog against many important infectious and life threatening diseases. All dogs should be routinely vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus and rabies in certain countries. Additionally, dogs may be vaccinated to help prevent Kennel Cough. This vaccine is very essential for dogs regularly attending shows or visiting boarding kennels.
Mothers protection.
As I’m sure your aware you need to get your dog vaccinated for a reason because he will not be immune from diseases from birth. The mother does pass on some immunity from the blood via the placenta and in its first milk (also known as colostrum’s). But beware this immunity fades pretty quickly (6-8 weeks!) . For this reason it is best to get your puppy it’s first vaccination from 8 weeks old. Also know that the mother won’t offer antibodies that she is not vaccinated for herself. So double check the mother has all her shots up-to-date!
What age should i get my puppy vaccinated?
It is advised to get your puppy his first group of vaccinations at the age of about six weeks. Now this can vary in certain litters but most of the time 6 weeks he will be good to go. Best thing to do is ring your vet and simply tell him what type of dog you have got and he can present you with a bit more detailed puppy vaccination schedule.
Puppy vaccination schedule
Puppy vaccination schedules vary from city to city and country to country but for the age of
6-8 weeks – distemper, measles and parainfluenza
10-12 weeks – DHPP (vaccinations for distemper, adenvirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza and parvovirus
12-24 weeks – Rabies
14-16 weeks – DHPP
Your vet is likely to advise to obtain another rabies & DHPP shot at the age of 12-16 months then a rabies shot every 1-3 years after that.
Things to remember
It is very important to have your puppy indoors and away from other dogs until seven days after his last injection. This is to avoid infection and until he or she is fully protected up against the big bad world!
Your vet will offer you a vaccination record book/sheet of all your puppies injections thus far and will also have dates for future boosters/vaccinations etc. If he doesn’t, make sure you ask him for it as its an essential document specifically if you are planning on insuring or breeding your dog down the road!
All of the diseases already mentioned share the very same initial indications of depression, a high temperature and a loss of appetite, if you think the dog is acting strange or unwell especially before these vaccinations get him to the vet immediately.
Some breeds of dogs have to have a different puppy vaccination schedule, my Rottweiler Macy needed to have extra parvo vaccinations, there obviously weaker to that particular virus. Your vet will advise you on any special requirements your puppy may need.
Your dog may not need to get yearly boosters as some dogs are less prone to catching diseases, a veterinarian can advise you on this. But if you plan on breeding your dog you may need to get him or her special vaccinations, again your vet can advise you on these issues.
For more information on your Puppy Vaccination Schedule click the blue text!
