Puppies are adorable, playful, and full of energy. As a new puppy owner, you want to make sure your furry friend remains healthy and happy. One of the most important steps you can take to keep them healthy is to vaccinate them against common illnesses. It's important to get your puppy all their vaccinations and keep up on a puppy vaccination schedule.
Here are some reasons why vaccines are vital and some of the most common vaccinations that are recommended for your puppers.
Why Are Puppy Shots Important?
When a pup is born, they have a certain level of immunity to illnesses from their mother's milk, but this immunity begins to wane after a few weeks. Vaccinations work by stimulating a puppy's immune system to produce antibodies to fight off specific illnesses.
Vaccinating your puppy is essential to protect them from common and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations not only protect your puppy, but they also protect other dogs from contagious illnesses.
Puppy shots help prevent the spread of highly contagious sicknesses, such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. These diseases can be severe and even fatal. Vaccinations provide an effective way to protect your puppy from disease and keep them healthy. Keep in mind they're only effective if you stick to a puppy vaccination schedule.
What vaccinations should your puppy receive?
At Laveen Veterinary Center, we recommend that puppies receive a series of vaccinations to ensure their protection against common diseases. Your puppy's vaccinations may vary depending on their age, breed, and lifestyle. However, some of the most common vaccinations that we recommend include the following:
Canine Distemper - Canine distemper is a viral and highly contagious disease that can affect puppies' respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be fatal in severe cases. Vaccination is the best way to protect your puppy from this disease from respiratory disease.
Parvovirus - This is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration and possible death. Vaccination is crucial to prevent parvovirus infection. The most at risk of contracting parvo are unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months of age.
Rabies - This is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal to both animals and humans. It is typically spread through the bite of an infected animal. The Rabies vaccine is required by law in most states and is essential to your puppy's health care. Talk to your veterinarian about rabies vaccination requirements and whether the rabies vaccine is required in your state.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica - This bacterial infection can cause a severe cough and can progress to pneumonia in some cases. It is commonly known as kennel cough. Vaccination is particularly important for doggos that will be spending time in boarding kennels, doggy daycare, dog parks, or other situations where they may be exposed to other pets.
Leptospirosis - is a bacterial infection that affects humans and animals. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. In severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, and even death.
When should you get your puppy vaccinated?
Pups require a series of vaccinations, which are usually given at three to four-week intervals. The vaccination schedule starts at six to eight weeks of age and continues until your puppy is 16 to 20 weeks of age. After the initial series of vaccinations, your pets will need boosters throughout their life to ensure continued protection. Talk with your doggo's veterinarian to set up an alternative schedule if needed.
Keep up on your puppy vaccinations schedule if at all possible. If your doggo isn't up to date on their shots and they're over 16 weeks of age, or you brought in a stray and are not sure of their age, call your veterinarian; they might recommend a shorter series of shots.
Where should you get your puppy vaccinated?
At Laveen Veterinary Center, we offer comprehensive puppy vaccinations to ensure that your puppy is protected against common illnesses. Our team of experienced vets will work with you to determine the best vaccination schedule for your puppy based on their age, breed, and lifestyle.
Vaccinating your puppy is a vital part of their health care. Vaccinations protect your puppy from any common and potentially life-threatening disease and help prevent the spread of these illnesses to other dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination schedule that is appropriate for your puppy. By keeping your puppy up to date on their vaccinations, you can help ensure that they live a long, healthy, and happy life
Here are some reasons why it is important for puppies to get vaccinations:
Protection from Disease - Vaccinations protect pups from a range of infectious diseases, which can be fatal or cause serious health problems, especially in young and unvaccinated pups.
Prevents the Spread of Disease - Vaccinating your puppy protects them and helps prevent the spread of illness to other dogs and even humans. Some illnesses that puppies can contract can be transmitted to humans, making it even more important to keep them up to date on their vaccines.
Cost-Effective - Puppy shots are a cost-effective way to protect your puppy's health in the long run. Treatment for a disease can be expensive, so investing in vaccines upfront can save you money on veterinary bills in the future.
Required by Law - In many states and municipalities, it's required by law to vaccinate dogs against rabies. Keeping your puppy up to date on their shots can help ensure that you are in compliance with local laws.
Peace of Mind - Vaccinating your puppy can provide peace of mind, knowing you're doing everything possible to protect their health and well-being.
If you're a new puppy owner, be sure to consult with your vet to develop a puppy vaccination schedule that works for your pup's specific needs. Remember that after their core vaccinations are finished, adult dogs will need boosters at intervals throughout their lives.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccinations are recommended for some dogs based on their lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure to certain sicknesses. Non-core vaccinations are not considered essential or required for all dogs like core vaccines are, but they can still provide important protection against certain illnesses.
Bordetella and Leptospirosis are examples of non-core vaccines.
It's important to note that not all dogs will need all of these vaccinations. Your vet can help determine which vaccines are appropriate for your dog based on their individual risk factors.
Contact Laveen Veterinary Center
At Laveen Veterinary Center, we understand the importance of vaccination in preventing any disease that can be fatal to puppies. To schedule your puppy's shots with our senior pet care team, contact us at (602) 559-5500 or book an appointment today. A member of our team will answer your initial questions and help you book an appointment with one of our experienced and professional Phoenix veterinarians.