Puppy Vaccination Care

Thinking of getting a puppy? You probably already know that he or she is supposed to get vaccinated. But you may wonder what the vaccines protect against and why they need to be vaccinated so many times at such a young age. Excellent question!Very young animals are highly susceptible to infectious disease because their immune system is not yet fully mature. In many instances, the first dose of a vaccine serves to prime the animal’s immune system against the virus or bacteria while subsequent doses help further stimulate the immune system to produce the important antibodies needed to protect an animal from diseases. To provide optimal protection against disease in the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations are scheduled, usually 3-4 weeks apart.

Here are our recommendations:

 

First Year

8-12 weeks   (2 months)	Complete Exam / DHPP-b / Bordetella /fecal float
12-14 weeks (3 months)	Complete/ DHPP-b
15-17 weeks (4 months)	Wellness / DHPP-1 / Rabies-1
16-19 weeks (5 months)	Complete / Lyme-b / Lepto-b)
18-21 weeks (5 months)	Complete/ Lyme-1 / Lepto-1)
5-8 months	Canine Spay/ Neuter
8 months	Wellness / 4DX test / Bordetella booster /fecal float

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Extra Vaccine Information

1. Lyme and Leptospirosis vaccines recommended based on exposure- if pet has access to yard or wooded area.

2. Leptospirosis: Do not administer to puppies less than 12 weeks of age. If prior vaccination not given within prior 24 months a booster is required.

3. Lyme: Strongly recommend administering as a stand-alone vaccine in puppies. If prior vaccination not given within prior 24 months a booster is required.

4. Puppy booster vaccines should be given every 3-4 wks, do not give to puppy less than 6 weeks of age, w/ final DHPP and Rabies given after 14 weeks of age.

5. DHPP and Rabies do not need to be booster if given for the first time in a dog over 16wks.

6. Vaccines are biologic products and, as such, provoke a series of complex immune reactions that may culminate in rapid-onset side effects lasting from a few hours to a few days. Rarely do these self-limiting side effects escalate into something serious. Side effects commonly observed include: reduced or loss of appetite (lasting for one or two feedings), pain at the injection site, lethargy (lack of activity), reluctance to walk and/or run, and mild fever. It is recommended that you contact the practice in the event any physical and/or behavioral manifestations progressively worsen or continue beyond 2–3 days. Contact your Vet practice at any time if signs of systemic illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, facial swelling, collapse, or difficulty breathing, develop.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Leptospira. The disease often causes serious damage to the kidney and liver, and may be fatal in severe cases. Wild animals, including skunks, raccoons, opossums, rats, wolves, and deer can spread infection to dogs.

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