Know Which Shots Your Puppy Does, Doesn’t Need

Adopting a puppy is a huge responsibility. Sure, let’s be honest – they’re obviously cute and fun and full of energy, but they need a lot of veterinary attention and care in their first year of life, too. The first few months are especially critical for puppy care because they set the stage for lifelong health.

Your pup depends on you for everything, and that includes prompt medical care. In this post, we’ll tell you about early puppyhood vaccines and reveal when they should be scheduled for the best chance of keeping your new pup healthy long-term.

Necessary Vaccinations for Puppies

The earliest vaccinations for dogs are also the most important. Many vets recommend keeping your dog isolated from other animals until they’ve had at least their first set of shots because the risk of disease transmission is much, much higher.

The reason for waiting matters: a lot of the conditions protected against in the earlier sets of shots are highly contagious. But the good news is that once your dog has those first few initial shots (we’ll talk about those in a second), they are protected from the riskiest and most dangerous diseases for at least one or more years.

Most dogs will receive some sort of vaccination every two to four weeks until they are fully vaccinated. Now, let’s break down exactly which vaccinations they’ll receive. First, we’ll explain the diseases; then, we’ll tell you about the vaccines and how they protect your dog.

• Distemper is a virus that can wreak havoc on your dog’s respiratory system, GI tract, and nervous system. It is very contagious and is often passed around in kennels and shelters. Distemper is fatal and has no known cure.
• Parainfluenza is a virus similar to the flu. Most dogs recover without any veterinary intervention, but the vaccine can help prevent the condition from developing.
• Coronavirus is also a virus, causing diarrhea and vomiting. It can be fatal in puppies because their sensitive systems become overwhelmed by fluid loss.
• Canine hepatitis is a virus shared via bodily fluids. It attacks the liver and causes jaundice, a bloated stomach, vomiting, and pain. The most severe forms are deadly, but even non-fatal forms can make your dog very sick.
• Parvovirus is one of the most serious canine viruses your dog can contract, especially in puppyhood. Parvo presents with severe vomiting and diarrhea, and often comes from contact with feces or contaminated dirt. More severe forms of parvo may also attack the heart, causing cardiac arrest or death. The death rate among puppies that contract this disease is very high.

The vaccines for these conditions are often bundled together to make inoculation easier and more efficient. They are given at regular intervals starting at the six to eight week mark, and are then repeated with boosters every few weeks until the puppy is about 5 months old. From there, boosters are repeated yearly or every few years.

About the Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is mandatory in nearly all counties, and in most areas, is actually required by state law. Animals that contract rabies struggle with brain swelling, headaches, and anxiety. They are also believed to suffer from hallucinations. Dogs with rabies can act oddly or become violent, and if they happen to bite a human, may pass the always-fatal disease on to the human, too.

If a dog contracts rabies, they almost always need to be euthanized. There is a small chance for treatment if inoculation is given within a few hours of infection. However, the dog would need to be treated early for it to be successful. It is far easier to watch your dog be vaccinated than to watch him or her go through rabies treatment itself.

The rabies vaccination is usually administered at around four months of age. Depending on the strain, the booster shot is re-administered every one to three years.

Optional Vaccinations

Your veterinarian may recommend other optional vaccinations. While these inoculations aren’t as critical, they can help to provide better protection from common illnesses.

• Leptospirosis is a bacteria that causes systemic infections. This condition is one of the very few that can be transferred between humans (especially children) and dogs. It is commonly found in bodies of water, puddles, and dirt, making this an important vaccine if you and your pup plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. You may have it included in your combo vaccine, or you can have it taken care of separately at the 10 to 12 week mark. Either way, your dog will need a booster vaccine at around 12 to 16 months.
• Bordetella is a virus similar to the parainfluenza virus in that it is a very common cause of kennel cough. Kennel cough is highly contagious, with the most common symptoms being coughing, vomiting, and respiratory distress. While this vaccine is optional, it is recommended for dogs who spend time in day cares, boarding kennels, and communal dog spaces.

There is a canine Lyme vaccination, however, it is relatively new. If you opt for this vaccine, the first injection happens around 14 weeks and is repeated at 17 weeks. Booster shots happen annually. Many pet owners opt to use topical flea and tick preventatives to prevent Lyme disease instead.

Does My Dog Really Need an Annual Booster?

There is a bit of controversy as to whether or not dogs need annual vaccination boosters after the initial injections. According to the American Kennel Club, some vets believe the annual boosters are mandatory, while others think too much exposure can be harmful. Your vet will decide which schedule is best for your dog.

Those who are against extra exposure tend to recommend titers, or bloodwork done to check on a dog’s immunity to each disease. If there is a deficiency, the necessary booster can be given without exposing the dog to the extras. It’s important to remember that this type of testing will never apply to rabies — you must follow your state’s law for the administration of that particular booster.

Bringing Home Your New Puppy

Most puppies don’t leave their mothers until eight to 12 weeks of age. Some breeders will have the first set of shots taken care of before you bring them home. Make sure you get vaccination records so that you can pick up where the breeder left off.

If this is not the case, you should have a vet visit scheduled before you even pick your new puppy up. That way it is on the calendar and you will not have to confine your puppy to the house for longer than necessary.

The cost of vaccinations is generally higher in your puppy’s first year. You should expect to pay between $75 and $150 by the time all is said and done, but the amount may be higher or lower depending on which vaccinations your dog requires. This may seem like a steep amount, but it really isn’t much at all compared to the cost of veterinary care if your dog becomes ill.

While mild allergic reactions can occur, severe allergies are extremely rare and aren’t a reason to avoid vaccination in the average dog. As usual, and as is similar in nature to human vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh the risks. The sooner you get your puppy on a healthy vaccination schedule, the sooner you can spend time outdoors, going on walks, splashing in puddles, and beginning to build a lifetime of memories together.