All You Need To Know About Vaccinating Your Puppy
When you bring a new pup into your life, keeping them healthy becomes a priority. Giving them the right vaccination to protect them from highly contagious and infectious diseases will give you a headstart as you look to give them a clean bill of health.
From birth, mothers pass on a fair dose of immunity to their younglings through the colostrum found in their breast milk. But as is often the case, this immunity is insufficient and just a placeholder till when your puppy needs stronger defence as they grow.
This protection comes in form of a vaccine — a medication created to put their body’s immune system in a disease-fighting mode through the release of antibodies.Besides keeping them safe from diseases and ensuring their well-being, you also protect other dogs in your community from common diseases.
But knowing which vaccine to give and when can be overwhelming, especially as you’re no vet. This guide will walk you through the essentials of puppy vaccines, including the types available, scheduling, benefits, and common questions.
Why you should vaccinate your puppy?
As your puppies coast through life, there will be times where they get exposed to diseases — whether communicable or noncommunicable. This is where vaccines come in, preventing dangerous diseases, fortifying your puppy with antibodies that fight off diseases when they spring up, and giving your puppy’s an added boost or a whole lifeline.
Without vaccines, puppies are at risk of contracting illnesses that can be life-threatening — Distemper and Parvo are two of the worst of such illnesses. Protecting your puppy is just one benefit, and in the early years (mostly, the first year of their life), you may need to take them to the veterinarian a few times to get vaccinated.
What are some disseases that vaccines help prevent in dogs?
Vaccinations are essential for protecting your dog from several serious diseases. Some of these illnesses are highly contagious, and young puppies are especially vulnerable. With the right vaccines, you can greatly reduce the risk of these diseases, keeping your dog healthy and giving them the best chance at a long, happy life. Here are some of these viruses:
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans. Once symptoms appear, it’s almost always fatal, making it one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases.
The virus spreads through the saliva, typically via bites. Common carriers include raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks, but your pup can also fall a victim if exposed to these animals. Rabid symptoms include behavior changes, excessive drooling, aggression, paralysis, and eventually, death. Because the disease can be transmitted to humans, rabies is a serious public health concern.
Thankfully, you can vacinnate your pup against rabies. In fact, iin many places, it's legally required. The rabies vaccine ensures long-term protection and the first rabies vaccine is typcially administered around 12 to 16 weeks of age, with boosters given every one to three years.
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Canine distemper is one of the most dangerous viral diseases for dogs. It spreads easily and can be fatal, especially for puppies. The virus affects dogs of all ages, but younger pups are at the highest risk.
The virus spreads when your pup inhales droplets from another infected dog or contaminated dust around. Once infected, fever creeps in, as well as discharge from the eyes and nose. As the disease progresses, it may experience diarrhea, and respiratory issues, and muscle spasms, convulsions, and skin reactions also happen in more severe cases.
Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is another highly infectious disease that can strike dogs of any age, though it tends to be most severe in puppies. The virus spreads through the ingestion of infected urine, feces, or saliva, and dogs can continue spreading the disease long after they’ve recovered.
Symptoms include fever, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain caused by liver swelling. Jaundice and depression may also develop, and the disease can be fatal within hours in severe cases. Puppies infected with hepatitis are especially at risk, making vaccination crucial.
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
Perhaps the the most feared diseases among dog owners due to its severity and virality. CPV can affect dogs of all ages, but young puppies are particularly vulnerable. The virus is common in Australia. It spreads through contact with an infected dog's feces or contaminated soil. Humans can also unknowingly spread it on their shoes or other objects, so your pup doesn’t even have to leave the house to get infected.
Also, it attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and extreme lethargy. Without treatment, puppies can die within 24 hours of showing symptoms. Even worse, the virus can linger in the environment for over a year, making it a persistent threat.
Canine Cough (Kennel Cough)
This is a common and highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica, both of which can be prevented through vaccination.
The disease spreads quickly when puppies are in close contact, such as at dog parks, kennels, or dog shows. If an infected dog coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air, where it can infect your puppy. As the name suggests, the symptom is a persistent dry cough that may last weeks. Conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, or nasal discharge are a few of the other symptoms.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Puppy vaccines basically fall into two groups: Core and Non-core.
Core Vaccines:
Core vaccines are required for all puppies and dogs. TThey are administered based on your puppy’s lifestyle, their location, and where you live or travel. They include:
DHP (also called DAP), which includes Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV) or Hepatitis, and Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and are usually combined; and
Rabies.
Non-core Vaccines/Lifestyle Vaccines:
Non-core vaccines are optional but may come in handy based on your pup’s lifestyle. Your vet will consider several factors to know if non-core vaccines are appropriate for your furry friend. One such factor is your geographic location. Certain diseases are more prevalent in specific areas.
Leptospirosis, for example, tends to thrive in warm, humid climates or places with loads of rainfall. You can also find it in contaminated water—think ponds, rivers, or even puddles where wildlife like rodents leave behind infected urine. If your pup spends time around these types of water sources, their risk is higher.
Another such example is in Lyme disease which is spread through ticks and common in places like the Northeastern and Upper Midwest U.S. If your pup explores wooded or grassy areas in these regions, they may benefit from the Lyme vaccine.
Another important consideration is your pet's social life. Dogs that frequent daycares, dog parks, or grooming and boarding facilities may be at higher risk of exposure to certain illnesses. Other factors that predict whether a puppy may or may not need non-core vaccines are: their age, travel habits, medical history, and environment.
Non-core vaccines protect against diseases like:
Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs who will be in close contact with others.
Leptospira (Leptospirosis): Ideal for puppies in areas where this bacterial infection is common.
H3N2/H3N8 Canine Influenza: Beneficial for dogs frequently exposed to other dogs.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies
Most puppies begin receiving vaccines between 6 to 8 weeks old, with follow-up shots through 16 weeks. Here’s a table that spells out an average time-frame within which you may vaccinate your puppy:
Puppies
Core Vaccines
Non-Core Vaccine
6-8 weeks
DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Bordetella (optional)
10-12 weeks
DA2PP booster
Canine Influenza (optional)
Leptospirosis (optional),
Lyme
14-16 weeks
DA2PP
Note that vets typically recommend administering the final DAP vaccine at 16 weeks or older. The rabies vaccine may be given earlier if required by law.
Rabies vaccine
In most locations, rabies vaccines are legally required when puppies are 3-6 months matured followed by a booster 12 months later. Then another booster every other1-3 years.
Bordetella Boostern (optional booster)
Leptospirosis Booster (optional)
Lyme
FAQs About Puppy Vaccines
Do Puppies Need Multiple Shots?
In short, yes. Puppies need several rounds of vaccines as their maternal antibodies fade to help them build strong immunity.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Generally speaking, vaccines are safe for most puppies. Though, there mild side effects like a low fever or tiredness. Severe reactions are rare, but it's a good idea to watch for unusual symptoms and talk to your vet if you're concerned.
At what age should my puppy get shots?
You may need to consult with your veterinarian to confirm this. A vaccination schedule (or puppy shot schedule) should start as soon as they clock 6-8 weeks.
Can Certain Vaccines Be Skipped?
While core vaccines are necessary for all puppies, some non-core vaccines may not be needed. This would, of course, depend on your puppy’s lifestyle. Ultimately, you should speak to a vet to help you decide which ones are essential.
How can I care for my pup after vaccination?
After your puppy’s vaccinations, you should keep an eye on them for any signs of discomfort or reactions. Most puppies feel a little tired after their shots, so let them rest. Make sure they drink plenty of water, and check for any unusual symptoms, such as swelling or vomiting.
How to find the right Veterinarian?
Getting the right vet is all about finding a knowledgeable and competent professional who can explain how each vaccine works, while making you feel comfortable throughout the process.
