Getting Your Puppy Vaccinated

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed so you'll be notified of new articles immediately!. Thanks for visiting!

Puppies receive natural immunity from their mother’s colostrum (first milk) as they nurse. This immunity is only temporary. Vaccinations must be given in order to prevent the common diseases that affect puppies. Prior to you receiving the puppy it is more than likely that the breeder has given any vaccinations recommended for puppies under 8 weeks of age. ( Do NOT assume ask and get documentation) Now that the puppy is eight weeks old and is yours the series of vaccinations must continue.

Getting your puppy vaccinated should be a top priority to you from the time the puppy arrives in your home. The first vaccination schedule will help to prevent common illnesses that may infect your dog such as Distemper, Rabies and Parvo. Your vaccination schedule should begin at eights weeks.

Rabies is an infection caused by the bite of an animal that is infected. It is spread by animals such as raccoons, bats and warm blooded animals. The infections symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and a high temperature . It can be mistaken for other diseases.

Distemper is an airborne virus that affects the lungs, intestines and central nervous system and is described as being similar to measles. It’s symptoms include fatigue, coughing, seizures, vomiting and a large amount of mucus coming from the nose. It is also very contagious.

Parvovirus is one of the most commonly known of the diseases affecting puppies. Parvo is spread via the air wherever dogs congregate such as dog parks. It is highly contagious and it most severely affected group is puppies under twelve weeks of age. It’s most common symptom is diarrhea which may be bloody, but is known to have few symptoms in some affected animals. Surprisingly ,Parvo is known to live on items such as dishes, pans, clothing , crates and to other objects for long periods. Cleaning with a bleach and water solution is recommended for possible infected items.

Bordetella Bronchseptica or “Kennel Cough” is contagious. The symptoms include dry hacking cough almost like a honking sound and watery nasal discharge. In severe cases it can progress to lethargy, fever, poor appetite and pneumonia. It is spread by contact with other dogs. It is more common in animals that are boarded, attend doggie day care and congregate in dog parks.

Coronavirus is similar to Parvo and can be severe but is not usually fatal. It directly affects the intestines with vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection affecting the kidneys. It is contagious to humans and other dogs. The symptoms include fever, fatigue and vomiting. Severe conditions may cause convulsions and impaired vision.

Parainfluenza is a virus that causes a respiratory infection. It is highly contagious and is transmitted via the air when the infected dog coughs and sneezes.

The first set of vaccinations is what is called a combination vaccine. This vaccine is effective in preventing Distemper, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis and Bordetella Bronchseptica, Rabies and Parainfluenza. This is not the end for vaccinations.

Distemper shots are given in two shots two weeks apart. Leptospirosis is given twice a year. Parvo vaccine is given every three to four weeks from the ages of three weeks to twenty weeks of age. Some veterinarians also recommend an annual vaccination. Coronavirus is given at six weeks of age and every two to three weeks apart until twelve weeks of age. Rabies is given at twelve weeks of age and in periodic vaccinations one to three years apart. Bordetella is given once a year nasally and more frequently if the dog is boarded.

Choosing to vaccinate your puppy is an individual choice but is highly recommended. Not doing so can risk your pets life. Discuss all of the vaccinations with your Veterinarian. He/She will give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

Our information is superseded by a Veterinarian’s education, knowledge and licensure. This article is for information and educational purposes only.

About the Author: Written by Fran Gratton a dog lover who provides gifts and gift ideas for other dog lovers at Heart Filled Baskets www.heartfilledbaskets.com Find puppy gifts and big dog gift baskets for your canine companion at Baers Baery Good Dog Bytes www.baersbaerygooddogbytes.com Dog gifts, cat gifts and gifts for the people who love them.