So you have your new puppy, now you’re probably wondering what puppy shots are needed?
Puppies are adorable and bring a lot of joy to their owners. However, owning a puppy comes with a lot of responsibility, which includes ensuring that they receive the necessary vaccinations.
Puppies are vulnerable to a variety of diseases and illnesses, and getting them vaccinated is crucial to their health and well-being.
There are several puppy shots that are essential to protect them from diseases.
According to the American Kennel Club, the core vaccines that puppies need include distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies.
These vaccines protect puppies from severe illnesses that can be life-threatening.
Additionally, non-core vaccines are optional and recommended based on the puppy’s lifestyle, such as whether they live near livestock or go to doggie daycare.
Getting puppies vaccinated is not only important for their health but also for the safety of humans.
Some of the diseases that puppies can contract, such as rabies, are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that puppies receive all the necessary vaccinations on time to protect both themselves and their owners.
Table of Contents
Understanding Puppy Vaccinations
Core and Non-Core Vaccines
There are two main types of puppy vaccinations: core and non-core vaccines.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) core vaccines are considered essential and protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.
These include vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, and rabies.
Non-core vaccines are optional and are recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle and risk of exposure to certain diseases.
Vaccination Schedule
A puppy’s immune system is not fully developed and it’s important to follow a vaccination schedule set by your veterinarian to ensure your puppy is fully immunized.
Puppies typically receive their first set of vaccinations at around six to eight weeks of age, with additional shots given every three to four weeks until they are at least four months old.
After that, boosters or titers may be necessary throughout their life to maintain immunity.
It’s also important to note that some vaccines may be given together in one injection, known as a combination vaccine.
This can help reduce the number of injections your puppy needs.
The Essential Puppy Shots – What Puppy Shots Are Needed?
Here are the essential puppy shots that every puppy should receive:
Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.
Puppies are particularly vulnerable to this disease, which can be fatal. The canine distemper vaccine is a core vaccine that is recommended for all puppies.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus or Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in puppies.
This disease is often fatal, especially in young puppies. The parvovirus vaccine is a core vaccine that is recommended for all puppies.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans.
This disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The rabies vaccine is a core vaccine that is required by law in most states.
Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a viral disease that affects the liver and can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in puppies.
The canine hepatitis vaccine is a core vaccine that is recommended for all puppies.
Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system of dogs. It can cause coughing, sneezing, and fever in puppies.
The canine parainfluenza vaccine is a core vaccine that is recommended for all puppies.
Bordetella
Bordetella is a bacterial infection that can cause kennel cough in puppies. This disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly in environments where dogs are in close proximity to each other.
The Bordetella vaccine is a non-core vaccine that is recommended for puppies that will be spending time in boarding facilities or dog parks.
Lyme
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to dogs through tick bites. This disease can cause fever, joint pain, and lethargy in puppies.
The Lyme vaccine is a non-core vaccine that is recommended for puppies that live in areas where ticks are prevalent.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause kidney and liver damage in puppies. This disease is transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals.
The leptospirosis vaccine is a non-core vaccine that is recommended for puppies that live in areas where the disease is prevalent.
Symptoms and Side Effects of Vaccinations
Although vaccinations are an essential part of keeping a puppy healthy and protected from various diseases, like any medical procedure, they can cause some side effects.
It’s important to know what to expect after your puppy receives a vaccination, so you can monitor them for any adverse reactions.
One of the most common side effects of vaccinations is lethargy. After receiving a vaccine, your puppy may feel tired and want to sleep more than usual.
This is a normal reaction and should subside within a day or two.
Another common side effect is a mild fever. Your puppy’s body may react to the vaccine by producing a low-grade fever.
This is nothing to worry about, as it is a sign that the vaccine is working and the body is building immunity.
In some cases, puppies may experience vomiting or loss of appetite after receiving a vaccination. This is usually a mild reaction and should resolve on its own within a day or two.
However, if your puppy continues to vomit or refuses to eat, contact your veterinarian.
Dehydration and weight loss can also occur as a result of vaccine side effects.
Puppies may become dehydrated if they are not drinking enough water or if they are experiencing diarrhea.
If your puppy is experiencing weight loss or dehydration, contact your veterinarian immediately.
In rare cases, puppies may experience extreme weakness or adverse reactions to vaccinations.
These reactions can include difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or limbs.
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
The Risks of Not Vaccinating Your Puppy
Not vaccinating your puppy can have serious consequences for both you and your puppy.
Vaccines are crucial in protecting puppies from contagious and infectious diseases that can cause severe health problems and even death.
Some diseases are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted from animals to humans, making it essential to protect both your puppy and your family.
Again, puppies that are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, which can cause gastrointestinal, kidney failure, liver failure, and nervous system problems.
These diseases can be fatal and are highly contagious, making it easy for them to spread to other dogs.
In addition to the health risks, not vaccinating can also have legal consequences.
Some states require dogs to be vaccinated against certain diseases, and not complying with these laws can result in fines or even the removal of your pet.
How Effective are Vaccines?
It’s important to note that vaccines are not 100% effective, but they significantly reduce the risk of your puppy getting sick.
And while some people may argue that over-vaccination can be harmful, most veterinarians agree that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Deworming
Another health risk for puppies and adult dogs are worms and intestinal parasites, so deworming is an important part of their healthcare.
This is a part of most puppies’ round of shots and/or treatments.
Legal Aspects of Puppy Vaccinations
Pet owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their puppies are vaccinated against preventable diseases.
This is because some of these diseases can be transmitted to humans and cause serious health problems.
The law requires that puppies are vaccinated against certain diseases, such as rabies, before they can be taken out in public places.
Direct contact with unvaccinated dogs or contaminated objects can easily spread bacterial diseases to puppies.
This is why it is important to follow a puppy vaccination schedule recommended by veterinarians.
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that protect the puppy against specific diseases.
Preventable diseases can cause serious health problems and even death in puppies. Vaccinations not only protect the puppy but also reduce the spread of diseases in the community.
It is important to keep in mind that some vaccines require booster shots to maintain immunity, and veterinarians can provide guidance on the appropriate vaccination schedule for each puppy.
Vaccinations and Covid-19
Many pet owners are wondering if their loyal companions need to be vaccinated against the virus.
As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that dogs need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “there is no evidence to suggest that dogs or cats can transmit the virus to humans or other animals.”
However, it’s important to note that there are other coronaviruses that can affect dogs.
Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
While there is a vaccine available for CCoV, it’s not considered a core vaccine and is only recommended for dogs at high risk of exposure, such as those in kennels or shelters.
Another coronavirus that can affect dogs is canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV). This virus is highly contagious and can cause respiratory issues in dogs.
While there is a vaccine available for CRCoV, it’s not considered a core vaccine and is only recommended for dogs at high risk of exposure, such as those in kennels or shelters.
Another Look at Vaccinations for Specific Lifestyles
In addition to core vaccines, there are non-core vaccines that are recommended for dogs based on their lifestyle and environment.
These non-core vaccines are optional but can provide additional protection against various diseases.
Kennel Cough Vaccine
The Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine, also known as the kennel cough vaccine, is recommended for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs in places like boarding facilities, dog parks, and grooming salons.
This vaccine protects against a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be easily spread in these environments.
Canine Influenza Vaccine
The H3N2/H3N8 canine influenza vaccine is recommended for dogs that are at high risk of exposure to the virus.
This includes dogs that frequently interact with other dogs, such as those that go to doggie daycare or participate in dog shows.
The vaccine can help prevent the spread of the virus, which can cause respiratory illness in dogs.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Dogs that live in areas with a high mosquito population are at increased risk of heartworm infection.
Heartworm prevention medication is recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle, to protect against this disease.
Titers
Titers are blood tests that measure the level of antibodies in a dog’s system. These tests can be used to determine if a dog needs to be revaccinated for certain diseases.
Some veterinarians recommend titers as an alternative to revaccination for adult dogs that are fully vaccinated but have a low risk of exposure to certain diseases.
Understanding Diseases Related to Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an essential part of a puppy’s life. They help to prevent diseases that can be fatal or cause severe health problems.
Some of the diseases that puppies can be vaccinated against include rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.
When puppies are vaccinated, their immune system is exposed to a weakened or dead form of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease.
This exposure triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that will protect the puppy from getting infected with the disease in the future.
Puppies that have liver or kidney disease, or that have a weakened immune system, may need to have a modified vaccination schedule or may not be able to receive certain vaccines.
Puppies that have eye problems, jaundice, or spleen problems may also need to have a modified vaccination schedule.
It’s also important to note that some vaccines, such as the leptospirosis vaccine, can cause puppies to shed the bacteria in their feces for a short period after vaccination.
This shedding can be a concern for households with immunocompromised individuals or other pets that may be at risk of getting the disease.
If a puppy does get sick after receiving a vaccine, it’s important to seek veterinary care. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies get their first shots?
Puppies usually get their first shots between 6 to 8 weeks of age. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the puppy’s health, breed, and lifestyle.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your puppy.
What is the recommended puppy vaccination schedule?
The typical puppy vaccination schedule involves a series of shots given every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16-17 weeks old.
During this time, the puppy will receive a series of vaccines to protect against various diseases. Some puppies may require an additional booster at around 20 weeks old.
It’s important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure that your puppy is protected against potential health risks.
How much do puppy shots cost?
The cost of puppy shots may vary depending on the location, type of vaccine, and veterinarian. Generally, the cost of puppy shots can range from $20 to $150 per shot.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cost of the vaccines and any additional fees that may be associated with the vaccination process.
What are the most important puppy shots?
The most important puppy shots are known as “core vaccines.”
These vaccines protect against potentially fatal diseases that are highly contagious and can be transmitted through the environment or other animals.
Core vaccines include the distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies vaccines.
It’s important to ensure that your puppy receives all of the recommended core vaccines to protect against these serious health risks.
How many shots does a puppy need before going outside?
Puppies should receive a series of vaccinations before going outside. Typically, puppies need to receive at least two sets of vaccinations before they can safely go outside.
However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your puppy based on their individual health needs.
At what age is a puppy fully vaccinated?
Puppies are typically considered fully vaccinated at around 16-17 weeks of age. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the puppy’s health, breed, and lifestyle.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine when your puppy is fully vaccinated and can safely interact with other animals and the environment.