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Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyous experience. Ensuring your puppy stays healthy and protected from various diseases is crucial, and vaccinations play a significant role in this. Here’s a detailed guide to the vaccination schedule for your puppy from its early weeks through adulthood.
Why Vaccinate Your Puppy?
Vaccinations are essential to protect your puppy from a host of dangerous and potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating your puppy’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, providing immunity against diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Core Vaccines: These are essential for all dogs due to the risk of severe disease, high transmission rates, or potential spread to humans.
Non-Core Vaccines: These are recommended based on the dog's risk of exposure, lifestyle, and geographic location.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
6-8 Weeks Old
Distemper, Parvovirus (DHP): Initial vaccination to begin building immunity against these serious diseases.
Bordetella (Optional): Particularly important if the puppy will be in contact with other dogs frequently.
10-12 Weeks Old
DHP (Booster): Continued protection against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis: Depending on the risk in your area, this may be included as a combination with DHP (DHP-L).
Canine Influenza (Optional): Recommended if the dog is at risk of exposure.
14-16 Weeks Old
DHP (Booster): Final puppy booster in this series.
Rabies: Required by law in many areas; protects against a fatal disease that can affect humans.
12-16 Months Old
DHP: One-year booster to ensure continued immunity.
Rabies: One-year booster or a three-year vaccine, depending on local regulations and veterinarian recommendations.
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule (Every 1-3 Years)
DHP: Booster shots every 1-3 years, depending on veterinarian advice.
Rabies: Every 1-3 years, following local laws and guidelines.
Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza: Based on the dog's lifestyle and risk of exposure.
Non-Core Vaccines and Special Considerations
Lyme Disease: Recommended for dogs in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.
Canine Parainfluenza and Adenovirus-2: Often included in combination vaccines like DHP.
Tips for Puppy Owners
Follow the Schedule: Stick to the vaccination schedule provided by your veterinarian to ensure your puppy is fully protected. Ask your vet about deworming and flea and tick prevention, note that over-the-counter flea and tick medication is not recommended for puppies under a certain age.
Regular Vet Visits: Schedule regular check-ups to keep track of your dog’s health and vaccination needs. Use treats and affection to help make the vet visit enjoyable for your puppy.
Keep Records: Maintain a vaccination record for your dog, which is helpful for boarding, travelling, and emergencies. Note that there are new rules for travelling to the U.S.A. with your dog as of August 01, 2024. Please visit the Canadian Government website here.
Conclusion
Vaccinating your puppy is a fundamental part of responsible pet ownership. By following this vaccination schedule and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure your puppy grows into a healthy and happy adult dog, ready to enjoy a long life with you.
For more personalized advice or if you have specific concerns, always consult with your veterinarian. Your puppy's health and well-being depend on these early steps to safeguard against preventable diseases.
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