How Many Vaccinations Do Puppies Need

What Do Vaccinations Protect Against

Dogs need to be protected against the below serious and sometime fatal diseases:

Canine Distemper

• Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that can affect any dog, especially young puppies and unvaccinated dogs. This virus affects a dogs respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Symptoms of Canine Distemper are sneezing, coughing and thick discharge from the eyes and nose, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. Canine Distemper is closely related to the human measles virus, many years ago this infectious disease was a leading cause of deaths in canines, but due to the development of effective vaccines it is rarely seen by vets today.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis – Adenoviruses are a family of viruses two forms of these viruses can cause serious disease in dogs Canine adenovirus type 1, causes Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Canine adenovirus type 2, can be a part of Infectious tracheo-bronchitis .Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious and can affect the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes. Symptoms can include: Vomiting, Coughing, Drinking and urinating a lot, Loss of appetite, Jaundice, Abdominal pain, Weight loss, Pale tongue, gums, and nose.

Parvovirus

Parainfluenza virus or Infectious tracheo-bronchitis

Leptospirosis

Canine Coronavirus

When To Start Puppy Vaccinations

In general, a puppy should start vaccines as soon as you get the puppy and then every three weeks until approximately four months of age when it will receive the final round. Generally, if the puppy’s mother has a healthy immune system, it will most likely receive antibodies in the mother’s milk while nursing. After a puppy has been weaned off of the mother’s milk, vaccinations should begin.

Setting Up A Puppy Shot Schedule

The puppy shot schedule will be designed after several veterinary checkups during your puppy’s first year. Your veterinarian will explain the different types of puppy shots that will be on the schedule, best times to get these vaccines, and perform a general health checkup on your puppy.

While the regulations for canine vaccination can differ by country and U.S. state, the general accepted guidelines in the United States for vaccinating dogs are below.

Read Also: How Many Floridians Have Been Vaccinated

Does My Dog’s Lifestyle Factor Into What Vaccinations My Veterinarian Will Recommend

For the most part, there’s a core set of vaccines that we recommend for all dogsparvo, distemper, rabies. But there are some other vaccines, depending on whether the dog goes to dog parks or to boarding a lot. With dogs like this, I’m going to recommend Bordetella, which is kennel cough, and we may also recommend the flu vaccine. There is a vaccine for leptospirosis, and that is also a zoonotic disease. It’s transmitted through the urine of wildlife, rats especially.

If you live in a high rise, the chances of being exposed are much less, but many dogs can be exposed to lepto. But there, again, it just kind of depends on the dog’s lifestyle as to which other vaccines we’re going to recommend.

What Are The Side Effects And Adverse Reactions To Vaccines

Some owners choose not to vaccinate their puppies because they believe the dog may suffer adverse reactions of dangerous side effects. While it is possible for puppies and dogs to react after a vaccination, it rarely results in damage or death. Most post-vaccination reactions are minor and typically occur within a few hours of the injection. Those reactions may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Breathing difficulties
• Sensitivity in the vaccinated area

Unusual reactions a puppy may have after vaccination are haemolytic anemia and reproductive system issues. In rare cases, granulomas may form in the body. These kinds of reactions are unlikely to happen to your dog, and even if they do, these side effects are mild in comparison to potentially exposing your puppy to dangerous and deadly diseases.

Also Check: Which Vaccine Is Walgreens Using

Video Answer: Puppy Vaccinations Injections & Shots

The vaccine for leptospirosis is not always part of the routine vaccination program for all dogs. Your veterinarian will consider the risks and options for your pet. Revaccinating annually is often needed to maintain best immunity. The four-serovar vaccine is currently the only vaccine recommended by experts.

In most states, the first rabies vaccination is generally given to puppies at or before 16 weeks of age. The second rabies vaccination is given one year after the first vaccine. Then, your dog will be vaccinated every year or every three years depending on the state law and the vaccine used.

When Should My Puppy Have His Or Her First Vaccinations

Puppies are normally safe from most infections for the first few weeks of their lives thanks to the immunity passed onto them through their mothers milk. But they will normally need to start vaccinations between the ages of six to nine weeks. Several initial injections are required, followed by regular boosters which will need to be kept up to date for the rest of your dogs life.

Until your puppys vaccination course is complete and active , they should not go to outside public areas, or any garden where an unvaccinated dog may have been. But during this time it is still important that your puppy starts learning how to socialise . Many vets now run special classes where puppies can learn to socialise with minimal risk of disease.

Also Check: How Many Vaccinated In Texas

Why Are Puppy Shots A Series Why Is The Timing Important

Every puppy is different. A puppy who was one in a litter of 3 puppies may have been able to suckle more colostrum from Mom, than a puppy that was one in a litter of 13.

Although if the Mom of the litter of 3 wasnt well vaccinated herself, or she didnt produce good milk or do a good job of nursing her pups, then it may not necessarily be the case.

Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. So we never 100% know a pups starting immune status, how well they are initially protected by maternal immunity, or how well their immune system will respond to the vaccines we’re administering.

So to provide the best level of protection to the greatest number of puppies in the greatest number of situations, the puppy shots are administered as a series of “initial shots” and “booster shots” over the course of the first several months of their life. This gives their maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and conjunction with their “shots.”

Video Answer: Understanding Dog Vaccinations

The initial puppy shots – often a combo shot for both parvovirus and distemper – typically cost about $15-$30 per round, with three to four rounds of shots required starting at about 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters being given every two-three weeks thereafter.

The total cost for the series is typically $60-$120.

Yes it is. But ironically, there’s even greater risk for puppies given a series of shots.

Not only do these puppies receive more vaccines, meaning they’re more likely to suffer from vaccine-induced chronic disease, there’s a little downside to vaccines your vet doesn’t tell you about

The vaccine for leptospirosis is not always part of the routine vaccination program for all dogs. Your veterinarian will consider the risks and options for your pet. Revaccinating annually is often needed to maintain best immunity. The four-serovar vaccine is currently the only vaccine recommended by experts.

Don’t Miss: How To Check Vaccination Status

When Should Puppies Be Vaccinated

Puppies are typically vaccinated at eight and ten weeks with the second dose usually being given two to four weeks later. Speak to your vet about the best timings.

Your puppy will then require a booster vaccination at 6 or 12 months. As your puppy grows into an adult dog it’s important to ensure you visit the vet and keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.

What If I Rehomed My Puppy From A Charity Or Animal Home

If you adopt a puppy or dog from us, we’ll have already given them initial vaccinations. That’s one of the reasons we charge an adoption fee when we rehome an animal. You should still register with your vet, and talk to them about additional vaccines in the future.

Start your search for a puppy today or take a look at our puppy buying guide for advice on getting a healthy, happy puppy from a breeder. When you’re ready to bring your pup home, we have lots of great tips about the puppy buying process to help you welcome your new pup to the family, and you can also learn more about caring for your puppy.

Read Also: Is Gardasil The Same As Hpv Vaccine

Dhpp Vaccine For Adults

Most vets recommend a DHPP booster one year after the puppy shots. And then theyll want to repeat it every 3 years.

Some vets will even remind you annually that your dogs due for DHPP. If you want your dog to have an annual checkup, thats fine. But it doesnt need to include a vaccine!

If your dog had a DHPP vaccine at 16 weeks or later , hes likely protected for life by the shots hes already had. As Dr Schultzs work showed, your dog doesnt need annual or even triennial DHPP shots.

If you adopt an adult from a shelter or rescue, theyll proudly state that hes up to date on vaccines. Thats because most of these organizations dont know your dogs vaccine history so they vaccinate just in case. And usually that just in case vaccination was unnecessary.

Chances are, your new dog has already had the DHPP vaccine earlier in his life so he didnt need it again. In rare cases, you may be able to persuade a rescue to let you handle vaccination yourself. And then you have a choice.

You can choose not to vaccinate your adult dog. Or, if youre concerned hes protected you can get titers that confirm it. If you get a positive titer, you know your dogs protected and theres no need to repeat the titer in later years.

Unfortunately, even vets who agree to titer , will usually recommend a titer every year or 3 years. Thats not necessary. Ill explain why.

Dont Repeat Titers

If your dog has had a positive titer once, dont repeat the titers.

Puppy Vaccination Cost In Australia

Puppy vaccinations cost for all three rounds of shots is between $170 $250. Adult dog vaccinations are approximately $90 annually. These prices are only an average, prices may vary depending on where you living and the vet clinic.

In Australia, vaccinations are reasonably priced, especially considering how much money they save you in veterinary bills incurred when your puppy contracts one of these diseases.

Read Also: Can I Get Vaccinated Twice

How To Handle Requirements

If you dont vaccinate or you dont vaccinate regularly, this issue could come up.

You may get businesses asking for proof of your dogs vaccination. It might be your vet, groomer, trainer, doggie daycare or boarding facility.

Note: This isnt about rabies. Thats a different issue because of the laws. But now you know DHPP isnt legally required, and youve decided not to do it. So how do you handle these situations?

Here are some options

VeterinariansThere are more and more stories about vets who refuse to treat unvaccinated pets. If this happens to you, look for a more holistically minded or integrative vet. Even if theyre not completely holistic, more vets nowadays will understand your concerns. Some may agree to work with your unvaccinated dog. Or they may accept titers instead.

Its a really good idea to have a holistic vet anyway! Find one to work with. Otherwise, in an emergency, you could be stuck with a vet who insists on vaccinating your dog when hes sick! If you dont have a holistic vet locally, find one wholl do remote consultations with you by phone. Check the directories at theavh.org and ahvma.org.

You do need a relationship with a local vet. Sometimes youll need a local vet for emergencies and hands-on exams. Seek out one wholl accommodate your needs. Some vets have house call businesses. These vets should be less likely to insist on vaccination.

Always ask to have your dogs file clearly labeled No vaccines without owners permission.

Basic Vaccine Schedule For Dogs

Vaccines are a vital part of your dogs veterinary care routine, but figuring out which ones they needand when they need themcan get confusing. And when you add in core vs. noncore vaccines , it can get even more complicated.

When you get those vaccination reminder cards from your vets office, you see a list of dog vaccines that your pet is due for. To help you decipher them and understand how often your pet needs which shots, here is a basic dog vaccination schedule chart to follow.

Since understanding your pets vaccination needs is important to providing them with the best care, why not take minute to learn the basics of dog vaccinations and their schedules.

Help us make PetMD better

Was this article helpful?

What did you find helpful?

• This article had helpful info and advice that I trust.
• Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved.

What was not helpful?

• Article wasn’t very helpful and needs improvement.

Say more…

Read Also: What Are The Different Types Of Vaccines

Why Is More Than One Dose Of Vaccine Given To Pups

There are two reasons. First, without complicated testing it is impossible to know when a pup has lost the passive protection it gets from its mother. An early decline in a puppy’s maternal antibody can leave it susceptible to infection at a very young age. A strong maternal immunity can actually interfere with early vaccination . Second, particularly with killed vaccines, the first dose is a priming dose, and the second dose boosts the response to a higher, longer-lasting level of immunity.

Are There Optional Dog Vaccines

Although puppy vaccines and dog vaccinations are very important to the overall health and wellness of your canine companion, not every puppy or dog needs to be vaccinated against every disease. Some canine vaccinations should only be administered depending upon factors including:

• Age
• Travel habits
• Lifestyle

Therefore, it is very important for us to discuss the vaccination protocol that’s right for your canine companion at your next appointment.

You May Like: Where Can I Get My Meningitis Vaccine

Which Vaccines Should My Dog Have

All dogs living in the UK should be vaccinated against:

• Parvovirus a highly contagious, potentially deadly disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea. After an initial primary course, parvo vaccination is usually necessary every three years.
• Distemper a very serious, often fatal disease that affects several different organs in the body including the guts, heart, immune system, lungs, brain and nerves. After an initial primary course, distemper vaccination is usually necessary every three years.
• Infectious Hepatitis a virus that attacks the liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. Infectious hepatitis spreads in bodily fluids and can survive in the environment for up to a year. After an initial primary course, infectious hepatitis vaccination is usually necessary every three years.
• Leptospirosis a bacterial disease that causes serious illness by damaging vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. In humans, leptospirosis is known as Weils disease. After an initial primary course, leptospirosis vaccination is usually necessary every year.

Some dogs need other vaccines, such as:

What Is Maternal Immunity

Newborn animals have not yet had a chance to make their own immunity so they need protection against infections present in their environment. They receive this immunity from their mother, as maternal antibodies. Part of this passive immunity is transferred across the placenta while the pup is still in the uterus, but most of it is transferred in the first milk or colostrum.

“This maternal immunity is only temporary.”

This maternal immunity is only temporary. It declines steadily over the first few weeks of life and is largely gone by twelve weeks. The rate of decline is variable, depending on many factors.

Recommended Reading: How Do Vaccine Trials Work

What Is A Vaccine

A vaccine is a preparation of either killed or altered microorganisms that is administered into the body. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to learn how to fight the microorganism so that if the microorganism is encountered in the future, the dog will either not get sick or will have less severe illness.

Protecting Unvaccinated Puppies And Dogs

Unvaccinated puppies

If your puppy/dog is unvaccinated, or has only had part of their primary course, keep them safe by following the guidance below:

• Dont allow them on the ground in public places its fine to take them out, but make sure you carry them.
• Dont allow them to socialise with any unvaccinated dogs from outside of your household.
• Dont bring any new/unknown dogs into your home.
• They are safe to go into your garden, as long as no unvaccinated dogs have visited recently, and its secure from foxes.

Unvaccinated dogs

If your dog has been previously vaccinated, but has missed a vaccine, they might have protection for 2-3 months after their booster was due, but then they will be at risk again. Follow the guidance below until they are fully protected:

• Keep them away from other dogs and avoid walking in areas where many other dogs have been .
• Avoid areas with a high leptospirosis risk, i.e. areas that farm animals and rats live such as farm fields, ponds, stagnant water and rivers.

Recommended Reading: How Many People Have Been Vaccinated In Maryland