Is It Time To Go To The Dog Park Or Take A Puppy Class
The places your new puppy is allowed to go and the other pups and people they can meet along the way is influenced, in part, by what vaccines theyve had. So we’ve put together this overview of the “shots” that puppies should have during their first several months of life, as well as the why and when. Take a peek and discuss with your veterinarian to ensure that your new pup is as protected as they can be from the conditions that can sicken or cause them harm.
Are Puppy Vaccines Expensive
Vaccinations will be a regular expense, particularly in the early stages of a dog’s life. How much vaccinations cost will depend on where you live. Generally, vets in urban areas and large cities charge more than a small town or rural country veterinarian.
It’s best to call around to check on price differences in your area. When choosing a vet, also consider that you want them to be located close enough to where you live so that they are available in case of an emergency. This means that you may need to pick a slightly more expensive vet clinic because it’s only ten minutes away.
Puppy vaccinations cost more during the dog’s first year before they reach adulthood. Puppy shot costs will then start going down as the dog ages.
Here are some things to consider when you’re pondering on puppy vaccine costs:
The core vaccines often include the DHLPP . The average costs is around $75 to $100. Note that as a puppy, this multivalent vaccine is given 3 times at ages 6, 12, and 16 weeks old.
Your puppy will need a rabies vaccine yearly. This vaccine costs between $15 and $20.
If you acquired your puppy from a shelter, vaccines may have been included in the costs of the adoption and shots are up-to-date to the age when you received him.
You can lower the costs of a puppy shot schedule by going to clinics or even local shelters who may offer community programs. Some may offer low-cost or even free vaccinations to those who request it in the area.
Who Can Vaccinate My Puppy
We have lots of tips about the puppy buying process to help ensure you get a healthy, happy pup. Your local vet is always the best source of information on the vaccinations and treatments your new puppy will need.
When you first get your puppy, the first thing you should do is register with your local vets who will be able to carry out the vaccinations your puppy needs.
Read Also: What Vaccines Are Necessary For Babies
How Much Will Vaccinations Cost
Your puppys initial set of vaccines will cost between £30 and £60, but this is far less than the cost of treating the diseases themselves. It will also save your dog from pain, discomfort and even death, and means that you and your family will be spared the stress of coping with a seriously ill pet. Regular booster vaccines will cost less than the initial vaccinations.
If you are on benefits and live in an area covered by Blue Cross, you may also be eligible for help with veterinary care. Click here to find out more about our veterinary services.
Page last updated 12/07/2021
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
Also Check: Why Is There Not A Vaccine For Hiv
Risks Associated With Vaccination
Immunizations should mildly stimulate the animals immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions.
There are other, less common side effects like injection site tumors and immune disease associated with vaccination. That said, it is important to realize that vaccines have saved countless lives, and play a vital role in the battle against infectious diseases. As with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself. But it is important to talk to your veterinarian about your pets medical history before he is vaccinated.
Most pets show no ill effect from vaccination. Vaccine reactions may be minor and short-lived or require immediate care from a veterinarian. Clinical signs include:
- Fever
- Pain, swelling, redness, scabbing or hair loss around the injection site
- Lameness
- Seizures
- Lameness
It is best to schedule your pets appointment so that you can monitor him for any side effects following administration of the vaccine. If you suspect your pet is having a reaction to a vaccine, call your veterinarian immediately.
Planning Ahead When Choosing The Right Vaccines
While there is a monovalent parvovirus vaccine, there is no longer a monovalent distemper vaccine.Schering-Plough still produces a Parvo-Distemper vaccine and this would be the best choice for puppies.If you run a titer after the initial vaccination and your puppy has responded to the distemper but not the parvo, then there are plenty of monovalent parvo vaccines on the market including Neopar, Schering-Plough Intervet or Pfizer.
At the end of the day parvovirus is a complicated topic with a complicated solution.
Whether you decide to protect your puppy naturally or opt for the parvovirus vaccine, both options come with their own potential set of consequences.
The decision you choose to make is ultimately up to you.
Dont allow anyone to make this important decision for you!
Whats crucial is that you decide based on science and not on a false belief or fear.
Arm yourself with knowledge. Prepare yourself for parvos presence. That way youll be ready for it and in a good position to help your puppy defeat this enemy.
Read Also: Can I Take Ibuprofen After Shingles Vaccine
Vaccine Timelines For Puppies/kittens And Dogs/cats
Protecting your furbaby from the long list of infectious diseases and illnesses that could potentially affect the health and even risk the life of your pet should be an immediate priority. Not only is your cat or dog possibly dicing with disease if she remains unvaccinated, you could also be putting other pets in the area at increased risk of becoming unwell.
The good news is that there are now more preventive solutions than ever before, making it much easier to keep your cat or dog safe from harm.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of different vaccinations that your beloved animal needs if she is to remain healthy and remembering what she needs and when can be a minefield. While some vaccines are necessary for all dogs, others may only be given if your pets lifestyle and the area in which you live make them appropriate your veterinarian will be able to advise you exactly which ones your animal needs.
Most great veterinarians will send you reminders when it is time for your pets next vaccinations. However, in the meantime, here is everything that you need to know about vaccination timelines for your four-legged friend.
The Recommended Puppy Vaccine Schedule
Generally, your puppy should start getting vaccinated between 6 and 8 weeks old. Most puppies arent separated from their mother until the 8-week mark, so you want to make sure your puppy starts getting vaccines at the right time, or as soon as you bring them home. These first shots will continue every 2-3 weeks until 16 or 17 weeks of age.
Park City Veterinary Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida recommends the following schedule to new pet parents:
|
Age of Puppy |
Read Also: How Many Vaccinated In Usa
Do Dogs Need Rabies Shots Every Year
The administration of rabies shots to a dog every year depends on the type of vaccine and state law. Certain vaccines are labeled as effective for either 1 year or 3 years. In Some states laws, the rabies vaccine will be given to your pet every year, regardless of the effectiveness of vaccines labeled for one year or 3.
However, some states follow the manufacturers label guidelines of the vaccine. Make sure to follow your veterinarian and state laws and requirements.
How Often Will My Adult Dog Need Booster Vaccinations
After your puppys initial vaccination course is complete, he or she will need a follow up injection every year. Which vaccines are given will depend on your dogs general health and the prevalence of disease in the area you live. For instance, the leptospirosis vaccine needs to be given every year but parvovirus and distemper may only be needed every three years. Your vet should provide you with a vaccination record card so that you know when your dog is due to have his or her boosters.
Also Check: Which Vaccine Is Walgreens Using
Vaccinations For Your Pet
Vaccines help prevent many illnesses that affect pets. Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him live a long, healthy life. Not only are there different vaccines for different diseases, there are different types and combinations of vaccines. Vaccination is a procedure that has risks and benefits that must be weighed for every pet relative to his lifestyle and health. Your veterinarian can determine a vaccination regime that will provide the safest and best protection for your individual animal.
When Should My Puppy Be Vaccinated
There are many fatal diseases that can affect dogs. Fortunately, your veterinarian has the ability to prevent several of these by vaccinating your puppy. In order to be effective, these vaccines must be given as a series of timely injections. Ideally, they are given at about 6 to 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, but the recommended vaccines and schedule of injections may vary depending on your pet’s individual needs.
“The core vaccination schedule will protect your puppy from several common diseases…”
The core vaccination schedule will protect your puppy from several common diseases: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies. The first three are generally included in one injection that is given at 6 to 8, 12, and 16 weeks old. Some puppies will receive and additional booster vaccination at 20 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine is given at 12 to 16 weeks of age. Other optional vaccinations are appropriate in certain situations. These may include Bordetella, Lyme, and Leptospirosis vaccines if there are risks of those particular diseases based on your geographic location and your family’s lifestyle. Your veterinarian will help you determine which vaccines are recommended for your pet based off of your lifestyle.
Recommended Reading: What Countries Require A Yellow Fever Vaccine
What Can Be Done About Fleas On My Puppy
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of the flea life cycle is spent off the dog only the adult lives on the animal. The egg, larva, and pupa feed and develop in the environment. Therefore, flea control must include treatment of the environment, as well as the pet. Many of the flea control products that are safe on adult dogs are not safe for puppies less than two to three months of age. Be sure that any flea product you use is labeled safe for puppies. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which flea medication is appropriate for your puppy.
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.
Read Also: Who Gets The Vaccine First California
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.”
How To Prevent Parvo
There are two approaches you can take when it comes to preventing parvovirus in your dog. The first of which is a more natural and holistic approach. The second being the parvovirus vaccine.
If you do decide to vaccinate, we will discuss ways for you to increase your puppys success.
But before we get to that, lets discuss some alternatives
Don’t Miss: Where Can I Get Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine
How Can I Provide Permanent Identification For My Dog
The most widely recommend pet identification device is the microchip. This tiny device is implanted with a needle much like administering an injection. A special scanner can detect these chips veterinary hospitals, humane societies, and animal shelters across the country have these scanners. A national registry assists in the identification and return of microchipped pets throughout the United States and Canada.
The microchip can be quickly and painlessly implanted during any regular veterinary appointment. Ideally, you should have your puppy identified with this permanent form of identification at its first puppy visit.
Everything You Must Know About Vaccinating Your Dog
Dog vaccinations play a critical role in protecting your dog from many dangerous and even fatal diseases. While state law requires all dogs are vaccinated for rabies, there are a number of other vaccinations that can protect your dog from serious diseases that are easily preventable.
At Park Veterinary Hospital we have spent decades educating people about the benefits of dog vaccinations. This includes what vaccines are necessary and how they should be scheduled. Over the years we have been asked every question possible about dog vaccinations and we have compiled some of the most frequently asked ones for you here. This is only meant to be a general introduction dog vaccinations. At your dog’s next veterinary appointment, we will be happy to help you understand the vaccination recommendations for your dog.
Don’t Miss: How Many Texans Have Been Vaccinated
How Often Do Dogs Need Rabies Shots In Colorado
According to the Colorado law, this is a must for every dogs owner to vaccinate their puppy against rabies virus at 16 weeks of age. The second dose of the rabies shot for dogs in Colorado will be given after 1 year and then after 3 years.
Please make sure to administrate the shots under the supervision of a professional and certified vet.
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…
Recommended Reading: When Can A Kitten Get Vaccinated
Puppy Shots Dont Last For Life
When a puppy is finished with their initial puppy shot series, theyre not completely done with vaccines. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout your dogs life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life is influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of year, and a host of other factors.
For some dogs and for some conditions, titers may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet.