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At What Age Does My Puppy Need To Have Their Vaccinations
Puppy vaccinations are most effective when they are given at fixed dates with boosters. Your puppy will usually begin a vaccination program at around six to eight weeks of age.
A regular vaccination schedule will likely consist of the following:
- 7 to 9 weeks: distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, although this may start earlier if the puppy is in an infected environment.
- 11 to 13 weeks: booster for 3 previous vaccinations + rabies and leptospirosis.
- 15 to 17 weeks: rabies and leptospirosis boosters.
- 15 months: boosters for all vaccines above.
Talk To Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian understands your dogs health and well-being, making them a critical step in the boarding process.
Some canines will do well in any situation, while others may suffer profound health implications.
Ask your veterinarian for any recommendations before booking and any vaccine suggestions before the trip.
Never book the vaccine boosters within a few days of the boarding, in case the dog has a few side effects or health problems.
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State Laws And Dog Vaccination Guidelines
The American Animal Hospital Association is the authoritative source of all evidence-based recommendations.
There are two categories of care, including core and non-core vaccines. The AAHA considers the following vaccines to be of critical importance to vaccination:
Most states will not accept antibody titers as proof of protection against fatal diseases, such as rabies.
Other vaccines will fall into the non-core vaccination category. This category allows veterinarians to vaccinate at their discretion, looking at various factors when determining when an adult animal needs a booster.
Your Pup Needs A Vaccination Schedule To Stay Happy And Healthy
Your little bundle of puppy love relies on you to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. One of the most important steps to take, both within the first 6 months and throughout your puppys life, is making sure your puppyBFF is up to date on their vaccinations. Heres a guide to the vaccinations your puppy really needs, when your puppy needs them, and what to know about costs.
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What Should I Do After My Puppy Has Had Their Injections
It’s important that you keep your puppy well-rested after their injections as their immune system will be working harder than normal.
If you feel they’re not back to their normal selves within 24 hours, contact your vet for advice.
It’s crucial you make sure you have the right vaccination schedule in place for your new puppy, as dog vaccination is one of the most important preventative healthcare measures you can take. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, it’s vital that you speak to your vet and ensure they have the right vaccinations at the right time.
Protect Your Puppy With Vaccinations
The best chance your puppy has to grow up with a healthy, functioning immune system is to choose to vaccinate her. Due to her developing immune system, your puppy is more susceptible to viruses and infectious diseases, but vaccinations and boosters can prevent her from suffering from these conditions, and may even save their life.
Puppies need socialisation with other dogs and people, but unvaccinated dogs are generally not allowed at dog parks, grooming facilities, training classes, or boarding kennels. Dont limit your dogs opportunities to mature, grow, and enjoy a happy life. Speak with your veterinarian about the best puppy vaccination timeline for your dog, and start protecting her today.
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Vaccinatable Conditions Of Dogs
The core vs. non-core category of each vaccine is provided below for guidance, but the situation can be different for every dog and every situation. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from, and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and home/environmental situation necessary to best guide you.
Not all vaccines can completely prevent infection and disease, but even if they dont completely prevent infection, they will at least minimize the effects of infection and often shorten the course of the infection.
Note that some of the vaccinatable conditions of dogs listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people.
The Alternative Puppy Shot Schedule
The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one Dr. Dodd recommends and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. Its a matter of professional judgment and choice.
9 10 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
e.g. Merck Nobivac Puppy DPV
14 15 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.
20 weeks or older, if allowable by law
Rabies give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
Mercury-free
1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.
1 year old
Rabies give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
3-year product if allowable by law mercury-free
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request. Visit The Rabies Challenge Fund for more information.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Puppy Vaccines
You may be wondering if your puppy will experience any side effects after being vaccinated. While side effects vary for every dog, the most common side effects of puppy vaccines include lethargy, a low-grade fever, and a bit of swelling and discomfort in the area where the shot was administered. These symptoms typically go away quickly and without medical intervention, so you shouldnt have anything serious to worry about.
Can I Bring My Puppy Around Other Pets Before They Are Fully Vaccinated
If the dogs are not ill, that’s a huge advantage. Regardless, however, there is a certain amount of risk associated with doing that until the series is done plus a week or two. Because we give the shot and that stimulates the immune system to say, “Okay, we need to build defenses.” And it’s not quite convinced until the second shot, in most cases, and then it takes a while for the body to actually build up immunity. It’s not like we give the shot and we have immediate immunity. So it’s safest to do it a week or two after they’ve finished their entire vaccine series for a particular disease. Of course, we also understand that puppies are social beings and that you will likely want to get them into training classes, too, so if you’re going to bring your puppy around other dogs before being fully vaccinated, just make sure the other dogs are vaccinated and that you’re doing so in a safe environment that’s not frequented by other dogs.
Keep in mind that body mass is also a factor. If you come in with a two-pound Chihuahua, we’re not going to give distemper and rabies and parvo and lepto and Lyme and influenzawe can’t go ahead and give all of those vaccines because it’s just going to be too much and it will overwhelm for the immune system. In cases like that, we’ll have you bring your pet back more frequently to stagger the vaccinations, giving them once every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks. It may take longer, but it’s safest for your tiny pet this way!
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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.
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.”
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The Typical Puppy Shot Series
The puppy shot series usually starts between 68 weeks of age, with new vaccines and boosters given every 34 weeks until the puppy is 1617 weeks old .
Discussions with your vet will help determine the best vaccines and schedule for your particular puppy and situation as its NOT always a one-size-fits-all.
The timing and duration of a puppy shot series, as well as which vaccines are included in the series, is dependent on several factors and isnt necessarily always 100% completely the same for every puppy. Some of the factors that influence which vaccines a pup should receive, as well as when and how often, include:
Note that the vaccines listed below are marked as either “core” or “non-core.” A discussion of what this means and why it’s important is provided further along in this article.
68 weeks of ageIn some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you’re getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when.
This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup’s initial vaccination series, as all of these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of “initial” shots followed by “booster” shots.
The Concept Of Core Versus Non
- “CORE” vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating and devastating, easily spread, and/or are able to be spread to people that their vaccination against them are deemed of critical importance for all dogs, regardless of their geographic location, lifestyle, etc. These include Distemper, Parvo, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, and Rabies. The vaccines protecting against these conditions are known as the core vaccines. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot.
- “NON-CORE” vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases/conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically always recommended for every dog.These typically include Lepto, Lyme disease, Influenza , Kennel Cough, and Parainfluenza. The vaccines that protect against these diseases are called the non-core vaccines. While theyre not necessarily needed by all dogs, they can be extremely beneficial to many dogs and in many situations.
- Not typically recommended: Then there are the vaccines that just dont work very well, are associated with more severe side effects, or the diseases they protect against just typically aren’t severe enough to be recommended for use in general.
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What Are Dog Vaccines And Why Are They Important
Vaccines help prepare a dog’s immune system to defend itself from any invasion of disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens, which mimic disease-causing organisms in a dog’s immune system, but don’t actually cause disease. The purpose of puppy vaccines and dog vaccines is to mildly stimulate the immune system by having it recognize the antigens present. This way, if a dog becomes exposed to the real disease, it’s immune system will recognize it, and therefore be prepared to fight it off, or at the least reduce its effects.
Only Vaccinate A Healthy Dog
Never allow your vet to vaccinate your dog if he isnt 100% healthy!
That means no minor ailments, no skin conditions, no digestive problems or other chronic problems of any kind. Most vets conveniently forget about this fact. Vaccine labels carry a warning that theyre only to be given to healthy animals!
All too often, you hear stories about a dog going to the vet with something minor. Maybe diarrhea or a urinary tract infection. And the vet says lets give Rover his shots while hes here.
This is very risky. Dont let it happen! Its asking for trouble to vaccinate a sick dog and your vet should know better!
And now, in case you do decide to vaccinate your dog
Lets talk about the risks of combination vaccines like DHPP.
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Why Do Puppies Need Three Rounds Of Booster Vaccinations
When puppies are first born, they have natural protection against diseases due to maternal antibodies. These antibodies from their mother give them immunity for the first several weeks of their life. However, that natural immunity quickly wears off. Also, any vaccinations given to the pup while they still have these maternal antibodies may be ineffective.
Thats why we dont start vaccinations right away were waiting for those maternal antibodies to wear off.
Unfortunately, the speed at which these antibodies wears off varies from pup to pup. So were not exactly sure when your puppy is ready for vaccinations.
The window of susceptibility is what we call the period between your puppys protection from maternal antibodies, and your puppys protection from vaccinations.
Maternal antibodies can wear off at any point from 2 4 months. With our puppy vaccinations schedule, were trying to make sure your puppy is never vulnerable thats our end goal.
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.
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How Do I Know Which Vaccinations Are Right For My Puppy
Speak to your vet and tell them where your puppy will be spending time. This could include:
- Boarding kennels
Also let your vet know whether you’ll be traveling outside of the country with your puppy, and any activities they may be participating in, such as dog shows or sporting events.
Your vet will then put a vaccination program in place best suited to the needs of your puppy.
A Typical Puppy Vaccination Schedule:
- First vaccination: 6 to 8 weeks DHP
- Second vaccination: 9 to 11 weeks DHP
- Third vaccination: 12 to 15 weeks DHP
- Fourth vaccination: 16 to 20 weeks DHP
- Booster DHP: 1 year of age or 12 months after the last puppy shot, then as recommended
- Rabies vaccination: typically required by law at 3-6 months of age with a booster 12 months later, then a booster every 1-3 years.
- Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Canine Influenza recommended for social dogs .
- Lyme or Leptospirosis: May be recommended by your veterinarian if you live in or travel with your dog to an area where these are endemic.
What shots do puppies need?
Core puppy shots/vaccinations include DHP/DAP and Rabies while non-core vaccinations include Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza and Lyme Disease.
How often do puppies need shots?
How often your puppy needs shots will depend on the advice of your veterinarian. A typical puppy vaccination schedule is their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks for DHP. Second vaccine at 9-11 weeks for DHP. Third vaccine at 12-15 weeks for DHP. Fourth vaccine at 16-20 weeks for DHP. Booster for DHP at one year then as recommended. Rabies vaccine at 3-6 months with a booster after a year then every one to three years. Bordetella/Parainfluenza and Canine Influenza for social dogs.
At what age do puppies get shots?
The age your puppy gets shots will depend on the advice of your veterinarian. A vaccination schedule can start as early as 6-8 weeks of age.
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