What Vaccines Do Puppies Need At 8 Weeks

When Can My New Puppy Go Out And Mix With Other Dogs

You should not take your puppy out or let them mix with other dogs until they have had their second vaccination and have an adequate level of protection. Even at this stage you still need to be cautious about where you take them and what other dogs they mix with.

Its safe to socialise your puppy with other vaccinated dogs. You should avoid places where foxes or other unknown dogs may frequent.

Was Your Pet Food Recalled

The L in DHLPP stands for leptospirosis, a bacteria transmitted to dogs through an infected animals urine. Infected standing water or bodies of water serve as a reservoir for the disease.

Infected dogs, rodents, farm animals and other wild animals can spread the disease, making this a problem in both cities and rural areas.

Leptospirosis causes liver and kidney damage. It can be treated but must be caught early in the disease process for the best prognosis. Unfortunately, the early symptoms can be vague, so treatment is often too late.

Leptospirosis may not be included in a dogs basic vaccine protocol for several important reasons:

• There is a higher potential for vaccine reactions when leptospirosis is given in a combination vaccine . Many vets think it should be given separately.
• Vaccinating against leptospirosis is not necessarily needed in areas where the disease is extremely rare or if the dog has a sheltered lifestyle.
• The leptospirosis vaccine gives a short duration of immunity . Since your dog receives the DHLPP or DHPP every 3 years or less, if lepto coverage is really important in an endemic area, it should be given at least once a year.

The first P in DHLPP stands for parainfluenza virus, a less serious viral disease of dogs.

It causes respiratory signs and is generally not deadly. According to Merck Animal Health, The virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together.

Is There Anything Else I Should Be Aware Of

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What You Can Do To Make Sure Your Puppy Is Protected

If you feel you must vaccinate your puppy but want to reduce the risk as much as possible, vaccinating once at 16 weeks is a safe and effective approach. In fact, this is how Dr Schultz says he vaccinated his own puppies.

If youre not comfortable with just one vaccine, heres what you can do to reduce the vaccine load a little bit.

Have your vet run a titer test three weeks after the vaccination. If there is circulating antibody , it means your puppy is protected and he will be protected for life.

Its important to note that if you wait until 12 or 16 weeks of age to vaccinate your puppy, you should keep him away from areas where theres a lot of dog traffic just as you would a puppy getting a series of shots.

And ironically, one of the most dangerous places you can take your puppy is the vets office!

If you must bring your puppy under 12 weeks to the vet, its important to carry him in and out of the clinic, as this is one of the most likely places for him to pick up viruses. Your best bet is to get the first appointment of the day, when you know the floors and tables will be at their cleanest.

We dont like to think about it, but vaccination has the very real risk of creating chronic, debilitating disease.

Most vets and dog owners dont see the connection because it can take weeks, months or even years after vaccination for these diseases to develop.

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Can You Vaccinate Against Kennel Cough I Heard There Were Too Many Strains For Vaccination To Be Effective

The more technical name for kennel cough is infectious canine tracheobronchitis. It is generally caused by two possible infectious agents or pathogens.

The first of these is a bacteria known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. This is quite closely related to the bacteria which causes whooping cough in people. Infection with B bronchiseptica causes an unpleasant, harsh cough. Even with treatment this cough can persist for up to three months. This bacterial pathogen doesnt generally take the form of multiple strains.

The other component of the kennel cough vaccine is a viral pathogen known as parainfluenza. As the name suggests, this is fairly similar to, though not closely related to, the human flu virus. Viruses often mutate rapidly and thus multiple strains of virus might

be circulating at any one time. Vaccination with one strain will confer some protection against other, similar strains .

A similar situation occurs with leptospirosis vaccination there are multiple different strains or serovars of Leptospira interrogans, the bacteria which leads to leptospirosis. However, most cases of disease in dogs are caused by a small number of these strains, so currently vaccinations for dogs are against four serovars of leptospira bacteria.

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When Can I Take My Puppy For A Walk

Its always best to ask your vet and take their advice, but generally speaking, you will be able to take your puppy out for a walk 2 weeks after their second jab.

Unvaccinated puppies are susceptible to picking up viruses and infectious diseases, such as parvo and distemper, because they will spend lots of time sniffing and licking as they explore their surroundings.

When you have waited for the amount of time that your vet has advised, your fully vaccinated puppy can go outside and start socialising with other dogs. It’s best to start with short trips, gradually building up to long walks.

Will My Pet Be Unwell After Vaccination

Vaccination stimulates the immune system, which can trigger a mild fever. This is most commonly seen after initial vaccinations, though it is sometimes seen after re-vaccination. Your pet might be a little sleepy after their appointment: dont be alarmed if this is the case. In most cases, pets feel and behave absolutely normally!

An allergic or adverse response to a vaccination is possible, as with any medication, but very rare. Signs of an allergic reaction may include swelling around the nose or mouth, diarrhoea or occasionally vomiting. If you have any concerns that your pet seems unwell after a vaccination, please contact the surgery for advice.

Pets can go about their normal routine in the run up to their vaccination appointment and after it. There is no need to withhold food before or after, or restrict exercise or activity.

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The Amount Of Time Each Vaccination Is Effective Is As Follows:

• DHPP – 1 year

• Pain or swelling around the injection site
• Collapse, difficulty breathing, and seizures

Just as with human vaccines, mild symptoms can be ignored. The majority of reactions are mild and short lived. If you suspect a more severe reaction to puppy vaccines or dog vaccines, such as facial swelling, vomiting or lethargy, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Do Puppy Vaccinations Have Side Effects

The short answer is yes, but only sometimes.

Its the same idea as when people get the flu shot. For some, the influenza vaccine can make them feel drowsy or even a little bit sick, but for others, the vaccine has no side effects. This is because your immune system is unique and customized to you, and while similar to the general public, it may react differently to potential irritants.

Fun Tip: this is why people experience allergies to different products.

Always ask your vet about potential side effects for each vaccine, as they will vary. Its important to keep a close eye on your puppy for the first 24 hours after any new vaccine, as they may have a reaction to it.

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Mikes Border Collie Lucky Developed Epilepsy At 9 Years Of Age

Mike Galguts Border Collie, Lucky, was diagnosed with epilepsy which needs to be treated for the rest of his life. The daily medication helps to reduce the number the fits, but is also very expensive. Bow Wow Meow has been a big help in covering treatment costs.

Mike Galguts Border Collie, Lucky, was diagnosed with epilepsy which needs to be treated for the rest of his life. The daily medication helps to reduce the number the fits, but is also very expensive. Bow Wow Meow has been a big help in covering treatment costs.

Recommended Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Heres an idea of what your puppys vaccination schedule might look like:

• 3 to 4 weeks old: Bordetella
• 6 weeks old: DA2P
• 6 to 8 weeks old: Canine influenza
• 6 to 8 weeks old: Parainfluenza
• 8 weeks old: Bordetella
• 8 to 9 weeks old: Leptospirosis and lyme
• 12 weeks old: Rabies

Its important to note theres no universal puppy vaccination schedule your vet will be able to help you figure out whats right for your individual pup.

It is very tricky to make general guidelines for people to follow because it really depends what vaccines their puppy has already received and the manufacturer of the vaccines, Dr. Bustamante told The Dodo. For example, the bordetella vaccine has to be boostered if it is injected but does not if it is in the oral form.

You might be inclined to get your pup his vaccines all at the same time , but thats not necessarily the best approach.

Many puppies get multiple vaccines at the same time however, veterinarians can recommend doing one vaccine at a time, Dr. Bustamante said. Common reasons for doing separate vaccines are if the pet has a health condition or previous vaccine reactions.

That being said, the American Animal Hospital Association does have some suggestions:

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How Safe Is The Parvovirus Vaccine For Puppies

Why?

Because theyre rarely reported back to vets and manufacturers.

The cases you DO hear about are the obvious ones. Reactions that happen in the first 24 hours.

But few recognize the chronic diseases that vaccines produce the ones that can take days, weeks, months or even years to develop after vaccination.

We miss the connection because we arent looking for one.

But that doesnt mean they dont exist.

So lets review in more detail some of the safety concerns with parvovirus vaccine for puppies.

Vaccination Myths Vs Reality

Myth: Once Ive had my puppy injected, theyre immune for life.

Reality: Unfortunately, this isnt true. Its important to have your dog vaccinated every year to maintain his or her immunity against these diseases. While some of these vaccinations last for more than a year, dogs need to be boosted against at least one of the most serious diseases every year.

Myth: My puppy is confined to the house and garden, so they wont have contact with disease.

Reality: Many of the diseases we vaccinate against arent spread directly from pet to pet, meaning your puppy could still catch an illness from something as simple as venturing outside. For example, canine parvovirus can be caught off pavements or in parks, while canine leptospirosis is contracted by drinking from ponds or puddles which rats may have contaminated.

Myth: The vaccinations will make my puppy feel poorly.

Reality: These days, this is extremely unlikely. Most vaccines are a modified form of the disease that they protect from. The most your puppy may feel is a little sleepy for a short period of time, but these symptoms will soon pass.

Myth: Pets are given boosters too often.

Reality: Vets will never prescribe vaccinations unnecessarily. Instead, we always determine the correct intervals between vaccines according to your pets age, their potential exposure to diseases, and the brand of vaccine .

Myth: I missed giving my pet a booster last year, but I can just give them one this year instead.

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Puppy Vaccination Schedule Australia

Puppies should follow an immunisation schedule devised by a veterinarian as it depends on where you live in Australia and other risk factors.

Below is the generally accepted guideline of puppy vaccination schedule in Australia during the first year.

The adult vaccination cycle will pick up at this point. When your puppy grows up, she should have an annual Kennel Cough vaccination and a C3 vaccination every three years. Your veterinarian may recommend a C5 vaccination annually as well.

Why Do I Need To Vaccinate My Puppy

There are many harmful diseases that can affect your puppy from an early age we strongly recommend that you fully understand the timings and need for these important vaccinations.

Many puppies will have already received an initial vaccination when you pick them up from a breeder or a rescue centre. You should always check your pets vaccination history in advance and ensure that you are provided with paperwork for their vaccinations.

If you are unsure about your puppys vaccination history, it is best to speak to your vet rather than assume that they are covered. Your vet will recommend the best approach to ensure your puppy isnt left vulnerable.

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When Do Puppies Need Vaccines

Young puppies need their first course of vaccinations when theyre 6 – 8 weeks old. Known as a primary course, this procedure will consist of 2-3 injections and theyll be administered 2 – 4 weeks apart.

Most puppies bred by a responsible breeder will have had their first set of vaccinations before you bring them home. Your breeder will be able to advise further.

Read more: Finding a good puppy breeder: things to consider when buying a dog.

What Is The 8 In 1 Shot For Puppies

Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPvL2 vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine which is combined with an inactivated Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae bacterin for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 ,

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What If My Puppy Misses A Vaccine In The Series

The manufacturer’s recommendation says it should be given within a certain period of time. So if it’s been a long time, your veterinarian will determine the age and week when the dog received each of the vaccines and they will then determine the new series for your dog. For example, if your dog had its first vaccine at 8 weeks and then there was no proof of a vaccine after 8 weeks and your puppy is now 15 weeks, the vet will give one right away, and then another vaccine in 3-4 weeks when your puppy is about 18 weeks. It is best for your dog to adhere to the vaccine schedule to guarantee 100 percent efficacy.

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.

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Personalize Your Pets Vaccinations

When tailoring a vaccination program for your individual animal specifically as it concerns how often to boost the DHLPP vaccine consider the following questions.

Does your dog:

• Have close contact with many different dogs?
• Meet and play with other dogs?
• Stay in a boarding kennel?
• Go to doggy daycare?
• Go to a grooming facility?
• Participate in dog shows or agility?
• Have exposure to a shelter environment?
• Visit dog parks?
• Run free or hunt?

In addition to the above checklist, your vet will consider the age, health status, lifestyle and previous vaccine history of your dog.

Take, for example, Lady Gaga, a 10-year-old Toy Poodle living in a suburban neighborhood who is rarely off-leash. Gaga has been given a DHPP vaccine every 3 years for the past 10 years.

Does she still need a booster every 3 years until shes 16? Probably not.

Now lets walk down the road and find Homer, the 9-year-old coonhound. Whoops! We cant find Homer because he broke through his fence again and will be gone for several hours, as he often does. When he comes home, his human will reward him by taking him to the dog park.

Should Homer continue to get a 3-year DHPP booster? Yes, I think so.

And One More: Heartworm

Heartworms are parasitic worms that are spread by mosquitos, and the resulting disease can be devastating. When the worms enter the dogs body, they find their way to the heart and lungs where they grow and multiply until the organs become clogged and eventually fail.

Heartworm prevention medication can be administered as an injection between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks, and thereafter with an annual booster. Additionally, preventative medication can be administered as a tablet which is typically given monthly or bi-monthly.

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Pennys Active Border Collie Joey Had Hip Dysplasia In Both Hips

Joey needed surgery at just 7 months. Bow Wow Meow removed the financial stress so that Penny could concentrate on Joeys rehabilitation. Penny says that Joeys life would be dramatically different if he had no cover. He is now 6 years old and loves running around her property!

Joey needed surgery at just 7 months. Bow Wow Meow removed the financial stress so that Penny could concentrate on Joeys rehabilitation. Penny says that Joeys life would be dramatically different if he had no cover. He is now 6 years old and loves running around her property!