When Are Puppies Fully Vaccinated

Why Is Puppy Socialization Important

A well-socialized puppy creates a behaved, relaxed, safer dog. If your puppy is comfortable in a wider variety of situations, theyre less likely to use aggression in moments of fear. Not socializing your puppy can lead to dangerous situations in the future.

According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the number one cause of death for dogs under three is behavioral issues, not infectious disease.

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.

Is Parvo Only Found In Puppies

Puppies and younger dogs are the ones that we see most with it simply because, if they have any mother-given immunity, that immunity starts to go away around 12 weeks and will be completely gone around 16 weeks of age. Younger puppies are more susceptible to disease because the mothers immunity will protect them until around 10 weeks of age, but the vaccine series wont be complete until around 16 – 24 weeks if you follow your veterinarian’s protocol.

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How Can My Puppy Start To Learn To Socialise If They Cant Go Outside

While its vital to keep your puppy safe from disease in the early weeks, its also important that they learn to socialise as soon as possible.

Socialising will help your puppy become a happy, confident, well-rounded dog that you can confidently take out and about.

If youre keen to socialise your puppy with other animals, you can start doing so indoors in your home as soon as theyve had their first vaccination, provided they socialise with other vaccinated dogs. Make sure you know the vaccination status of any dogs that come into your home and also their temperament, so you know if theyll play nicely with your pup.

It’s also important that they get used to other adults and children. The more people they meet, the more friendly and sociable theyll become. Invite friends and family to your home in the first few weeks, so your puppy can meet a variety of people. Just make sure that children especially are careful and calm, so your pup isnt overwhelmed or gets too tired.

Once your puppy has had all the necessary jabs, you can start taking them out in public and enrolling them in puppy training classes.

Vaccinations For Adult Dogs

Adult dogs must by law receive dog ‘booster’ vaccinations for Rabies.

There is also a booster recommendation for the other CORE vaccines.

If you prefer not to vaccinate without knowing whether or not your dog NEEDS another shot, your vet can check the antibody ‘titers’ and vaccinate only if they are too low.

This can help to prevent over-vaccinating your dog, which may lead to auto-immune problems and other illnesses. BUT these tests do cost extra money.

Current AAHA guidelines recommend booster shots be given every three years .

However, these are only guidelines and many vets continue to want to vaccinate annually.

Rabies 1 yr shot v Rabies 3 yr shot

The first Rabies vaccination a pup gets is good for one year and state laws mandate that a booster is given one year later.

From that point on you have the choice to give your dog a 1-year Rabies shot or a 3-year Rabies shot … providing you’re in a state which allows for this and your veterinarian offers the 3-year option.

What makes this interesting is that the 1-year and 3-year vaccines contain the same drug, in the same concentration/amount!

The only thing which changes are the state laws regarding Rabies vaccines so many, many dogs are being needlessly vaccinated every year.

Current research shows that the protection provided by one Rabies shot is between 5 and 7 years, and potentially more.

He/she will need two rounds of these vaccines, given 3 weeks apart.

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The Labrador Site Founder

Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.

She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program

Pippa’s online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website

Backpacks And Slings For Dogs

Labrador puppies get heavy quickly. For outings where you cannot put the puppy down, a lot of people use a shoulder bag to carry the puppy.

This takes the strain off your back and leaves your hands free.

You can buy designer backpacks to carry small dogs, and some Lab puppies will fit in them for a week or two.

The XL version of the Nicrew backpack* claims to hold pups up dogs up to 22 pounds.

If your pup is average to large for her age, youll probably need to improvise with a large shoulder bag after the first couple of weeks.

Or you may be able to find a sling that will fit your pup.They all vary, so check the sizes and measure your puppy carefully.

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Is It Safe To Get Multiple Dog Vaccinations At The Same Time

99.9% of all dogs tolerate all the vaccines at one time, just like kids do. Just remember, when you have babies, they get numerous vaccines when they’re brand new infants, which to me is amazing. But dogs tolerate it. There’s an occasional dog that’s a little more sensitive to vaccines, and we may pretreat or spread them out for that dog in particular, or if clients have specific concerns.

When Can A Puppy Go Outside

Socialization is when your puppy learns how to interact with other creatures in his environment and determines whether the world is a safe and happy place or not.

To avoid behavioral problems, a puppy needs to have lots of positive interactions with dogs and people during the critical socialization period of roughly 9-14 weeks of age.

However, savvy dog parents know that puppies arent completely vaccinated and arent considered fully protected by their puppy vaccines until they are finished with their puppy series, which is usually around 16 weeks of age.

So your dog needs to go out and be with other dogs, but it is not safe to do so yet because your puppy hasnt been properly vaccinated. Hmmmm. How do you reconcile the need for socialization with the need to protect your puppy against fatal contagious diseases like parvovirus and distemper virus?

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When Can My Puppy Meet Other Dogs

Youll need to wait until your puppy is fully covered by their vaccines before they can meet most other dogs. By waiting, you will help to reduce the risk of them getting the nasty diseases that vaccines protect against. Once you have the all clear from your vet, you can take your puppy out and about to socialise, but its still a good idea to stay away from any dogs that have recently been unwell just to be safe.

Meeting dogs is a really important part of your puppys socialisation, so its a good idea to find ways for them to safely get used to other dogs while theyre young. You might want to carry them round the park so they can see and hear other dogs, without actually meeting them. Avoid putting them on the ground or letting other dogs approach to keep them safe.

If you have friends with vaccinated dogs, or there are other vaccinated dogs in your household, then your puppy can start mixing with them at home straight away as long as they are otherwise healthy. Just remember to confirm that the other dogs vaccines are up to date before arranging a meet and greet!

Once your puppy is able to meet other dogs, always ask owners before you allow your puppy to approach, as its really important that their experiences are as positive as possible during their socialisation period. Keep your puppy close to you and on the lead when doing introductions, and watch the other dogs body language to make sure theyre happy to greet your pup!

Which Dog Vaccines Are Essential

When you discuss shots for puppies with a vet, you’ll learn about many different vaccines, some of which are important and essential, while others are optional. Also, talk to the vet about your cost concerns, because some may work within your budget.

The below diseases are what most puppies are usually vaccinated for:

• Bordetella Bronchiseptica
• Rabies

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Why Should I Vaccinate My Puppy

Vaccinations are essential in order for your puppy to live a happy and healthy life. Avoid serious health issues that may compromise the life of your dog in the future by boosting their immune system now.

Your puppy can be exposed to many common but preventable diseases that exist in the environment and that pass between dogs. While some of these diseases can be treated, many are very serious and potentially fatal. It is necessary to build your dogs immunity when they are young.

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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When Can My Puppy Go Outside After Vaccination

Youve brought home your new furry bundle of joy, taken him for his first health check and possibly his first or second round of vaccinations. Everything is new and you may have questions when it comes to puppy vaccinations a very common one being when can my puppy go outside after vaccination?

Bringing home a new puppy is can be a really exciting time for the whole family. Theres a lot you will need to adjust to, as well as new routines to digest and appointments to keep.

Youre probably keen to show off your new addition to friends and family, and have him join you on outdoor adventures but its important to know when its safe for your puppy to go outside and what the risks are.

When Can Puppies Go Outside

Bringing your new puppy home is an exciting time for the whole family but when can puppies go outside? Youll no doubt be excited to show them off to friends and family and head out for adventures with your new best friend. After all, you want everyone to love your new pooch as much as you.

While its important to socialise your dog and get them used to their environment, you dont want to put their health at risk. By taking the right precautions, you can ensure that your pup stays happy and healthy while not putting the vital puppy socialisation time at risk.

In our latest Scrumbles post, we discuss when its safe for your puppies to go outside, when can you take your new pup for a walk and why its important to take it slow.

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Are Vaccinations Covered By My Pet Insurance

Vaccinations, microchiping and vet fees for routine check-ups arent usually covered by your pet insurance. Pet insurance is there to help you if your dog suffers an injury or illness that needs treatment.

Everything You Need To Know About The Parvovirus Vaccine

Taking your dog for a walk around the block could cause him to contract a fatal and contagious disease

We hear these warnings for parvovirus every year.

The media portrays parvo as a maniacal stalker waiting for the opportunity to claim your dog as a victim. Veterinarians warn us about what could happen if we dont get our puppies vaccinated.

With this type of media coverage and advice, its hard not to fear parvo.

And its true parvo is a very serious illness!

But if you look at the facts surrounding it, youll be less susceptible to the hype. Youll be able to make better vaccination decisions based on science instead of fear.

So today, I am going to tell you everything you need to know about parvo. That way you can feel confident when your vet mentions the parvovirus vaccine at your puppys first visit.

But first, lets dive deeper into what parvovirus is and how it can affect your dog.

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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.

What Age Is My Puppy Safe From Parvo

Your puppy can always be susceptible to parvovirus, even after vaccination, however vaccination greatly reduces the risk of this disease. At Vetwest, we recommend that puppies receive their first vaccinations between 6 to 8 weeks. Puppies then need another vaccination at 10 weeks old. Offering an early finish vaccine, your puppy can be taken out in public spaces 2 weeks after their 10-week vaccination. While your puppy goes through a vaccination process while theyre young, annual boosters are required for life to keep your puppy healthy and safe.

Though your puppy may be fully vaccinated, its wise to deter them from smelling the faeces of other dogs or animals to limit potential contact with materials that may be contaminated by parvovirus.

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Socializing Your Puppy Before They Can Meet New Dogs

Meeting other dogs is only one aspect of puppy socialization. There are many other new people, sights, sounds and experiences your young pup can have that will help them become less fearful and more easy-going. The most important thing is to build a bond of trust with your pup. While pet owners are waiting to complete their vaccination series, they should be working on building the bond between them and the puppy, says Dr. Bonk. Play with them and start to teach basic commands. Your pup can also meet other types of pets and animals who wont carry the risk of disease transmission.

The bottom line is that you protect your puppy by following the vaccination schedule recommended by your vet and carefully screening and selecting any dogs or puppies you allow to have contact with your little pup.

Curious puppies get into plenty of trouble during their early months and years. Start off on the right paw by enrolling your pup in a pet insurance policy. AKC Pet Insurance helps pet care budgets go farther by offering reimbursement for eligible funds to puppy owners.

If A Vaccine Is Considered To Be Non

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. Your puppy’s environment, travel habits, and lifestyle are considered when determining which vaccines are appropriate. Bordetella and Canine Influenza are almost always recommended if not required if your puppy will go to boarding grooming, dog parks or has any interactions with other dogs. If you are in an area where your puppy might be exposed to ticks or if you will take your puppy hiking or camping a Lyme vaccination would be advisable. Leptospirosis does depend on the area you live in and if it is present in your region. Leptospirosis can cause death and some strains can be transmitted to you and your family. At your puppy’s next appointment, we will be happy to review which of the above makes the most sense for your dog and make the appropriate recommendations.

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