What Vaccinations Are Given to Puppies?
- Puppies need a variety of vaccinations.cute puppy image by Craig Stevens from Fotolia.com
Veterinarians recommend that all puppies receive vaccinations to protect them from common canine diseases, many of which can be deadly. Your veterinarian can tell you when your puppy should start receiving vaccines. Some puppies can begin vaccinations as early as 6 weeks. Puppies need booster shots until they are 5 months old to make sure the vaccines are effective. - Parvovirus vaccines are very important for puppies. This disease is extremely contagious and can result in death, even if the puppy gets treatment. Parvovirus suppresses a young dog's immune system and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. When your puppy grows into adulthood, he should receive a parvovirus vaccination each year.
- All dogs should receive rabies vaccinations, and puppies are no exception. A puppy can receive his first rabies shot at about 3 or 4 months old. Rabies is a deadly disease carried by animals such as rats, other dogs, cats and skunks, and transmitted in the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Rabies attacks the brain and can cause either vicious or timid behavior. Some states mandate yearly vaccinations, while others require them less frequently. Check with your veterinarian about the laws in your state.
- If you plan on boarding your puppy, a bordetella vaccination may be a requirement at some kennels. The shot blocks the bacteria that causes kennel cough, an affliction transmitted in kennels that causes dogs to cough and vomit; although treatable, it can cause the dog serious discomfort.
- Leptospirosis is a contagious bacterial infection that can affect both the liver and the kidneys. A vaccine can prevent a puppy from catching this disease, which can be fatal, as it may lead to organ failure.
