Dog and Puppy Vaccines to Keep Your Pet Safe

Your dog is your best friend and there is nothing more important than taking the best possible care of him, One critical way to do that is to ensure he gets the dog vaccines necessary to keep him safe from diseases that could take your best friend away – for good.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Important 

You get shots to protect you from illnesses and it is the same for dogs. Just as we humans are exposed to contagious diseases that can be dangerous if not protected, it is the same with our faithful companions. Without regular dog vaccinations, your pet is prey to some of the most horrendous diseases today. Starting with puppy shots, our canine friends need to be on a regular schedule of vaccinations to ensure lifelong protection from dangerous diseases.

How Vaccines Work

When our veterinarian administers dog and puppy vaccines, a tiny amount of the disease is injected into the bloodstream. Their body then goes to work to build a defense against the illness. In order to keep the immune defense mechanism working to protect the pet, yearly booster shots are necessary every year after the initial puppy shots regimen is complete.

Puppy Vaccines

Nothing is as delightful as a squiggly puppy who wants nothing but love. The ultimate way to show that love is to make an appointment for those first puppy shots. Puppies are especially vulnerable to disease because their immune systems have not fully developed, which is also the reason why they need a more frequent schedule of puppy shots. This gradual build-up prevents their immature immune systems from being overwhelmed.

Vaccination Classifications

Veterinary experts classify vaccinations into two types: core and non-core. Just as the names suggest, the core vaccines are non-negotiable while the non-core are optional based on lifestyle. We will work with you to determine which non-core dog shots your pet needs to always be protected.

Core Dog and Puppy Vaccines

These are the disease against which all puppies and dogs need to be vaccine-protected:

Rabies: Rabies is an agonizing disease that results in death for all animals.  It is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal.

Parvovirus: Parvo, which is especially dangerous for unprotected puppies, is highly contagious with death rates as high as 80 percent. Symptoms of the disease are vomiting and diarrhea.

Distemper: Distemper is a highly virulent disease that spreads wherever dogs gather – day care, boarding, the playground, and it targets the nervous system. It is often fatal for dogs who are not vaccinated.

Leptospirosis or Canine Hepatitis: A dangerous disease that is spread by drinking water that is contaminated by the urine of infected animals. It attacks the kidneys and is often fatal.

Non-Core Vaccines

For older dogs, these vaccines are lifestyle dependent, while some are necessary for puppies for their full protection:

Lyme Disease Vaccine: For dogs who spend time outdoors in rural or wooded areas.

Bordetella or Kennel Cough Vaccine: Most boarding facilities require this to prevent the spread of kennel cough.

Parainfluenza or Canine Flu Vaccine: Prevents illness that spreads readily from dog-to-dog.

Adenovirus Vaccine: Protects against this disease which is spread by contaminated feces.

Schedule for Puppy Shots

To build up your puppy’s immune system while providing protection, we recommend this schedule:

8 weeks: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus

12 weeks: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus, bordetella & leptospirosis for high-risk pets

16 weeks: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and rabies (1 yr vaccine) and leptospirosis for high-risk pets

1 year: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and rabies (3 yr vaccine) and leptospirosis for high-risk pets

Schedule for Booster Shots

As an adult, your dog will require booster shots to maintain their health, we recommend this schedule:

Every year: rabies, Lyme disease, bordetella & leptospirosis for high-risk pets

Every 3 years (or more often): parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza

Visit Richview Animal Hospital Today

Richview Animal Hospital is your “go-to” veterinarian for superlative pet care. Call us today at (416) 245-8805 to make an appointment for your pet’s puppy or dog shots.