What to know about puppy vaccinations

Getting a new puppy is always an exciting time! It can also be anxiety-inducing with so much valuable information to know including what food will best nourish your dog, how to properly socialize and train your pup, and crucially, how to keep them healthy and protected from illness. There are many dangerous contagious diseases that puppies and dogs can contract. Thankfully, there are vaccines available to protect your puppy from these threats that can cause sickness or even death. Many puppies are obtained around 10-12 weeks of age. In a lot of cases, the breeder of your puppy should have started the course of "puppy shots" before you bring them home. A written certificate, along with other important documents, should be given to you along with your pup. A shelter should do the same and provide you with health and vaccination history. Your vet can always assist in looking at health records and making a vaccination plan for your dog. What vaccines should a puppy receive? At what age? Does your dog need a series of vaccines? Remember that any questions you have can be answered by your veterinarian. Canine vaccines are typically divided into "core" vaccines and non-core or "lifestyle" vaccines. Core vaccines are determined by expert veterinary groups (like the AAHA and the WSAVA) whose organizations analyze disease prevalence, risk and global significance to create guidelines for veterinarians, emphasizing protection for all dogs. Core vaccines are those recommended for all puppies and dogs regardless of lifestyle and are essential to protecting against severe, widespread and potentially fatal diseases. Canine core vaccines include: • DAPPL Combo: A combination vaccine protecting against Distemper (a serious viral disease affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems), Adenovirus Type 2 (protects against infectious canine hepatitis and respiratory disease), Parvovirus (virus causes severe gastrointestinal illness, especially dangerous for puppies), Parainfluenza (a respiratory virus), and Leptospirosis (a serious bacterial disease whose vaccine may be given individually or in combination with the DAPP). • Rabies vaccine: Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system that is transmissible to humans. Unlike the other vaccines that are recommended, the rabies vaccine is mandatory by law. Non-core vaccines, or "lifestyle vaccines," are recommended for dogs based on lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure. Depending on these factors, they may not be needed for every puppy. These vaccines should be discussed with your vet. Examples of non-core vaccines: • Canine Bordetella vaccine: Protects against the bacteria that causes Tracheobronchitis (kennel cough). • Canine influenza vaccine: The flu vaccine for dogs (there are two strains available). • Canine Lyme vaccine: Protects against bacterial disease carried by exposure to infected ticks. When should my puppy be vaccinated? New puppy vaccinations usually start around six to eight weeks with core shots like the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza). These continue with boosters every three to four weeks until a puppy is 16-20 weeks of age. A booster is also given one year after the puppy series, then typically every one to three years, though your vet will set the schedule. The rabies vaccine is usually administered at four months of age, with a booster in one year. Non-core vaccines that your vet determines are right for your puppy will be given to your dog starting at the same time as the core vaccines. Your vet will tailor the specific timing that best fits your puppy's needs. Why a series of vaccines? Multiple additional shots, or boosters, are needed to fully protect your dog. While puppies are born with antibodies against disease, these maternal antibodies fade within the first few months. Each puppy is different, so it is impossible to know when that fading occurs for each individual dog. This is why vaccines should have boosters given multiple time until your puppy is old enough. This vaccination schedule ensures that a puppy has no gaps in protection against these diseases. Remember to avoid dog parks and public areas until your pup is fully vaccinated, though you should still safely socialize your dog to the world by carrying them to become acquainted. For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the American Kennel Club website at www.akc.org.