Puppy Vaccinations: What Vaccines Do Puppies Need for Healthy Development?

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with cuddles, playtime, and new adventures. However, it’s also a crucial period for ensuring your puppy’s health and well-being through proper vaccinations. At Brown Veterinary Hospital in Terre Haute, IN, we’re dedicated to providing your puppies with the care they need for a healthy start in life. If you have any concerns or wish to book an appointment, call us at 812-645-0715 or schedule your visit online.

Understanding Puppy Vaccinations

Vaccinations play a pivotal role in protecting your puppy from various infectious diseases. They work by preparing your puppy’s immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases without exposing them to the full strength of the disease itself.

Why Vaccinate Your Puppy?

Vaccinations are not just about keeping your puppy healthy; they’re about creating a safe environment for all pets. By vaccinating your puppy, you’re contributing to the broader effort of controlling preventable diseases.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Puppy vaccinations are categorized into core and non-core vaccines. Understanding the difference between these two categories can help you make informed decisions about your puppy’s health.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are essential for all puppies, regardless of their location or lifestyle. These vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, severe, or potentially transmissible to humans.

• Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus affecting puppies’ gastrointestinal tracts.
• Canine Distemper: A serious viral illness with no known cure.
• Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs.
• Rabies: A fatal viral infection that is also a risk to human health.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are administered based on your puppy’s exposure risk. These include:

• Bordetella: Commonly associated with kennel cough.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can affect both pets and humans.
• Lyme Disease: Caused by tick bites.
• Canine Influenza: A contagious respiratory disease.

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies

A proper vaccination schedule is vital for ensuring your puppy receives the necessary protection at the right times.

Initial Vaccinations

Puppies should receive their first round of vaccines between 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters following every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age.

Maintaining Protection

After the initial series, puppies should receive a booster at one year of age and then according to your vet’s recommendation, which may vary based on the vaccine and your pet’s overall health and lifestyle.

Preparing for Your Puppy’s Vaccination Visit

Visiting the vet can be a stressful experience for your puppy. Here are some tips to make vaccination visits as smooth and stress-free as possible:

• Get your puppy used to being handled, particularly around the paws, ears, and mouth.
• Use a secure pet carrier for safe and stress-free transportation.
• Always bring any medical records or previous vaccination certificates with you.

Aftercare Following Vaccinations

Most puppies bounce back quickly after their vaccinations, but some may experience mild side effects. These can include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, and lethargy. While rare, if you notice any unusual symptoms such as persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or severe lethargy, contact Brown Veterinary Hospital immediately.

Brown Veterinary Hospital: Your Partner in Puppy Care

At Brown Veterinary Hospital in Terre Haute, IN, we’re committed to providing your puppies with the care they need for a healthy start in life. Our team of experienced veterinarians is here to guide you through your puppy’s vaccination schedule, ensuring they receive the necessary protection against disease. If you have any questions or need to schedule a vaccination appointment, call us at 812-645-0715 or book online. We’re here to be your partner in ensuring your puppy grows into a healthy, happy dog.