It is recommended you regularly vaccinate your dog against many important infectious and life-threatening diseases. All dogs need to be routinely vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus and rabies in some countries. Additionally, dogs can be vaccinated to help prevent Kennel Cough. This vaccine is very important for dogs regularly going to shows or visiting boarding kennels.
Mothers protection.
As I’m sure your aware you need to get your dog vaccinated for a reason as he won't be immune from diseases from birth. The mother does pass on some immunity through the blood through the placenta and in its first milk (also known as colostrum’s). But beware this immunity fades pretty quickly (6-8 weeks!) . Because of this it is best to get your puppy its first vaccination from 2 months of age. Also remember that the mother will not pass on antibodies that she is not vaccinated for herself. So check the mother has all her shots up to par!
What age should i get my puppy vaccinated?
It is advised to get the puppy his first group of vaccinations at the age of 6 weeks. Now this may vary in some litters but most of the time 6 weeks he'll almost certainly be good to go. Best thing to do is ring your vet and tell him what type of dog you have got and he can give you a bit more detailed puppy vaccination schedule.
Puppy vaccination schedule
Puppy vaccination schedules changes from city to city and country to country but through the age of
6-8 weeks - distemper, measles and parainfluenza
10-12 weeks - DHPP (vaccinations for distemper, adenvirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza and parvovirus
12-24 weeks - Rabies
14-16 weeks - DHPP
Your vet will probably advise to obtain another rabies & DHPP shot at the age of 12-16 months then a rabies shot every 1-3 years after that.
Things to remember
It is extremely important to keep your puppy indoors and away from other dogs until seven days after his last injection. This would be to avoid infection and until he or she is fully protected against the big bad world!
Your vet will provide you with a vaccination record book/sheet of all your puppies injections up to now and it'll have dates for future boosters/vaccinations etc. If he doesn’t, be sure to ask him for it as its a very important document specifically if you are planning on insuring or breeding your pet down the line!
All of the diseases mentioned above share identical initial indications of depression, an increased temperature and a decrease in appetite, if you think your puppy is acting strange or unwell especially before these vaccinations get him to the vet immediately.
Some breeds of dogs require a different puppy vaccination schedule, my Rottweiler Macy was required to have extra parvo vaccinations, there obviously more susceptible to that particular virus. Your vet will advise you on any special requirements your puppy might need.
Your dog may not need to get annual boosters as some dogs are less prone to getting diseases, your vet can advise you on this. But if you plan on breeding your puppy you may need to get him special vaccinations, again your vet can advise you on these matters.
