Puppy Vaccines

Vaccines on a puppy are very important! I mean crucial. So crucial that you’re technically not supposed to let your puppy walk out until they are completely vaccinated. This avoids having to take your puppy to the vet in they get a runny nose, a cold, or parvo (which is equivalent to Ebola virus for dogs). As excited, as I was to show off Arty I knew I couldn’t. Those first 2-3 months that I had him were rough. You can’t really potty train if you can’t walk them outside. They can’t make friends if they’re not allowed to socialize yet. So it’s a very tough period for you and your puppy. So let’s get down to the important facts you need to know to make sure your puppy is safe. First things first, what vaccines should my dog have, how old do they have to be, etc? Puppies should be vaccinated as soon as 6 weeks. They should be vaccinated against 5-way. This vaccine protects against:

• Distemper adenovirus type 1, (hepatitis virus)
• Parainfluenza (protects against respiratory disease)
• Parvovirus (protects against serious illnesses such as diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite)

After 5-way, your dog will be vaccinated once again for Distemper, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Corona (optional in some states). There must be 3 doses of these vaccines. They will be administered every 3-4 weeks until complete. It is important to wait 2 weeks after these vaccines have been administered to take your dog out for the first time. We want to make sure that your puppy is safe to be around other dogs.

Fast forward to 16 weeks, your puppy is ready for their rabies vaccine. This vaccine is important since most dog places like Petsmart or Petco will not allow your dog in if they are not vaccinated against this. Also, you want your puppy to be as safe as possible against other critters. As frustrating as this stage might be, its important for you to have a healthy puppy. Also, keep a folder with all your puppies’ medical information in case something gets lost, or if you want to keep track of their vaccines. Once your pup if fully vaccinated, then you can take them out to socialize and have fun!

Enjoy your first outing!