There is much to do in the first year of having a puppy, whether your first or fifth. From potty and crate training to shots, there will be many decisions, plans, and discussions with your family, vet, and even a trainer.
Canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies vaccines are core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are administered based on the dog’s risk of exposure. Vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leptospira bacteria are among them.
What are the Different Types of Vaccines?
Bordetella Bronchiseptica: This vaccine protects against a highly contagious bacteria that causes severe coughing, vomiting, and, in rare cases, death. You’ve probably heard of kennel cough, the main culprit and easily preventable with shots and nasal sprays. As an added precaution, never allow your dog to share water with a stranger’s dog.
Canine Distemper
This contagious disease is caused by a virus spread through the air by an infected animal’s sneeze or cough. Distemper is dangerous to your dog’s health because it affects many vital systems. It can cause discharge, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, death, and other symptoms if there is no cure. As previously stated, a shot is an excellent way to protect your pet. Also, keep your furry child from sharing toys, food, and water with unfamiliar pets!
Canine Hepatitis
This is another disease that is not curable but can be avoided in dogs. It is highly contagious and causes damage to the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes. The symptoms, unrelated to human hepatitis, range from a mild fever to jaundice and pain around the liver. The mild form of this disease is treatable in most dogs; however, the severe form can kill even otherwise healthy pets. Prevention is essential.
Canine Parainfluenza
One of several viruses that can cause kennel cough and can easily be avoided.
Corona Virus
This virus typically affects dogs’ gastrointestinal or respiratory systems. No drug can kill it, but vaccination can help prevent it. Loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea are all symptoms.
Heartworm
This is perhaps the most well-known issue, and it can be resolved with regular treatment in the form of a monthly pill. These worms live on the right side of the heart and can spread throughout the body, invading the liver and kidneys. They can grow up to 14 inches long and, when clumped together, can block and injure organs. Mosquitoes spread heartworms, and blood tests are used to diagnose them.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is caused by inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by a variety of factors and frequently involves multiple infections at the same time. It can be fatal in rare cases but is usually mild and easy to treat. It spreads between dogs kept in close quarters, such as kennels.
Leptospirosis
This disease is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, as is the case with many of the others on this list. This zoonotic disease can be transmitted from animals to humans through soil and water worldwide. Antibiotics are most effective when used immediately. In humans and pets with this infection, look for fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, infertility, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, kidney failure, and liver failure.
Lyme Disease
Unlike humans, dogs do not develop the well-known bull’s-eye rash associated with Lyme disease. Dogs do not exhibit this telltale symptom. Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by a bacterium known as a spirochete. A limping dog, swollen lymph nodes, an increase in temperature, and a lack of appetite are all signs of an infected dog. If left untreated, it can have various consequences, including neurological disorders. Antibiotics are highly beneficial, but relapses are possible because Lime Disease is incurable.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects all breeds of dogs. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months of age, on the other hand, are the most vulnerable and should be kept safe. This virus attacks the GI system, causing nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. Dehydration caused by this virus is highly lethal and can kill a dog within 72 hours. There is no cure, but keeping the dog hydrated and controlling secondary symptoms will help him survive until his immune system overcomes the illness.
Rabies
The most well-known problem in the animal kingdom, rabies, is a viral disease that can infect any mammal. It infiltrates the central nervous system, causing symptoms ranging from headaches and anxiety to hallucinations, fear of water, and death. Treatment within hours of infection is critical to avoid death when transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Many states and countries require this vaccination.
Why is it Important for Puppies to be Vaccinated?
Vaccinating your new pet may seem obvious to many. However, there are several other reasons why vaccination is essential for your new puppy. We’ve compiled a list of pro-vaccination reasoning.
Vaccination prevents infection: Vaccinating your pet, just like vaccinating children, ensures that those who cannot be vaccinated remain safe. If you do not vaccinate your pet, even if most others do, you run a much higher risk of infecting your pet and others.
Prevention of zoonotic disease: As with leptospirosis, some viruses and bacteria can be transmitted from pets to humans. Getting your pet vaccinated protects not only your pet but also you and your family. Consider rabies as another example.
It’s the law: In many cities, states, and countries, vaccinating your pet is required. Sometimes only rabies is required, while other locations may require you to get additional shots. Check with local laws to ensure you aren’t in danger of getting a ticket or taking your pet away.
Vaccinations can help you avoid expensive medical bills: Your new family member can get into a lot of mischief when playing with friends. They, like children, can learn a variety of things from those with whom they play. If you do not vaccinate, you may need to take your pet to the ER for blood work, pills, and medical attention.
Vaccination will help ensure a long and happy life: Ultimately, vaccination is just a good idea. While vaccination is not foolproof, it can help your pet live a longer and healthier life free of preventable disease and death. Getting all vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian can keep your pet safe from things that could harm both him and you!
Schedule Guide for Puppy Vaccinations
As we are all aware, each dog, like each person, is unique, which means that no one schedule applies to every dog you may encounter or own. Each dog will be different depending on where you live and the country and your dog’s risk factors. Some dogs will not require every shot, while others will. This is something we should always discuss with our veterinarian during routine appointments.
6 – 8 Weeks:
Recommended Vaccinations: Parainfluenza, Distemper, and Measles.
Optional Vaccinations: Bordetella
10 – 12 Weeks:
Recommended Vaccinations: Distemper, Hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. (DHPP)
Optional Vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Coronavirus
12 – 14 Weeks:
Recommended Vaccinations: Rabies
Optional Vaccinations: None
14 – 16 Weeks:
Recommended Vaccinations: Distemper, Hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. (DHPP)
Optional Vaccinations: Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and Coronavirus
Every 1 – 2 Years:
Recommended Vaccinations: Distemper, Hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. (DHPP)
Optional Vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Coronavirus
Every 1 – 3 Years:
Recommended Vaccinations: Rabies (Required by Law)
Optional Vaccinations: None
How Much Do Vaccines Cost?
Several factors determine the cost of your puppy’s vaccinations. One factor is where you live: veterinarians in congested and expensive urban areas will charge more than a rural vet in a small town. In other words, there are significant price differences. However, some vaccines, such as the core vaccines and those for rabies, are required regardless of cost.
The average cost can range between $75 and $100. These will include the core vaccines, given in three doses at six, twelve, and sixteen weeks.
The DHLPP is one of the core vaccines like distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza. Your dog will also require a rabies vaccination, which costs about $15 to $20. Some clinics include the rabies vaccination fee.
Vaccinations are frequently less expensive, around $20, or even free at animal shelters. If you got your dog from a shelter, they were most likely already vaccinated up until the age you got him. The initial puppy vaccination costs are higher than the adult vaccination costs.