When Should You Vaccinate Your Puppy?
Vaccines are an easy way to help your pet live a healthier life. Some people wonder why puppies need vaccines. The answer is similar to that of human babies — when they’re still nursing with their mothers, they get an immunity boost from her milk. But at approximately 6 weeks of age they no longer have the protection from their mother’s colostrum and are prone to viral infections because their immune system is still new and not prepared to fight . So, when your pup eventually is exposed to new viruses, it has no built-in immunity for protection.
Your puppy’s first shots
Experts recommend starting a series of vaccines at six to eight weeks. The following doses should be given at two to four-week intervals and your puppy’s final doses should be given around 16 weeks. Typically, injectable vaccines kick in about two weeks after the second dose and intranasal vaccines become active within a few days. Some vaccines are available only as injectable and some are available as a nose drop or intranasal.
Certain intranasal immunizations will only require one dose, while most intranasal and injectable vaccines require 1-2 boosters to ensure the vaccine remains effective.
Core and non-core vaccinations
Some vaccines are considered more essential than others; these are known as “core vaccines.”
Core vaccines
These life-saving vaccines prevent viral diseases like canine parvovirus, parainfluenza, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. They are considered core vaccines. Without these vaccines, the aforementioned diseases can cause devastating illness, and in many cases, lead to painful deaths. As a result, core vaccines are considered essential to your puppy’s life. Giving rabies vaccine to your pet is a state law in most states.
Non-core vaccines
These vaccines are considered important, but optional. Non-core illnesses include canine canine influenza virus, bordetella and leptospirosis.
The need for non-core vaccines depends on risks like lifestyle and geographic location. It’s recommended that you work with your vet to determine your pet’s risk level and need.
Are puppy vaccines safe?
Generally speaking, yes. Vaccines for puppies are extraordinarily safe — but they aren’t entirely risk-free. Still, vaccines have saved countless pets’ lives, and they play an important role in controlling the spread of contagious diseases.
How do puppy vaccines work?
Vaccines work by mildly stimulating your pup’s immune system, helping your pup build a tolerance to the injected virus or bacteria. However, on rare occasions, your pup may have a vaccine reaction which may be mild or more severe. Most vaccine reactions are treatable and your pup needs to go to the vet immediately if not acting himself after a vaccine. Most vaccine reactions occur within one to eight hours post vaccine and certain breeds are more susceptible to certain vaccines than others.
Most dogs will show no ill-effects of immunizations, and if they do, they’re usually short-lived. However, if you notice the following systems, call your vet right away.
Reactions to immunizations can include one or more of the following:
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Facial swelling and/or hives
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Labored breathing
- Pain, swelling, redness, scabbing or hair loss around the injection site
- Seizures
- Sluggishness
- Collapse
Again, if any symptoms occur, they’re usually mild, but call your vet regardless. When it comes to a young puppy, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Keep vaccination records up to date
Each time you get your pup immunized, be sure to request a hard copy for your files. Many kennels, groomers, and trainers require updated records and may refuse to schedule your pup without them. While you can always request your vet fax or email a copy of your pup’s records, it can sometimes take a day or two, and having them on hand will simplify your life in a pinch.
Local laws on vaccinations
It’s also important to know that some states or local municipalities have laws requiring vaccinations. Typically, your vet will be knowledgeable on local vaccination laws, but it’s always best to do your own research as well.
Other long-term health considerations
This is also an excellent time to talk to your vet about other healthy measures, like stem cell banking. Stem cell therapies are showing remarkable results for conditions like inflammation, osteoarthritis, orthopedic injury and disease, and kidney complications. It’s important to consider stem cell banking early because these little cellular powerhouses can be easily collected during the spaying/neutering process. Find out more about the life-changing healing properties of stem cell banking here.
Plan for a healthy pup
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Vaccinating your pet will help prevent diseases and help keep your dog healthy for years to come. By planning ahead and getting a head start on immunizations, you’ll have time to determine the most appropriate course of vaccines — and prevent unnecessary health risks to your pup and others’.
