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Vaccination for Puppies and Dogs

Welcome to our vaccination information page for puppies and dogs, where we believe in the power of vaccines to protect our furry best friends. As pet owners ourselves, we understand the strong bond we share with our dogs and the desire to keep them healthy and happy for as long as possible. Puppies are born with some natural immunity to disease that is passed on to them from their vaccinated mother, but this only lasts for a few weeks. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your puppy receives the appropriate vaccinations at the right time to boost their immune system and provide long-term protection against infectious agents. That's why we're here to guide you every step of the way, providing you with the knowledge and expertise you need to make informed decisions about your dog's health.

When should my puppy/dog be vaccinated?

Puppies should be vaccinated for the first time between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and continue to receive a series of vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Your veterinarian will recommend core and non-core vaccines based on your puppy's needs and potential exposure to diseases. It's important to note that until your puppy has completed the full course of vaccinations, they are at risk of contracting serious diseases, so it's best to keep them away from unvaccinated dogs and areas where dogs frequently gather. As adults, dogs require booster vaccinations every 1 to 3 years to maintain protection against diseases. If your pets vaccinations are overdue by more than a month, a veterinarian may suggest an additional booster to ensure the safety of your pet against viruses and diseases.

What vaccines does my puppy/dog need?

The vaccines your puppy or dog needs will depend on factors such as their age, lifestyle, and overall health. The following vaccines are considered core vaccines:

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  • Rabies (Legally mandated): This disease is fatal and affects the nervous system. It can also be transmitted to humans and animals through a bite from an infected animal or by infected saliva coming into contact with broken skin.

  • Parvovirus: This highly contagious and potentially fatal disease is primarily spread through infected feces. Symptoms may include high fever, lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression.

  • Distemper: Many pets are likely to encounter this disease at some point in their lifetime. It can attack multiple organs in the body, including the nervous system, and may even result in death.

  • Adenovirus (canine hepatitis): This viral disease mainly targets the liver of pets and spreads through contact with bodily fluids like urine, feces, and other secretions during its acute phase. The extent of exposure to this virus can vary, ranging from a mild infection to a potentially fatal one.​

Non-core vaccines may be suggested depending on the level of risk of exposure for each individual pet. The following vaccines are considered non-core vaccines:

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  • Parainfluenza: This disease is a highly contagious respiratory infection (dog flu) in dogs, transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions like coughing or sneezing. While usually not fatal, it can weaken the immune system and make dogs more vulnerable to secondary infections.

  • Coronavirus (not to be confused with the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 virus): This disease attacks the intestinal system and results in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depression.

  • Leptospirosis: This disease is caused by contact with surface water contaminated by urine from carrier animals, such as infected wildlife. It can cause liver and kidney damage, vomiting, and fever in pets. It can also be transmitted to humans who come into contact with infected urine. Frequently, this illness results in fatality.

  • Bordetella (kennel cough): This highly contagious disease can be caused by different airborne viruses and bacteria. If in contact your pet may experience difficulty breathing, lethargy, runny nose, and coughing.

    • Please note that this vaccine is not a full preventative, but it can help reduce the severity of the disease.

  • Lyme: Lyme disease is spread by infected tick bites and can cause joint pain, inflammation, and potentially fatal kidney damage.

    • Please note the vaccine does not stop tick bites but aids in preventing the disease transmitted by ticks.​

What are the signs of a negative reaction to the vaccine?

If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms within a few hours of vaccination, please contact us as soon as possible, and one of our team members will provide you with further instructions.

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Facial swelling

  • Hives

  • Collapse

  • Difficulty breathing

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