Do puppies need other vaccinations and when?
Our belief at CavalierKingCharlesSpanielDogs.com is that dogs benefit from having vaccinations
and your puppy will have their first set of shots before you take them home.
and your puppy will have their first set of shots before you take them home.
Why Do Puppies Need Vaccinations?
Puppies need vaccinations to help prevent the catching of various dangerous diseases.
Vaccines contain antigens, which your dog’s immune system thinks are the organisms that cause these diseases.
The antigens in vaccines cannot give your dog the disease in question, but they work by preparing your
dog’s immune system to fight off the disease if it does occur. If your dog ever comes in contact with a
disease they have been vaccinated against, his immune system will know how to destroy it.
Puppies need vaccinations to help prevent the catching of various dangerous diseases.
Vaccines contain antigens, which your dog’s immune system thinks are the organisms that cause these diseases.
The antigens in vaccines cannot give your dog the disease in question, but they work by preparing your
dog’s immune system to fight off the disease if it does occur. If your dog ever comes in contact with a
disease they have been vaccinated against, his immune system will know how to destroy it.
What Diseases Can Vaccinations Protect Against?
There are vaccines available to protect your puppy against more than 11 different diseases. However,
depending on your circumstances and where you live, your puppy might not need them all. Your vet will be
able to recommend those they think you really need, with others being up to your choice.
There are four core vaccines for diseases all puppies should be vaccinated against and seven
non-core vaccines that the American Animal Hospital Association and the American
Veterinary Medicine Association recommend.
The non-core vaccines may or may not be recommended by your vet, depending on different
variables, mostly the prevalence or absence of a disease in your area.
There are vaccines available to protect your puppy against more than 11 different diseases. However,
depending on your circumstances and where you live, your puppy might not need them all. Your vet will be
able to recommend those they think you really need, with others being up to your choice.
There are four core vaccines for diseases all puppies should be vaccinated against and seven
non-core vaccines that the American Animal Hospital Association and the American
Veterinary Medicine Association recommend.
The non-core vaccines may or may not be recommended by your vet, depending on different
variables, mostly the prevalence or absence of a disease in your area.
The Core Vaccinations
Rabies
This is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Humans can catch it from dogs, so it’s a
legal requirement for dogs to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Depending on where you
live your dog will need to have a booster once every one to three years.
Parvovirus
This common virus is hard to treat and has an 80 percent fatality rate, which is why
inoculating against it is so important.
Hepatitis
Canine viral hepatitis is also known as adenovirus. Although it’s different from human
hepatitis and can’t be passed to people, it’s still very serious.
Canine distemper
Before vaccination, this was a big killer of dogs. Now it’s only commonly found in the wild and in pet stores. Vaccinating against this disease will protect your puppy if he comes in contact with the virus while out and about.
Rabies
This is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Humans can catch it from dogs, so it’s a
legal requirement for dogs to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Depending on where you
live your dog will need to have a booster once every one to three years.
Parvovirus
This common virus is hard to treat and has an 80 percent fatality rate, which is why
inoculating against it is so important.
Hepatitis
Canine viral hepatitis is also known as adenovirus. Although it’s different from human
hepatitis and can’t be passed to people, it’s still very serious.
Canine distemper
Before vaccination, this was a big killer of dogs. Now it’s only commonly found in the wild and in pet stores. Vaccinating against this disease will protect your puppy if he comes in contact with the virus while out and about.
The Non-Core Vaccinations
Lyme disease
Your dog can contract Lyme disease from tick bites, but it’s only a problem in particular areas. The
parainfluenza virus and the bordetella bacterium are both major causes of kennel cough. Inoculation
is generally only necessary if your puppy is going to be exposed to many other dogs. For instance,
at boarding kennels, doggy daycare or dog shows.
Coronavirus
This infectious disease is a common cause of stomach upset. It’s highly contagious, but doesn’t
have a large death rate, so not all vets recommend it.
Leptospirosis
This bacteria can infect dogs and their human companions. Yes, that’s you! In serious cases it can
cause organ failure and death in dogs. In certain high-risk parts of the country, your dog
might need a booster every six months.
Giardia
Giardia are parasites that commonly live in the digestive tracts of dogs. Many dogs have them, but they
rarely cause problems. The vaccine doesn’t stop your dog being infected, but it does lower the risk
of passing these parasites to other animals.
Measles
This isn’t a vaccination that’s recommended often. It’s usually only given to puppies of between
4 and 10 weeks in high risk environments for distemper.
Lyme disease
Your dog can contract Lyme disease from tick bites, but it’s only a problem in particular areas. The
parainfluenza virus and the bordetella bacterium are both major causes of kennel cough. Inoculation
is generally only necessary if your puppy is going to be exposed to many other dogs. For instance,
at boarding kennels, doggy daycare or dog shows.
Coronavirus
This infectious disease is a common cause of stomach upset. It’s highly contagious, but doesn’t
have a large death rate, so not all vets recommend it.
Leptospirosis
This bacteria can infect dogs and their human companions. Yes, that’s you! In serious cases it can
cause organ failure and death in dogs. In certain high-risk parts of the country, your dog
might need a booster every six months.
Giardia
Giardia are parasites that commonly live in the digestive tracts of dogs. Many dogs have them, but they
rarely cause problems. The vaccine doesn’t stop your dog being infected, but it does lower the risk
of passing these parasites to other animals.
Measles
This isn’t a vaccination that’s recommended often. It’s usually only given to puppies of between
4 and 10 weeks in high risk environments for distemper.
How Are Vaccines Given?
Most vaccines are given as injections. These are given either under the skin or into the muscle. However, some vaccines, such as those against kennel cough, work better when given as a spray up your puppy’s nose.
Most vets offer a combined injection so your puppy doesn’t need to have numerous jabs. This will protect against the core diseases, plus a number of others, depending on the vet’s advice. Most combination injections protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, coronavirus and parvovirus.
Most vaccines are given as injections. These are given either under the skin or into the muscle. However, some vaccines, such as those against kennel cough, work better when given as a spray up your puppy’s nose.
Most vets offer a combined injection so your puppy doesn’t need to have numerous jabs. This will protect against the core diseases, plus a number of others, depending on the vet’s advice. Most combination injections protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, coronavirus and parvovirus.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
It’s important that puppies are given their vaccinations on a strict schedule. This allows their body
time to develop a good immune response. Until your puppy ‘s had all their vaccinations, it isn’t safe
for him to go on the ground outside, except for in your own yard.
Your puppy should be with his mom until he’s at least eight-weeks old. This means the first jab is
usually given by the breeder or shelter from which you’re getting your puppy. However, your vet will be
able to sort out a modified schedule if your pup is older than 7 weeks and hasn’t had his first injection.
It’s important that puppies are given their vaccinations on a strict schedule. This allows their body
time to develop a good immune response. Until your puppy ‘s had all their vaccinations, it isn’t safe
for him to go on the ground outside, except for in your own yard.
Your puppy should be with his mom until he’s at least eight-weeks old. This means the first jab is
usually given by the breeder or shelter from which you’re getting your puppy. However, your vet will be
able to sort out a modified schedule if your pup is older than 7 weeks and hasn’t had his first injection.
Recommended and Most Common Schedule of Vaccinations
6 to 7 weeks old:
This is when your puppy should get his first combination injection.
9 weeks old:
At this age, your puppy will probably be in your care. He needs his second combination vaccine.
Make sure you have a record of his first injection to show your new vet.
12 weeks old:
At 12 weeks your puppy will get his third combination injection. If necessary, he will also
have a Lyme disease vaccine.
12 to 16 weeks old:
Depending on where you live your puppy is required to have a rabies vaccine somewhere
between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks.
16 weeks old:
This is when your pup will have his fourth and final combination injection. At this point, your vet
will advise you when your puppy can go out for his first walk.
6 to 7 weeks old:
This is when your puppy should get his first combination injection.
9 weeks old:
At this age, your puppy will probably be in your care. He needs his second combination vaccine.
Make sure you have a record of his first injection to show your new vet.
12 weeks old:
At 12 weeks your puppy will get his third combination injection. If necessary, he will also
have a Lyme disease vaccine.
12 to 16 weeks old:
Depending on where you live your puppy is required to have a rabies vaccine somewhere
between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks.
16 weeks old:
This is when your pup will have his fourth and final combination injection. At this point, your vet
will advise you when your puppy can go out for his first walk.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Unfortunately, there are potential risks to having your puppy vaccinated.
That said, many people believe the risks are far outweighed by the benefits.
Unfortunately, there are potential risks to having your puppy vaccinated.
That said, many people believe the risks are far outweighed by the benefits.
Most common side-effects from these injections are extremely minor and won’t require attention
from your vet, such as soreness at the injection site or slight tiredness. However, you should monitor
your dog closely after a vaccination and contact your vet right away
if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Hives
Facial swelling
Collapse
Seizure
Difficulty breathing
Pale gums
Weakness
Staggering
High fever
Explosive or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
Some critics claim there may be long-term risks to vaccinating your dog. The argument isn’t that dogs
shouldn’t be vaccinated at all, but that they don’t need annual boosters.
It’s suggested that annual vaccinations could be bad for the immune system and cause more harm
than good. After all, it was vaccination manufacturers who suggested annual boosters, which
means more money for them!
Most vets concede it’s likely vaccinations are effective for more than one year, just as they are for humans.
Some vet practices now suggest boosters for dogs only once every three years. However, others
believe this is too much of a risk and still recommend annual boosters.
Approximate Cost
Nobody ever said that owning a dog was inexpensive, and a series of jabs is just one cost you
have to be prepared for when bringing a puppy home.
The cost of puppy vaccinations can vary wildly from town to town and you will likely even find a big
difference in cost between practices in the same town. While shopping around for a good deal might
seem wise, it’s more important to choose a vet with an excellent reputation.
Be prepared to shell out between $100 and $150 for a series of three combination jabs plus
one rabies vaccination. If your vet recommends any other vaccinations, this will be extra.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to puppy vaccinations, but don’t let it overwhelm you!
Although many options exist, most puppies only need a standard course of combination vaccinations
and a rabies jab. If there are other vaccinations your puppy needs, for instance if there’s a high
risk of Lyme disease in your area, your vet will be able to advise you.
shouldn’t be vaccinated at all, but that they don’t need annual boosters.
It’s suggested that annual vaccinations could be bad for the immune system and cause more harm
than good. After all, it was vaccination manufacturers who suggested annual boosters, which
means more money for them!
Most vets concede it’s likely vaccinations are effective for more than one year, just as they are for humans.
Some vet practices now suggest boosters for dogs only once every three years. However, others
believe this is too much of a risk and still recommend annual boosters.
Approximate Cost
Nobody ever said that owning a dog was inexpensive, and a series of jabs is just one cost you
have to be prepared for when bringing a puppy home.
The cost of puppy vaccinations can vary wildly from town to town and you will likely even find a big
difference in cost between practices in the same town. While shopping around for a good deal might
seem wise, it’s more important to choose a vet with an excellent reputation.
Be prepared to shell out between $100 and $150 for a series of three combination jabs plus
one rabies vaccination. If your vet recommends any other vaccinations, this will be extra.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to puppy vaccinations, but don’t let it overwhelm you!
Although many options exist, most puppies only need a standard course of combination vaccinations
and a rabies jab. If there are other vaccinations your puppy needs, for instance if there’s a high
risk of Lyme disease in your area, your vet will be able to advise you.
Above Dog Vaccination article reference/source https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-vaccinations/ and
http://www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-health-and-care/puppy-vaccination-schedule/
http://www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-health-and-care/puppy-vaccination-schedule/