Vaccinations for Puppies
Congrats! Caring for a new puppy is an exciting time. And it’s important to give that little one the protection they need to explore their new world! At Champlain Animal Hospital, we start the first wellness visit with immunization at 8 weeks and continue every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re completely vaccinated and protected. Please call us to schedule your puppy’s checkup, so that we can get them started on the path to good health!
When should puppies get their first vaccination?
Our team usually suggests that puppies are given their first vaccination at 8, 12 and 16-weeks-old. This may seem like a lot of visits and hassle, but these first shots are key to getting your pet on the path to good health. In fact, missing just one shot or falling out of schedule can leave your pet exposed and vulnerable to harmful diseases.
Why is it important to vaccinate my puppy?
Like human babies, puppies are especially vulnerable at their young age because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. They have weaker defenses against parasites or illnesses. In addition, there are some conditions, called zoonotic diseases, that your precious pup can pass on to you and other people around you. By making sure that your puppy is vaccinated, you are protecting not just your furry pal, but everyone else in your family.
At this stage in their life, your puppy’s immune system has not yet fully developed. By making sure that they are vaccinated, you will protect them from serious and potentially lethal conditions like parvovirus infection, canine distemper, respiratory infections and rabies – which they can transmit to you and other humans. Therefore, vaccines protect not just your cherished puppy, but also other animals and people around you.
What vaccines does a puppy need?
Vaccines are generally divided into two groups: core and non-core. Those belonging to the core group are vaccines that all puppies should receive such as the DHP and the rabies vaccine (which is required by law). Non-core vaccines are optional and may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your puppy’s specific lifestyle and environmental situation. The leptospirosis, Lyme disease and Bordetella vaccines are all examples of non-core vaccines.
Vaccinations for Dogs
Hooray! Your precious puppy has grown into a thriving dog! In order to ensure that they stay strong, happy and disease-free, it is absolutely vital that they continue receiving their vaccines all throughout their life. Vaccines need to be boosted regularly, as their positive effects wear off over time. If your pet is overdue for their next shot, please call us right away. Missing just one vaccine can leave your pet vulnerable. Don’t hesitate to call us at 705-742-4243 to schedule your next appointment or to learn more about vaccines.
What types of vaccinations do you offer for adult dogs?
Here at Champlain Animal Hospital, we offer all of the core and non-core vaccines that are recommended for your pet. During a consultation, we can discuss with you the different formulations that we have available so that you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for your pet. As your dog grows and as your lifestyle evolves, we may recommend different vaccines over time. For instance, if you and your dog travel more often, they may need additional vaccine protection.
Is there a schedule for how often a dog should be vaccinated?
The frequency at which your pet may need booster shots or revaccinations depends on several factors such as their age, health condition and home environment. As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs are usually vaccinated with their core shots between once per year or once every third year. Frequency also depends on the vaccine in question. For instance, we usually give our canine patients the rabies and DAPPV vaccines once every three years. On the other hand, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, influenza and Lyme disease vaccines are usually given once per year.