Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

Preventative care is essential to keep your loyal companion healthy. When your puppy or dog is eligible for vaccines, please consult your veterinarian to establish a vaccine schedule. Vaccines give your pet antibodies that are useful when exposed to preventable diseases. Without vaccines, your pet can be exposed to deadly diseases and, in some cases, succumb to them if contracted.

When should my pet be vaccinated?

Your pet needs vaccines earlier on in their life. The maternal antibodies they get from their mothers are only effective for a short period. For this reason, your puppy should start receiving vaccines when they are 6 to 8-weeks-old until they are 4-months-old. As an adult dog, your pet will need additional vaccines to boost their immunity.

What vaccines do they need?

Here at Glenview Animal Hospital, we provide core and non-core vaccines for dogs and puppies. Core vaccines are necessary for all pets because they offer protection from diseases that are easily spread. These diseases cause severe health problems and can be fatal. Non-core vaccines are required for some pets; your veterinarian considers your pet’s risk of catching certain diseases. Here are the vaccines your pet may need:

1. Rabies - this is a core vaccine. The disease is spread through bites of infected animals and contact with saliva. It damages the nervous system and can lead to death. Humans can also get the disease from animals.
2. DHPP (Core) - This vaccine protects your pet from distemper, hepatovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. These diseases spread through the air and contaminated feces.
3. Lyme (Non-core) - Your pet gets Lyme disease through bites from ticks. Your veterinarian will want to know if your pet frequents heavily grassed or forested areas, as this is where ticks are often found. The disease leads to joint pain, inflammation, and deadly kidney damage.
4. Bordetella (Non-core) - This disease is known as Kennel Cough. It causes coughing, lung infection, and difficulty breathing.
5. Leptospirosis (Non-core) - Pets can catch this disease through contact with contaminated water, infected urine or tissue. It causes kidney and liver damage, fever, and vomiting.

Will my pet need vaccines again?

Yes, it is essential to maintain your pet’s vaccines. Once fully vaccinated, your pet will have an effective dose of immunity for a specific time. Most vaccines need boosters every 1 to 3 years. If your pet doesn’t receive booster vaccines, they are at risk of catching diseases, and there is also the possibility that your pet may have to restart the vaccine series to have sufficient immunity. To find out if your pet needs a booster, please call us at 250-478-4075.