Dog Vaccination Information
When you bring your puppy home, the first thing you think about probably isn't vaccinations. But making sure your dogs gets its necessary shots is a big part of being a responsible pet owner. Dogs need several vaccinations when they are puppies and then regular boosters after they become adults. There are also optional vaccines for dogs that stay in kennels or spend a lot of time outside.
First Vaccinations
Your puppy should get its first set of vaccinations when it reaches 6 to 8 weeks of age. Until then, the puppy is immune to most diseases due to the milk it receives from the mother. The puppies should be re-vaccinated about 4 weeks after their first shots and again when they reach 16 weeks old. They will receive the DHLPPC vaccination, which is distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus and corona virus.
Rabies Vaccinations
Puppies are vaccinated against rabies when they are 16 to 26 weeks old and then again when they reach 1 year old. As of 2009, most veterinarians are using the rabies vaccination that is good for 3 years, which means the dog will not need the rabies vaccination again until it reaches the age of 4, and every three years after that. However, many states require yearly vaccinations.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs should receive the DHLPPC vaccination every year until they reach an age at which they are considered a senior dog for their breed. The vet can give the vaccination during the dog's annual checkup.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs can have the distemper and parvovirus vaccinations every other year, because they are not as susceptible as younger dogs to the disease. The older dog should still have a yearly checkup to make sure that no other health problems exist.
Optional Vaccinations
Bordetella is given to dogs to protect against upper-respiratory infections, especially kennel cough. If you are boarding you dog with a kennel when you travel, you will need to have this vaccination at least four weeks prior to boarding the dog and once a year thereafter. Giardia comes from drinking water that is contaminated with the parasite. Dogs that live outside or have a habit of drinking any type of water should have this vaccination to prevent the infection. After the first shot, a booster is given in three weeks and then every year thereafter.
Tip
Lyme disease vaccinations are available for dogs that spend time in wooded areas and close to areas where ticks are present. You should also use preventive measures such as Frontline tick collars to keep the ticks away.
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