is ensuring your new companion remains happy and healthy. Much like babies, newborn puppies are susceptible to all kinds of bacteria and viruses that their immune system can\u2019t fight off on its own.<\/span><\/p>\nIt\u2019s up to you to keep up with the <\/span>dog vaccine checklist<\/span> to make sure they\u2019re getting all the shots they need.<\/span><\/p>\nDog Vaccine Checklist<\/span><\/h2>\nSo, <\/span>when do puppies need shots<\/span>? This is a common question that many newly-minted pet owners bring up. And the answer? A specific timeline needs to be followed to ensure your pet gets all the protection it needs.<\/span><\/p>\nAnother important piece of information is <\/span>how many shots do puppies need<\/span>. Among the vaccines available, a distinct line is drawn between core and non-core shots. The former are considered an absolute necessity and recommended by most vets to combat the most notorious diseases. Conversely, the latter might be useful in certain situations, based on your dog\u2019s lifestyle and environmental conditions.<\/span><\/p>\nHere\u2019s an overview of all the core and non-core vaccines your pooch might have to get:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAge<\/b><\/td>\n | Core<\/b><\/td>\n | Non-core<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n6-8 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n | DAPP\/DHP<\/span><\/td>\n | Bordetella Bronchiseptica<\/span><\/p>\n Canine Parainfluenza<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n10-12 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n | DAPP\/DHP<\/span><\/p>\n Rabies<\/span><\/td>\n | Canine influenza<\/span><\/p>\n Lyme<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n14-16 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n | DAPP\/DHP<\/span><\/p>\n RLeptospirosisabies<\/span><\/td>\n | Canine influenza<\/span><\/p>\n Lyme<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nAnnual<\/span><\/td>\n | Rabies<\/span><\/p>\n Leptospirosis<\/span><\/td>\n | Bordetella<\/span><\/p>\n Canine influenza<\/span><\/p>\nLyme<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nEvery three years<\/span><\/td>\n | DAPP\/DHP<\/span><\/td>\n | \/<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nWhen Do Puppies Get Their First Shots<\/span><\/h2>\nGenerally speaking, most pups get their first vaccine by the time they\u2019re 6\u20138 weeks old. Each visit to the doctor is approximately every four weeks, with each one being administered at a particular time.<\/span><\/p>\nThe exact <\/span>puppy vaccine schedule<\/span> will likely be determined by your veterinarian and may vary depending on your specific breed and its current health status.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Vaccines Do Puppies Need<\/span><\/h3>\nNow, what does each of the aforementioned shots mean? Of course, it\u2019s somewhat comforting to know exactly what the jab is for and its main function.<\/span><\/p>\nRabies<\/span><\/h4>\nThis is a highly <\/span>contagious disease<\/span> that targets the central nervous system in mammals. Transmission is mostly through <\/span>airborne exposure<\/span> coming from a <\/span>rabid animal<\/span>, but sharing toys and food can also result in an acute infection. The <\/span>rabies vaccine for dogs<\/span> is the safest way to stop this from happening.<\/span><\/p>\nFor canines, the most common symptoms include <\/span>excessive drooling<\/span>, <\/span>separation anxiety<\/b>, <\/span>fear of water<\/span>, aggression, <\/span>hallucinations<\/span>, <\/span>paralysis<\/span>, and death. Since there\u2019s no specific treatment for this condition, taking preventative measures is essential. Pups under four months of age and unvaccinated dogs are the ones with the greatest risk of developing fatal consequences.<\/span><\/p>\nDAPP<\/span>\/DHP<\/span><\/h4>\nNext up on the list of core <\/span>shots for puppies<\/span> is a combination vaccine that protects against a few conditions. This is why an acronym is often used, as it stands for <\/span>Canine Distemper<\/span>, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, <\/span>Canine Hepatitis<\/span>, and <\/span>Parvovirus<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nThese super contagious viruses wreak havoc on dogs\u2019 immune, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The most serious cases experience acute pain,<\/span> jaundice<\/span>, <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>seizures<\/span>, <\/span>twitching<\/span>, and other <\/span>GI symptoms<\/span> such as <\/span>retching<\/span>, <\/span>gagging<\/span>, and <\/span>stomach enlargement<\/span>.<\/span> Some even have organ damage over time, often requiring hospitalization to mitigate the impact.<\/span><\/p>\nIn particular, <\/span>parvo shots for puppies<\/span> are thought to be quite effective, as they raise the survival rate to anywhere from 70% to 92%. Given the high mortality rate among canines with this condition, the numbers are encouraging and can make all the difference when it comes to treatment.<\/span><\/p>\nLeptospirosis<\/span><\/h4>\nThis condition is caused by an <\/span>infectious bacterium<\/span> carried by wildlife and rodents across the world. In most cases, pups are exposed to the bacteria Leptospira through contaminated water. Some canines then develop symptoms, whereas others show no signs of infection at all.<\/span><\/p>\nWhether or not a specific dog develops symptoms depends largely on its vaccination status and immune system. This is particularly true for those that tend to roam about in rural areas, where there\u2019s a higher chance of them coming into contact with contaminants. This is why the leptospirosis vaccine is considered indispensable in the <\/span>puppy vaccine schedule.<\/span><\/p>\nBordetella<\/span><\/h4>\nAlso known as <\/span>kennel cough<\/span>, this is a respiratory disease that leads to severe <\/span>dry coughing<\/span>, sneezing, nasal discharge, and congestion. If not treated properly, it could result in irritation of the trachea and <\/span>inflammation<\/span> of the bronchi, also known as pneumonia.<\/span><\/p>\nDespite being considered non-core, most vets vehemently suggest getting the shot, especially if you plan to take it to daycare. It\u2019s available through injections, oral medications, and <\/span>nasal spray vaccines<\/span>. Your vet should be able to advise you on which form is the most suitable one for your pup.<\/span><\/p>\nLyme Disease<\/span><\/h4>\nThis <\/span>tick-borne disease<\/span> causes swollen <\/span>lymph nodes<\/span> and joints, fatigue, loss of appetite, <\/span>lethargic<\/span> behavior, and <\/span>limping<\/span>. Since ticks are more common in grassy or wooded areas, dogs that live in such environments are more prone to developing symptoms. The initial dose is administered at around 10-12 weeks, with several follow-up booster shots later on.<\/span><\/p>\nIn addition to the vaccine itself, you could take other tick-preventative measures to keep them at bay. Oral or topical treatments are both available and the choice of medication is generally determined by your vet.<\/span><\/p>\nCanine Influenza Virus<\/span><\/h4>\nThe classic dog flu rounds off the list of <\/span>non-core vaccinations<\/span>, often resulting in respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, congestion, and general weakness. Most pups with weakened immune systems show signs of an infection, with more severe cases even resulting in pneumonia.<\/span><\/p>\nIf your pooch is in contact with other canines, such as daycare, kennel, or at the groomer\u2019s, getting this vaccine could save you a lot of headaches down the road. Even though it\u2019s not a mandatory shot for <\/span>dog immunization<\/span>, it offers major befits that could save your pup\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n | | | | | |