COMMON DISEASES PUPPIES NEED PROTECTION AGAINST

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Parvo: Parvo is a highly contagious disease that spreads through contact with infected animal’s stool. The virus attacks the intestines causing severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and, in some cases, even death.

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Distemper: Distemper is a deadly, contagious disease which is caused by Canine Distemper Virus, and it is believed to have no cure. Distemper mostly affects puppies and young dogs and attacks multiple systems, including the central nervous system and respiratory system.

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Rabies: Rabies is a fatal and incurable disease that can affect humans in addition to other animals. Rabies virus is passed onto dogs, puppies, or other animals through a bite from an infected animal, attacking the nervous system until the animal succumbs to the disease. Puppies should receive their first rabies vaccination by 12 weeks of age.

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Canine Influenza: Although adult dogs suffering from canine influenza typically recover within two to three weeks, puppies and senior dogs are more likely to become severely ill after infection because of their decreased immune system functionality.

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Kennel Cough: It is caused by Bordetella Bronchiseptica, which is a highly contagious bacterium. Kennel cough causes coughing, whooping, vomiting, and even death in rare cases.

 

 

WHEN SHOULD PUPPIES RECEIVE THEIR FIRST VACCINATION?

It is generally recommended that puppies receive their first core vaccination between 6–8 weeks of age, followed by vaccine boosters every 3–4 weeks until the puppy is 16–17 weeks old.

 

Some factors that influence the number, type and schedule of vaccines, include:

• Puppy’s age

• Number of puppies in the litter

• The duration for which the puppy was nursed

• Mother’s immunity and vaccination status

• The place and conditions where they were born and raised

 

APPROPRIATE VACCINATION SCHEDULE FOR PUPPIES

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Generally, it’s your vet who will decide the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pup, as one size never fits all. Here are the generally accepted guidelines for puppy vaccination:

• At 6–8 weeks: Distemper, measles, parainfluenza

• At 10–12 weeks: DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus)

• At 12–24 weeks: Rabies

• At 14–16 weeks: DHPP Booster vaccine

• Every 1–2 years: DHPP Booster vaccine

• Every 1–3 years: Rabies vaccine (as per the local law)

 

Some vets and researchers believe that vaccinating adult dogs every year poses various health risks. Therefore, they suggest titer tests before administering annual vaccinations. Titer tests help determine the immunity levels of a dog. They also help determine if vaccinations are necessary.

As far as the rabies vaccine, your state’s law should determine the schedule of the vaccine.