Proper puppy care leads to a healthy adult dog.
There are several recommended vaccinations your puppy should receive to live a healthy and active life. Most puppy breeds can be vaccinated starting at 6 weeks of age. Yearly booster shots are required to help vaccinations remain effective. Depending on the diseases common to your area, some vaccinations may be considered more important than others. Ask your veterinarian for a list of recommended vaccinations and vaccination schedule.
Parovirus
Parovirus is spread by rodents and other domesticated animals through feces. Symptoms of parovirus include vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Depending on the breed, your puppy may become sick or may not show signs of the virus at all. Some puppies contract parovirus even after being vaccinated. The parovirus vaccine can be given to puppies between 6 to 8 weeks of age. Revaccination should occur every three weeks until the puppy is 16 to 20 weeks old. A booster shot should be given at one year. Additional vaccines should be given every one to three years.
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccinations are a health and safety requirement for dogs in all 50 states. Rabies is commonly transmitted from the bite of an effected animal. Symptoms include nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness, which leads to abnormal behavior, labored breathing and choking. If left untreated, death will eventually occur. Two rabies vaccinations should be given to your puppy: the first at 3 months and a second after one year. At age 2, a three-year rabies vaccination should be given. Every three years, your puppy should receive a new shot.
Lyme Vaccination
Lyme disease vaccinations are available if you live in a region where lyme disease is present or if you plan to travel to one of these regions with your puppy. Not all veterinarians agree that lyme vaccines are effective, so ask your veterinarian for advice. Vaccinations are available to puppies after they reach 12 weeks of age. Two doses are usually given within a three-week time period. A booster shot is given yearly.
Combination Vaccines
There are two types of combination vaccines, 5-way vaccines and 7-way vaccines. These vaccines help protect puppies from multiple diseases and conditions. Most 5-way vaccines protect against canine distemper, hepatitis, parovirus, parainfluenza and adenovirus cough. Most 7-way vaccines protect against these diseases as well as coronavirus and leptospirosis. Combination vaccines can be administered starting as early as 6 weeks of age. Depending on the diseases commonly found in your area, your veterinarian should provide you with a list of suggested vaccinations and a vaccination schedule. For continued protection, a combination vaccine booster shot may be given once a year.
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