Vaccinations for Puppies

To ensure that puppies are protected from various infectious diseases, veterinarians recommend a series of vaccinations. These vaccinations are categorized into core vaccines, which are essential for all dogs, and lifestyle vaccines, which are optional and based on the dog's environment and lifestyle.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are vital for every puppy and include:

• Canine Distemper/Adenovirus-2/Parvovirus/Parainfluenza Vaccine (DA2PP): This combination vaccine protects against several serious diseases, including distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

• Rabies Vaccine: Required by law in many areas, this vaccine protects against rabies, a fatal viral disease.

• Leptospirosis Vaccine: Often included in combination vaccines, it protects against leptospirosis, which can affect both dogs and humans.

Lifestyle Vaccines

Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on specific risk factors and include:

• Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough) Vaccine: Recommended for dogs that will be in contact with other dogs, such as in boarding facilities or dog parks.

• Lyme Disease Vaccine: Recommended for dogs in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.

• Canine Influenza Vaccines (H3N2 and H3N8): Recommended for dogs at risk of exposure to canine influenza.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies typically receive vaccinations starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue every 2 to 4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. Here's a general schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: DA2PP, Bordetella (if needed)

• 10-12 weeks: DHLPP (includes Leptospirosis), Lyme (if needed)

• 14-16 weeks: Final DHLPP, Rabies (may be given earlier if required by law)

It's essential to consult with your veterinarian to tailor the vaccination schedule to your puppy's specific needs and risks.