Most cats and dogs in the US are vaccinated. If you bring a young canine into your home, you should look into puppy vaccinations to ensure your new companion is safe from preventable diseases. Establishing a puppy vaccinations schedule during the first few months of life builds a strong immune system; this schedule protects your pet when they are most vulnerable.
We at Acoma Animal Clinic guide Tucson pet parents through every step of this journey. That’s how we make sure that your puppy can grow into a healthy, happy adult dog. Since over 50% of pet parents in 2023 expressed negative views of canine vaccines, this blog discusses what kind of vaccines are necessary for your puppy and protects them from life-threatening illnesses. Let’s get introduced to 4 major vaccination types that essentially prolong your canine’s lifespan.
Parvovirus (Parvo)
If your usually talkative dog doesn’t communicate anymore, it’s because of different reasons. Like canine parvovirus. This fatal viral disease attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Your dog may get this virus from other infected dogs or contaminated environments like grass, soil, shoes, etc. Since a puppy’s immune system is still developing, they are more at risk. They may show signs like vomiting, bloody diarrhea, extreme lethargy, dehydration, etc.
That’s why the parvovirus vaccine is a core immunization. Your puppy will get this vaccination when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Boosters will follow every 3 to 4 weeks until week #16.
Canine Distemper
Distemper is an airborne viral infection. This infection affects your puppy’s respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Since it can easily spread through air droplets from sneezing or coughing (even via shared food bowls), unvaccinated puppies become prime targets when they are in community environments. Like playing in a park or spending time in daycare centers.
Distemper’s initial symptoms include fever, eye discharge, coughing, & lethargy. As this illness evolves, it leads to neurological problems in the form of seizures and paralysis. That’s why you should arrange for puppy vaccinations at home against this persistent & dangerous virus.
Rabies
Rabies attacks the central nervous system of mammals. This fatal viral disease is common in dogs and humans. Its method of transmission is through saliva, usually when infected wildlife (bats or skunks) bite your dog, and their saliva infects your dog. Not to mention that rabies is a public health risk, since infected canines can attack humans and become dangerous.
That’s why puppy vaccinations against rabies are mandatory in Arizona and other parts of the country. Your puppy will get their first rabies shots around 12 to 16 weeks after birth.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Certain behaviors are common for dogs, such as eating kitty litter, which stems from a canine’s scavenger habits. But sometimes your dog shows symptoms like low-grade fever or congestion. Even severe abdominal pain, liver damage, etc. These symptoms can be caused by hepatitis, a form of this disease caused by canine adenovirus type 1. It spreads through bodily fluids from infected animals, targeting your puppy’s liver, kidneys, lungs, and eyes. That’s why you need the DHPP or DAP shot (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) to protect your dog.
Scheduling Your Puppy Vaccinations
Creating the right routine for your puppy vaccinations means your vet will give them a proper sequence of doses. Newborn puppies get temporary immunity from their mother’s milk at first, but as those maternal antibodies lose their potency, the frail body of your puppy needs to build its individual defense system. So, a standard puppy shots schedule will follow this timeline:
- 6 to 8 Weeks: Your puppy gets their first combo vaccine (DHPP/DAP).
- 10 to 12 Weeks: It’s time for the second combination vaccine, not to mention optional lifestyle-based vaccines, such as Bordetella or Leptospirosis.
- 14 to 16 Weeks: This final puppy combination includes a booster vaccine and the Rabies vaccine.
Starting your new dog off on the right paw begins with early preventive care. Our friendly team in Tucson is here to help you navigate your puppy’s health needs with compassionate, expert care every step of the way. Call Acoma Animal Clinic today or visit our website to schedule your puppy’s wellness check and vaccination appointment! Keep your furry friend disease-free…
