Puppy Vaccinations

There are what are called CORE vaccines – these are vaccines which every dog should receive, regardless of lifestyle and exposure to other dogs. These are ones that vaccinate against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. The distemper and parvovirus are given in the same combination vaccine while the rabies vaccine stands alone. Rabies is given in the last set of booster vaccines. DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus all combined into a single vaccine) is given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age. Puppies are always recommended to be given these vaccinations as well as the Bordetella (a kennel cough) vaccine. There are also NON-CORE vaccines – these are vaccines which may or may not be necessary depending on your dog’s risk factors. These are used to prevent diseases that occur sporadically, are more common in specific circumstances, or are new or “emerging” diseases. Examples of these are the Leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), or Lyme vaccine. The only one typically administered to puppies would be the Bordetella vaccine – this is usually a requirement for puppy socialization classes, boarding, and doggie daycare. The Lepto and Lyme vaccines are not covered in our puppy package cost.

Properly vaccinating your puppy is the best way to ensure they will be protected against dangerous diseases that they can come across while they interact with other dogs or animals, go for walks through parks, woods, or around the neighbourhood, and other common experiences. Some of the diseases the vaccines help prevent can be fatal or require very rigorous treatment.

Due to a puppy’s evolving immune system and underexposure to disease, it is typically recommended to booster vaccines every 3-4 weeks for the first few months, with the earliest vaccination beginning at 8 weeks of age and being boostered once at 12 weeks, and a final time at 16 weeks. The vaccines will then be given one year from the final puppy booster, and from then on depends on which vaccines your pet requires due to their lifestyle – some can be given every three years whereas others are given annually. There are situations where the puppy vaccine schedule is not completed in the ideal time frame–in these instances, you should consult a vet to make sure your puppy is protected.

To prepare for your puppy’s first vaccine visit, you should bring any previous medical records with you to show the vet – these may list previous vaccines given while under the care of the breeder or shelter. You should be prepared to keep an eye on your puppy following your appointment as any vaccine reactions will start surfacing in many cases immediately. Although rare, they can happen and should be seen by a vet to determine the severity and whether or not it will resolve without medical assistance. Most pets show no indications of having been vaccinated.

Pricing varies depending on your puppies needs. Contact Dartmouth Veterinary Hospital at 902-434-0700 and we can provide you with a personalized quote for you and your puppy.