What are all the shots a puppy needs

Congratulations on your new puppy!

Puppies require three sets of vaccines to properly prepare their little bodies to fight off the contagious and deadly diseases, out in that big new world. They receive their first set of vaccines at 8 weeks of age, then we see them again at 12 and 16 weeks of age for two more rounds. We not only give them their vaccinations but a wellness exam to ensure they are happy, healthy and progressing, as they should be for their age.

What vaccinations do you provide new puppies?

There are two different categories of vaccines; Core and Non-Core.

Core – administered to all healthy dogs.
Non-Core – administered selectively based on geography, lifestyle and exposure risk.

Core Vaccines include:

• Distemper Complex – Protects against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus. These diseases attack the respiratory system, liver, kidneys, intestines, cause joint pain, lethargy, and some can be spread to humans.
• Rabies – Fatal and incurable. Rabies affects the nervous system and can be spread to humans. This vaccine is required by law.

Non-Core Vaccines include:

• Bordetella – More commonly known as kennel cough. Required when boarding dogs in a kennel or daycare.
• Lyme – Disease spread by the deer tick. Recommended for dogs who live in or travel to Lyme endemic areas.

At what age should I bring in my puppy for their vaccinations?

At 8 weeks of age, your puppy will receive their first dose of the distemper complex, which includes vaccines for distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, parvo and leptospirosis. This vaccine is usually given by the breeder or rescue before you adopt your new puppy.

At 12 weeks of age, your puppy will receive a ‘booster’ (second dose) of the original distemper complex in order to boost their immunity to these dangerous diseases. They will also get their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine at this time. This is usually your puppy’s first time meeting your own veterinarian and will be an exciting visit for everyone.

Lastly, at 16 weeks of age, your puppy will receive their last ‘booster’ of the original distemper complex, their second dose of the coronavirus, and will now get the rabies vaccine. During this visit, you may also opt to get your puppy the Bordetella and Lyme vaccines as well, based on the puppy’s lifestyle and exposure risk. This decision will be based on a discussion with your veterinarian during your appointment.

How should I prepare my puppy for their first vaccination visit?

You and your puppy should not be scared to come to visit us at the veterinary clinic. Before your puppy’s first vaccination appointment with us, schedule a time to come in just for a visit, step on the scale, meet our staff and get some treats. We want to ensure you both know that the veterinary clinic can be a fun place, and not just for check-ups and vaccinations. By taking that first car ride and visit with us before the first vaccines, it ensures that the next time you come in will be way less stressful for you both.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?

The vaccine protocol for each puppy differs based on health, age, lifestyle and exposure risks. During your visit with your puppy, we will provide them with a comprehensive physical exam and discuss what vaccines will best suit their needs at that time. Please call our clinic today with any questions or concerns you may have about vaccines and the costs associated.

As a pet parent, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of new puppy shots for the furry friend you've welcomed into your family. You also may be wondering, what shots do puppies need, and why?

Vaccines protect your pup from infectious diseases, like rabies and kennel cough, by building up his immunity.

"Immunity is a complex series of defense mechanisms by which an animal is able to resist a disease or infection, or at least resist the harmful consequences of the infection," says VCA Animal Hospitals. Vaccines, discovered by Dr. Edward Jenner in the late eighteenth century and later developed by Louis Pasteur in the late nineteenth century, protect animals (and humans) from infectious organisms that contain antigens by providing immunity.

Since vaccines expose your pup to the disease for the first time, it gives him time to build up antigens to fight it off, ensuring that his immune system will react more quickly to that particular disease in the future. No vaccine is 100 percent guaranteed — there always is a chance your puppy still may acquire an illness. Vaccinating your dog goes a long way to help keep your pup healthy and happy as he grows.

What Shots Do Puppies Need?

When planning your dog's vaccines, keep in mind that scheduling new puppy shots is not done on a one-size-fits-all basis. You and your veterinarian will work out a schedule that works best for your puppy, taking into consideration his age, health, lifestyle and other factors. Here are some of the most common vaccines puppies will be expected to receive.

Rabies

A deadly virus that can affect all mammals, including humans, rabies is at the top of the list of new puppy shots. Bats, raccoons and other wild animals, including stray dogs and cats, are common carriers of this virus and, when acquired (typically through a bite or contact with saliva), the virus transfers to the dog's spinal cord and brain.

The vaccine is required by law in countries around the world, including most states in the U.S. According to American Veterinary Medical Association, rabies vaccinations have successfully and effectively prevented most pets from contracting the disease. That makes this vaccination important not only for your dog, but for the safety of other animals, too.

Distemper

Another viral disease, distemper is highly contagious. It spreads through the air, so dogs can easily pass it between each other. Once infected, it can progress to affect the brain, lungs and intestines.

Any dog can catch distemper. However, according to the Pet Health Network, puppies are especially vulnerable to distemper because their immune systems are not fully developed. That's why it's especially important to talk to your vet about getting your new puppy protected.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for distemper. That's why vaccination is critical to aid in preventing this communicable disease.

Parvovirus

Parvo is a virus typically seen in the youngest of puppies that aren't vaccinated. It is a deadly disease, but it is treatable.

"While it might be tempting to take your new puppy with you everywhere you go, her health depends on keeping her safe until she is fully vaccinated against this life-threatening disease," says the American Kennel Club. Don't allow your pup in areas where he's most likely to acquire this virus, such as dog parks and kennels, until he is fully vaccinated.

Leptospirosis

According the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease in the world. The term zoonotic describes a disease that normally appears in animals but can be transmitted to humans.

Leptospirosis is contagious because it lives in water that has been contaminated with infected urine. Since this disease affects the kidneys, the bacteria multiply there and then shed when the infected mammal urinates. Dogs that sometimes enjoy drinking water from unknown or compromised sources are at risk of catching it.

Dogs can become infected if they drink from streams, rivers, lakes or other water sources, or if they come into contact with wildlife or farm animals that have been exposed to Leptospira bacteria. However, just because you are an urban dweller, your pup is not out of the woods (so to speak), as this condition is becoming rapidly more prevalent in all areas across the globe.

Kennel Cough

This vaccine is given to prevent infectious canine tracheobronchitis, a virus more commonly called kennel cough or canine cough, a highly contagious upper respiratory illness in dogs. Bordetella is a bacterium that settles in the upper respiratory tract, say the researchers at UofI. If your pup spends time in a boarding facility, this vaccine is particularly important. Bordetella is the only bacteria that this vaccine covers, as there are other bacteria and viruses than can cause kennel cough in your pup.

Talk to your vet about vaccinating your puppy for kennel cough if you anticipate the need to board him in the future.

Canine Influenza Virus

If you're considering boarding your puppy and there's a known canine influenza outbreak in your area, talk to your vet about vaccinating him.

Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine notes that animals that have lived in shelters or confined areas are common carriers of this virus. This vaccine is a non-core vaccine, meaning that it is an optional new puppy shot, and should be considered seriously as part of your new puppy shot schedule, particularly if you plan to board your little guy.

Lyme Disease

This vaccine is especially important for dogs that spend time traipsing through forests and other densely wooded areas, places where they're more likely to acquire ticks. If you know you'll be traveling places where Lyme disease is prevalent, make sure you notify your vet. According to researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, your puppy may need other boosters to protect him, in addition to the vaccine.

Consult Your Vet

Another note of importance: If you plan to travel locally or internationally with your canine companion, you may be required to vaccinate your puppy according to the guidelines of the location to which you are traveling, so make sure you check with your destination's laws regarding animal vaccinations. Some boarding facilities also require certain vaccines before they will allow your dog to stay there.

Some dogs may have adverse reactions to some vaccines, so you should keep an eye out for any abnormal symptoms or behaviors. Working closely, you and your vet will develop a vaccination schedule for new puppy shots that works best, one that reduces his chances of acquiring an illness and that promotes good health throughout your puppy pal's happy life.

Contributor Bio

Christine O'Brien

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.

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