Understanding Puppy Vaccinations: Essential Shots for Your New Companion

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Amid all the tail wags and cuddle sessions, it is important to ensure your new companion receives the proper vaccinations to protect their health and start them off on the right paw. At Greenwood Village Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help you understand the essential vaccinations your puppy needs and when they should receive them.
 

Why Puppy Vaccinations Are Essential 

Puppies are born with developing immune systems that are not fully equipped to fight off infections. While they initially receive some immunity from their mother’s milk, this protection fades quickly. Vaccinations play a vital role in building their immunity and protecting them from dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases. Timely vaccinations not only keep your puppy healthy but also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases within your community.
 

Core Vaccinations for Puppies

There are two types of vaccines: core and non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies, regardless of their lifestyle, due to the severity and prevalence of the diseases they protect against.
 

• Distemper: Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It spreads through airborne exposure and contact with infected animals or surfaces.

• Parvovirus: Parvo is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Puppies are particularly vulnerable, making early vaccination crucial.

• Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis): This virus affects the liver and other organs and can cause fever, abdominal pain, and even death. Vaccination also helps prevent the spread of kennel cough.

• Rabies: Rabies is a fatal virus transmitted through bites from infected animals. It affects the nervous system and is also a threat to humans. Rabies vaccination is legally required in most areas.

• Leptospirosis: Once considered a non-core vaccine, the leptospirosis vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for dogs in the United States. It protects against a bacterial infection spread by wildlife and contaminated water sources, and is especially important in both urban and rural environments.
   

Recommended Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Your puppy should begin receiving vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age and continue every three to four weeks until about 16 weeks old. A typical vaccination schedule may look like this:

• 6 to 8 weeks: Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (DHPP combination)

• 10 to 12 weeks: Booster for DHPP

• 14 to 16 weeks: Final DHPP booster and rabies vaccine
   

Your veterinarian may also recommend additional vaccines based on your puppy’s breed, lifestyle, and risk of exposure.
 

Non-Core Vaccines to Consider

Some non-core vaccines may be appropriate depending on your puppy’s environment and activities:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Often required for boarding or grooming

• Lyme Disease: Recommended for dogs in areas where ticks are common
   

Partnering with Your Veterinarian

At Greenwood Village Veterinary Clinic, we take a personalized approach to your puppy’s care. We will work with you to develop a vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s needs, ensuring they receive timely protection against harmful diseases. Vaccinations are also a great opportunity for regular checkups, where we can monitor your puppy’s development and answer any questions you have about nutrition, training, and wellness.
 

Schedule your puppy’s first visit at Greenwood Village Veterinary Clinic and give them the healthy start they deserve. Visit our office in Greenwood Village, Colorado, or call (303) 771-6304 today.