Things you Should Know About Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Like humans, dogs also need proper vaccinations. They can protect your furry friend from spreading and contracting diseases.
Puppies should start to get vaccinated within 6-8 weeks after they are born. Here is the schedule of optional and recommended, a list of ways to save on the pet vaccinations, and booster recommendations for senior dogs.
Recommended vaccinations for Pups
Vaccination for puppies falls under two categories, that include non-core and core. Vets recommend that all puppies require core vaccines. These include:
- Rabies
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
- Distemper
A Rabies shot is a must in every state.
Non-core vaccines are optional shots. The puppy needs to get them depending on the risk of exposure and lifestyle. The vaccines include:
- Western diamondback rattlesnake
- Influenza (H3N2/H3N8)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Lyme disease
- Leptospira (lepto)
If you want to learn about the benefits of pups from the vaccination of non-core vaccines, you should talk to a vet or check about it the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
When Should Puppy Get Vaccinations?
The key to vaccination is to vaccinate the dogs every 2-4 weeks until they reach 15 weeks in age. It helps in avoiding interference with something known as maternal antibodies. They can get this from the moms when they are nursing.
When is a puppy vaccinated fully?
Your puppy will be taken as fully vaccinated when they receive the rabies vaccination required by the state’s laws. They should also have two combination rounds, including parvovirus, adenovirus, and distemper vaccine given 2 to 4 weeks apart. It is taken with the booster when they are 16-18 weeks older.
As your pup grows, look into the services like training classes or doggie daycare. However, service providers may require them to have additional vaccinations like Bordetella (kennel cough). Thus, you should ensure that you ask before enrolling your pup.
Can you delay or skip your puppy’s vaccinations?
If you are skeptical about getting the vaccination for your puppy, you are not the only one to think like this. However, no vaccinations may put your pup’s life at risk for life-threatening diseases like distemper and rabies.
Vaccines help to protect humans from diseases that pets may spread to people. Few pet owners may worry about vaccine side effects, which may be quite understandable. However, one of the most common side effects is temporary and mild. These include:
- Lethargy
- Low-grade fever
- Swelling at the injection site
The density of dogs experiencing allergic reactions is quite less. Therefore, the risk of the dog contracting disease if not vaccinated is higher than the serious allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Your vet will likely delay vaccination in a few cases, especially when your dog is sick. Otherwise, it is best if you follow the puppy’s vaccination schedule.
Average costs of puppy vaccination
The cost of your pup’s vaccination varies widely across the country. Here are a few tips to check with the resources in your area:
Animal shelters
A local shelter may offer you low-cost vaccinations, including other preventative services. You can call your county or city animal shelter for information.
Nonprofit animal groups
You can go for a Google search for the organizations that host low-cost or free community clinics in the area.
Vet schools
Many university programs and college offers low-cost care and clinics. In addition, you can look for an accredited vet school in the area through AVMA.
Local vet
Call vets near you and ask them to participate in charity care. You can also ask for payment plans and discounts. If you live in a big city, it may be worth calling vets even in the smaller towns. Their fee schedules may be quite lower.
Booster vaccinations for senior dogs
Your pup will need vaccinations throughout its lifetime. You can check with the state’s laws on rabies shots, or you can go to a vet. A DAPP or DHPP vaccine must be given within a year of the dog’s last shot, followed by a booster every 3 years.
Conclusion
Your puppy requires vaccinations to protect itself from spreading and contracting diseases. Veterinarians recommend a series of shots known as core vaccines for all puppies. These vaccines include rabies and a combination of the DAPP or DHPP vaccines.
A veterinarian may also recommend that your puppy get optional or non-core vaccines on a lifestyle basis. In addition, you can check with your animal or vet groups about ways to save on vaccinations.
