What You Need To Know About Puppy Vaccines

When getting a new puppy no one wants to think of the possibility of their puppy getting sick. That is why it is so important to take your puppy for their age appropriate immunizations. Depending on what your puppy's lifestyle will be like, will depend on what vaccines your puppy needs. Some illnesses that your puppy can contract can also be transmitted to people. Talking to your veterinarian and going by their recommendations is always the best. I will cover what vaccines are available, what age they should be given and what their purpose is. 

CANINE DISTEMPER 

Canine Distemper is a severe and contagious disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI) and nervous systems of dogs. Distemper spreads through airborne exposure (sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. It can also be transmitted through shared food and water bowls. It causes discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and often death. Dogs with canine distemper often have the pads of their feet thicken and harden. 

There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections and controlling symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and seizures. If the dog does survive it can shed the virus for months after recovery. 

Canine Distemper is usually in a combination vaccine with Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Parvovirus (DHPP). A puppy should receive their first combo vaccine between the ages of 6-8 weeks old. This first vaccine is often given by the breeder. At this age the mother's antibodies that the puppy received when nursing  start to wear off. The puppy should be given a booster DHPP every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16-18 weeks of age. Older puppies or dogs that have not followed the recommended puppy vaccine schedule, would need to receive a DHPP vaccine and then have a booster in 3-4 weeks. 

CANINE HEPATITIS 

Canine Hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs and eyes of the infected dog. The virus is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can recover from a mild form of the disease but a severe form can kill. There is no cure but a veterinarian can treat the symptoms. 

As stated above Canine Hepatitis is part of the combo vaccine (DHPP). Following the vaccine schedule recommended by your veterinarian can help prevent this disease. 

CANINE PARAINFLUENZA 

Canine Parainfluenza is one of the viruses that can contribute to Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough is also known as infectious tracheobronchitis. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs. It can be spread through airborne droplets, direct contact (example: touching noses), or contaminated surfaces. It's highly treatable but can be more severe in puppies younger than 6 months old and immunocompromised dogs. The symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, a strong cough often with a "honking" sound, loss of appetite and a low fever. Canine Parainfluenza is part of the DHPP combo vaccine. 

CANINE BORDETELLA 

Canine Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a highly infectious bacterium causing fits of coughing, vomiting, and in rare cases seizures and death. It is the primary cause of Kennel Cough. Most boarding, grooming, puppy classes and dog daycare services require a dog to be vaccinated for Canine bordetella. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available for bordetella. A puppy can receive the Bordetella vaccine at almost any point in their vaccine schedule. 

PARVOVIRUS 

Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs of all ages, but puppies less than 4 months old are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal (GI) system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and cause death within 48-72 hours. There is no cure, however keeping the dog hydrated and controlling secondary symptoms can keep the dog going until his immune system beats the illness. Parvo recovery is often lengthy and expensive. The dog can also shed the illness long after he's recovered. Parvo is part of the DHPP combo vaccine. There is also a vaccine for Parvo called NeoPar that can be given to puppies as young as 4 weeks old. NeoPar is usually used for puppies that were unable to nurse from their mother and did not receive the mother's immunity or in areas where Parvo is very common. 

LEPTOSPIROSIS 

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria. Leptospirosis can be found world wide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to people. Some infected dogs show no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness, stiffness, jaundice and kidney failure. Antibiotics can be effective in treating leptospirosis, and the sooner they are given the better. Leptospirosis can be it's own individual vaccine or it can be included in a combination vaccine. Leptospirosis vaccine can be given at 10-12 weeks of age or older. It needs a booster 3-4 weeks after the first dose. 

LYME DISEASE 

Lyme disease is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called spirochete. It is transmitted via a tick bite. Unlike the famous "bulls-eye" rash that is common in people exposed to Lyme disease, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Symptoms seen in dogs are limping, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and loss of appetite. The disease can affect the heart, kidneys and joints. Left untreated it can lead to neurological disorders. If diagnosed quickly, a prolonged course of antibiotics can be be helpful. Relapses can occur months or even years later. The Lyme vaccine is a stand alone vaccine that can be given at 10-12 weeks of age or older and needs a booster 3-4 weeks after the first dose. 

RABIES

Rabies is a viral disease in mammals that invades the central nervous system. It causes headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis and death. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning people can contract it from animals. It is most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states ( including Pennsylvania) require rabies vaccination by law. Rabies vaccination is usually given at 12-14 weeks of age or older and does not require a booster. 

Once the puppy vaccinations are complete, usually by 16-18 weeks of age, your dog probably won't need vaccinations again until they are a year old. At a year of age you and your veterinarian can determine which vaccines are needed to keep your pet safe. Most vaccinations are recommended to be given every 1-3 years to maintain proper immunity. Some owners may choose the option of titer testing, over vaccinations. Titer tests are available to measure a dog's immunity levels from a vaccine, and can help determine which, if any vaccinations are needed. A titer test usually consists of a blood test that is sent to a lab. The exception is the Rabies vaccine. There is no titer test available for Rabies and it is required by law across most of the United States for your dog to receive regular Rabies vaccination. 

Vaccinations are only one part of keeping your pet safe and healthy, but they play a big role. Prevention of disease is very important for both your pet and your family. The initial cost of vaccinations can far outweigh the very high cost of treating an illness in your pet. The price of vaccinations should be considered when getting a pet.

You owe it to your puppy to protect their health. 

❤ Katie Watterson

Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.

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Thank you!

Don't forget to catch Katie's blog from last week: https://www.homemadepuppies.com/what-is-your-dog-trying-to-tell-you

*As always Katie's advice is on this blog are only meant to be used as tips and should never replace your veterinarian's advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health.