What Happens When Puppies Get First Shots & Tape Worm Shot?

At 6 weeks, your adorable new puppy is ready to get his shots. Although you hate to take your puppy in for something that will cause him pain, the preventative measures you take now will save your puppy a great deal of suffering in the future by preventing various illnesses. Prepare yourself for what will occur in your puppy physiologically.

  1. Readiness

    • Most vets agree, your puppy should have his first set of vaccination shots when he is 7 to 9 weeks old. The first shots will include vaccinations against distemper, canine adenovirus, parvo, rabies, kennel cough and coronavirus. Adenovirus causes hepatitis in canines, and coronavirus can cause diarrhea and death because of dehydration. Kennel cough is a disease of the lungs that can be passed from dog to dog, usually in close situations, hence the name. Puppies will need to return for a shot at 12 weeks and later a "7-way" shot that includes another rabies shot. He also will require a booster shot once a year.

    How to Get Shots

    • The easiest and safest way to get your puppy his shots is to take him to the vet. You can purchase medications at the local feed and seed store, but you will have to know how to administer them. Shots at the veterinarian are not that expensive, so it is hardly worth going somewhere else to get them. Take your puppy in when he is between 7 and 9 weeks old. Call in advance for an appointment. If you are afraid of your puppies having a reaction to a shot, take them in first thing in the morning so the office will still be open if they have a reaction that you cannot treat yourself.

    First Shot Reactions

    • The vast majority of puppies experience little to no side effects with their shots. They may -- like children -- have a slight fever, lose their appetite and experience soreness at the injection site. Very rarely will a puppy have a reaction called urticaria, which looks like hives and involves rapid swelling of the lips, around the eyes and neck. They also will itch a great deal and should be treated by your veterinarian immediately. If your puppy experiences difficulty with breathing, he may be suffering from anaphylaxis, which is a swelling of the larynx. Ask your veterinarian about administering an antihistamine to your pup in case of an emergency.

    Tape Worm Shots

    • Puppies and dogs are both prone to getting tape worms and round worms. You can tell your dog has worms by examining his eliminations. Adult tape worms and round worms have pieces that break off that are 1/4- to a 1/2-inch in length and are white. While they are still alive, they contract and expand, especially when present in the dog's anus, and will be apparent upon inspection. Dead tapeworm segments will look like a grain of uncooked rice or a sesame seed and can be found wherever your dog has been sleeping. Although you can give your dog an over-the-counter pill to rid him of the worms, shots are usually harmless, extremely effective and don't have side effects. The primary component of such shots is Praziquantel, which is an anthelmintic. An anthelmintic is a medication that fights parasitic worms.