What Happens If Your Puppy Does Not Receive All the Puppy Shots?

Getting a puppy means lots of things: fun, excitement, companionship and responsibility. Making sure your puppy receives all of its necessary shots means ensuring its health for years to come. If your puppy doesn't receive all of its necessary shots at the right time, it may face big problems later in life.

  1. Shots

    • Puppy shots are nothing more than vaccines, the same kinds that children get. A vaccine is a harmless level of a disease that's introduced to the puppy's system so that its body can create the proper antibodies. That way, if the puppy contracts the actual disease, its body already has all of the necessary weapons in its biological arsenal to fight the disease.

    Exposure

    • Not giving your dog a vaccine leaves its immune system vulnerable. Every time your puppy is exposed to an animal that is carrying a disease, it may contract the disease as well. Some diseases, like rabies, can be fatal.

    Legal Issues

    • There are some shots, such as the rabies vaccination, that you are required by law to get for your puppy. If your puppy contracts rabies and bites a person or another animal, you will be held liable for medical costs and may face legal action for not following the law.

    Other Issues

    • If your puppy doesn't receive all the necessary shots, you may face unforeseen problems in the future. Groomers and veterinarians may refuse to work with your puppy. Dog parks and kennels may not let unvaccinated dogs into their businesses for fear of those dogs spreading diseases to other dogs.