What Shots Do Puppies Need at 6 Weeks?

When born, the first two days of milk produced by a puppy's mother provide colostrum, a temporary immunity to most diseases. After the first few weeks, this natural immunity begins to wear off. The University of Illinois at Urbana College of Veterinary Medicine states that puppies should start to receive vaccinations at six weeks old. The initial shot is followed by boosters every couple of weeks until the puppy reaches 16 weeks old.

  1. Canine Distemper

    • At six weeks old, a puppy receives his first canine distemper shot. Canine distemper, a viral illness, spreads through contaminated items, infected animals and the air. The disease can cause death in puppies. Signs of distemper include vomiting, a runny nose, seizures, respiratory issues and diarrhea. After the initial series of shots, your puppy should receive a canine distemper booster shot once a year, according to Eckerd College.

    Canine Parvovirus

    • Parvovirus most commonly spreads through feces and urine. Symptoms of this viral infection include shock, vomiting blood and bloody diarrhea. The disease can cause fatalities in puppies. After receiving the parvovirus puppy injections, your dog will get a yearly booster.

    Hepatitis

    • Hepatitis in dogs can cause mild illness, but it can also have severe effects and even cause death. Almost every dog gets exposed to hepatitis during his life. It spreads through body fluids, such as urine and nasal discharge. The disease effects the liver, kidneys, eyes and lymph nodes. Dogs infected with hepatitis can become sick very quickly, but it cannot spread to humans. Signs of canine hepatitis are a cloudy cornea, coughing, sore throat and vomiting. Puppies begin receiving the hepatitis vaccine at six weeks old and receive a booster shot every year after.

    Leptospirosis

    • Leptospirosis vaccines don't protect puppies from every strain of the disease, so full protection is not possible. It spreads easily through contact with infected urine and other bodily fluids. A high risk area for contracting leptospirois is water, such as ponds. It causes serious damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Dogs at high risk of contracting leptospirosis may need the vaccine two times a year. Since the leptospirois vaccine can have some side effects, it is administered separately from the first shots given at six weeks of age, but around the same age.