Puppies, like many other animals, are not naturally immune to many of the pathogens they may be exposed to. They receive a certain level of immunity by receiving antibodies from the mother through her bloodstream while still in the womb and by drinking the colostrum in the mother's milk within 48 hours of birth. Since every mother's immunity level differs, it is best to play it safe and protect your puppy with a series of "puppy shots."
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When to Vaccinate
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The level of effect of the antibodies from the colostrum begins to decrease when the puppy is around 6 weeks of age. Plan to administer the first shot during this period of time. Follow through with booster shots every three weeks until the puppy is around 15 weeks old and then once a year thereafter. Keep in mind though that puppies from different litters may vary in immunization, so follow the advice directly from a veterinarian regarding the vaccination schedule.
Types of Vaccinations
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Consult with a veterinarian for the correct vaccinations to administer to your puppy since the shots given to puppies vary depending on the veterinarian's preferences or the puppy's needs. When your puppy is 6 weeks old and then again at 9 weeks old, a five-way vaccination consisting of adenovirus cough, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus is commonly used. You may add leptospirosis and coronavirus to the vaccination mix if deemed necessary. Use a seven-way vaccination with all of the above mentioned vaccines plus a rabies vaccine when the puppy is 12 weeks old, 15 weeks old and then annually for the rest of the dog's life.
How to Vaccinate
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If you choose not to have your vet administer the vaccines, you may order or obtain the vaccines as suggested by your vet. Obtain the liquid vial you are going to use, insert a sterilized needle with syringe and suction all the liquid into the syringe. Inject the liquid contents into the corresponding powder vial, remove the needle and shake well. Withdraw the newly mixed contents once again and slightly push the plunger to make sure there is no air in the syringe. Gently hold the puppy still and slightly pinch then pull the loose skin around the shoulder area. Insert the syringe into the loose skin and inject the vaccination directly under the skin. You're finished with the vaccination so praise and reward the puppy for enduring the procedure!
Vaccine Care
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Always keep vaccines refrigerated until you are ready to use them and use a new, clean syringe for the booster shots. You must also check the vaccine's expiration date before using it to ensure that your dog is properly vaccinated. If you have any doubt about the use of a vaccine, ask your vet for further information as he will be able to provide professional medical advice or run a test on your puppy as a follow-up to check whether a vaccine was effective or not.
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