Newborn puppies receive antibodies from their parents, but only for as long as they are feeding from their mother. Puppies are not naturally immune to diseases when they are born, and once they stop consuming breast milk from their mother, they will no longer be receiving antibody help. Puppy vaccinations are vitally important for continued protection against harmful diseases that puppies and dogs can contract.
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Dog Vaccines
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The core vaccines that dogs should receive include the distemper vaccine, canine adenovirus-2, which includes respiratory disease and hepatitis, rabies and canine parvovirus-2. There are actually a number of noncore vaccines that are not as vitally important but still beneficial to the health of the dog. These noncore vaccines include coronavirus, leptospirosis, canine parainfluenza, bordetella bronchiseptica and lyme disease. Consulting a veterinarian will help you determine which vaccinations are best for your puppy.
Prior to 12 Weeks
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Puppies can receive the parvovirus vaccination as early as five weeks of age. Puppies that are at high risk of being exposed to the parvo virus should obtain this vaccination as soon as possible. At between six and nine weeks, puppies can receive combination vaccines that do not contain leptospirosis, as well as the coronavirus vaccine in situations where coronavirus may be a concern.
After 12 Weeks
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After 12 weeks of age, administer the rabies virus vaccination to your puppy with the help of a veterinarian. The age requirement for this vaccination may differ according to your own local law. Between 12 weeks and 16 weeks, administer the combination vaccine with leptospirosis. The puppy may also receive the caronavirus vaccine and the lyme disease vaccine if either may be a problem.
Adult Boosters
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Administer adult booster vaccines annually; including a combination vaccine with leptospirosis, rabies and coronavirus or lyme disease if either is a concern. The only vaccination that does not have to be renewed every year is the rabies vaccination, as there is a 3-year version of this particular vaccination.
Combination Vaccines
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Understanding what combination vaccines are is the best way to take advantage of them. This vaccination is often known as a five-way vaccine, and it includes distemper, parainfluenza, adenovirus cough as well as hepatitis and parvovirus. There are also some combination immunizations that include leptospirosis, and corona virus, which are known as seven-way vaccines. These vaccines are usually more cost-effective because they combine so many vaccines into one injection.
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