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April 16, 2020
Getting a new puppy comes with a laundry list of responsibilities. First, you’ll want to use this puppy checklist to make sure you have all of the items your pup will need for his essential development and well-being, and of course, you must do your part to ensure that he is as healthy as he can be. Some of the best things you can do for your dog’s health are to keep up with his regular vet visits, feed him nutritious puppy food, and make sure he gets properly vaccinated.
Depending on how old your puppy is when you first bring him home, he will need a number of vaccinations that are vital to his overall health and ability to fend off a number of diseases. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) advises that your puppy be vaccinated for roughly every 2 to 4 weeks between 6-weeks and 16-weeks-old.
Vaccines work by boosting your puppy’s immune system until it can create its own protection for the long term. The reason your pup needs so many vaccinations before he is about 4-months old is that between birth and 16-weeks old, your puppy still has antibodies from his mother in his system. These antibodies can interfere with your pup’s immune response.
If for some reason you are on the fence about getting your puppy vaccinated, consider these consequences:
Basically, there are two categories of vaccines; core vaccines, which are the ones your puppy should absolutely receive, and non-core vaccines, which are only necessary if your puppy fits certain lifestyle criteria. Here is a look at the core vaccines:
Whether or not your dog is required to get a vaccine depends on several factors, including where you live, activities that your dog is involved in, and your travel plans. For example, if you enroll your dog in an obedience class, the trainer may require you to show proof of several vaccines before your pooch can participate. Different states have varying laws about how often your puppy needs to get a rabies shot and many counties require your dog to have a rabies ID tag as proof of vaccination. If coming from, or returning home from, another country, your dog might be required to have a valid rabies vaccination certificate by the CDC in order to enter the United States, otherwise, your dog can be sent back to the country of departure.
Not all vaccines are mandatory, but that doesn’t mean your pup doesn’t need them. Several vaccinations are recommended based on breed, living conditions, and certain activities. For example, a dog that spends a large portion of time outdoors, especially in wooded areas, would most likely benefit from the vaccine for Lyme Disease, while a dog that spends most of its time inside wouldn’t have a strong need for this particular shot. You can determine which lifestyle-based vaccines might be good for your pup by considering certain aspects of your daily routine and living arrangement, but ultimately, your vet should confirm and offer the best suggestions.
Some non-core vaccines may come with significant risks attached, so they should be carefully considered with your vet to see if the risks of the diseases are great enough to outweigh any risks from the vaccines. The following non-core vaccines might be recommended by your vet under certain conditions and situations:
In addition to a puppy schedule to help your young pal adjust to his new home and establish his new routine, there’s another schedule that you will want to follow -- your puppy’s vaccination schedule. Here’s a snapshot of a basic shot schedule for your new puppy. If you have any questions about a particular vaccine, like how it might affect your dog or any additional vaccines that may be necessary for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. If you have any doubts or concerns about when your pup should get certain vaccinations, confirm the schedule with your vet.
6-8 weeks |
10-12 weeks |
14-16 weeks |
Annual/3-year |
Core DAP* |
Core DAP* |
Core DAP* (at 16-weeks or later) Rabies** |
Core Rabies (1 or 3-year, based on state laws) DAP* (3-year) |
Non-Core Bordetella Parainfluenza |
Non-Core Leptospirosis Lyme Canine Influenza |
Non-Core Leptospirosis Lyme Canine Influenza |
Non-Core Leptospirosis Lyme Canine Influenza Bordetella*** |
*Or “DHP/DHHP” if parainfluenza is included in the vaccine
**Depending on the laws in your state, your puppy may need his rabies vaccination sooner.
***Annually, or every 6-months. Discuss what is best for your dog with your vet.
This article is meant to give you a handy snapshot of the different canine vaccinations and which ones are most likely needed by your puppy. It’s helpful to keep a copy of your pup’s vaccination schedule on hand to keep track of his vaccines so that none are missed, as many vaccinations work by building on previous doses. If your puppy gets nervous about getting a shot make sure to have some tasty treats handy to put a positive spin on the situation and help your dog relax. If the idea of being in the vet for any reason sends your pup into a tizzy, you can also give your dog a special toy during his doctor visit to help put him at ease.
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