Puppy Vaccinations

Vaccines are important in strengthening your puppy’s immunity. They help to protect your pet against potentially serious and even fatal diseases. Vaccines protect your puppy from dangerous illnesses as their young doggy immune system develops. Vaccinating is the second set of immunity (the first being the mother’s colostrum) in their young lives. Some diseases are can also be transmitted to humans. Getting your puppy vaccinated can help everyone in the family to live long healthy lives.

What vaccinations do you provide to new puppies?

Puppies should start their vaccine series at 8 weeks of age. During the first vaccine visit, they will receive a full physical exam and if deemed healthy will receive their first Distemper combination vaccine. This vaccine gives the puppy their first immunity against Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza. They will also need booster vaccines at 12 and 16 weeks. At the 12-week booster, the puppy receives a booster of Distemper combo and a Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. At 16 weeks we will give the final Distemper combo booster and the Rabies vaccine. These vaccines are time sensitive and should maintain the schedule of every four weeks.

At what age should I bring my puppy for their vaccinations?

Puppies receive their first vaccine at 8 weeks of age and also require booster vaccination 3-4 weeks apart from each other. The puppy will need to return at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. After all the puppy series vaccines are complete, dogs should come in annually for a full physical exam with the Veterinarian and get the proper vaccine boosters that are required.

How should I prepare my puppy for their first vaccination visit?

To prepare your puppy for their first vaccination visit, they need to get used to being touched all over. You can help by giving your pet a self-examination. It will also give you the opportunity to familiarize you with what is and isn’t normal for your pet. Feeling over your puppies’ toes, legs and ears, looking at their teeth and patting their belly should be part of your routine. Getting them used to wearing a collar and a leash is also a good idea- as a safety to all pets, they are required to be on a leash while in the waiting room. If you have to drive to the animal hospital, get them familiar to car rides. Start with short rides in the beginning and make them fun for your puppy. A lot of pets suffer from motion sickness, so we want to make their first visit with us a pleasant one.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?

For pricing, please contact the hospital and we will be happy to provide you with a quote.