One of the easiest and most important things you can do to keep your new puppy healthy is to have him or her vaccinated! While puppies have temporary immunity from their moms while nursing, that declines when they are weaned. That’s why it’s so important to see that your puppy gets a series of core vaccinations to ensure they are protected. Here’s the schedule:
| AGE (APPROXIMATE) | VACCINATIONS |
|---|---|
| 6 – 8 weeks | Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (combo vaccine known as DAPP or DHPP) |
| 10 – 12 weeks | DAPP/DHPP |
| 14 – 16 weeks | DAPP/DHPP + Rabies |
| Annual or 3-Year | Rabies (required by state law) |
Non-core or optional vaccinations include bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, and the leptospirosis vaccine. That said, all puppies are unique. Your Island Animal Hospital vet will discuss your dog’s planned lifestyle and risks, and then make recommendations and customize vaccines for your pet.
A word about vaccine safety: Any type of medical treatment has associated risks, but the risk should be weighed against the benefits of protecting your pet, your family and your community from potentially fatal diseases. The majority of pets respond well to vaccines. The most common adverse responses to vaccination are mild and short-term. Serious reactions are rare.
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