Puppy Vaccines

Vaccines are important to your dog’s health as they help to ward off illnesses that may otherwise cause problems.  A vaccine helps the puppy’s immune system build up antibodies to the specific disease for which it is being given.  That way, when the puppy comes into contact with another dog with Distemper, he already has the antibodies to start fighting it before it makes him deathly ill.
There are a few major illnesses that your puppy needs to be vaccinated against when he is young.  They include Canine Distemper, Bordetella, Rabies, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis.
At six weeks of age, the puppy will receive his first vaccine for Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Corona Viral Enteritis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus, and Leptospirosis.  The secondary vaccines come two to three weeks later up to sixteen weeks of age with annual revaccination.  Rabies is given at three months, six months, and annually after that.
The puppy should start receiving his vaccines beginning before he is four months old.  The vet will know what to give and in which order.  They will usually give you a card that tells you what the puppy has gotten and what is left to get.
Booster shots are important to keep your pet up to date on his vaccines and to keep his immune system built up.  The more immunity he has, the less chance of the puppy getting sick with the major illnesses listed above.
You should also keep in mind that some vaccines don’t work on some puppies.  Some puppy’s immune systems are just weak by nature.  If you have a puppy that is ill, even though he has received all his vaccines, you should call the vet.  Never hesitate to get help if you are unsure.  The vet will be able to answer your questions and get your pet feeling better.