Vaccinations are critical in protecting your puppies from a range of infectious diseases, many of which can be life-threatening.
In this article, we will have more information about the importance of vaccinating your puppies, how vaccinations work, the different types of vaccines available for puppies, and a sample vaccine schedule for your puppy.
Why Vaccinate Your Puppies?
Vaccinations are especially important for puppies because their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more vulnerable to diseases.
Puppies are susceptible to a range of infectious diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. Vaccines help to protect against these diseases by stimulating the kitten’s immune system to produce antibodies.
How They Work
Vaccines work by stimulating your puppy’s immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight specific viruses and bacteria.
The vaccine contains a weakened or inactive form of the disease-causing pathogen. When the vaccine is injected into your puppy’s body, its immune system recognizes it as foreign and mounts an immune response, producing antibodies that can recognize and destroy the pathogen if they are ever exposed to it again.
Types of Vaccines for Puppies
Core vaccines: These vaccines are considered essential for all puppies as they protect against the most common and serious diseases, including distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies.
Non-core vaccines: These vaccines are not considered essential but may be recommended depending on your puppy’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. Examples include vaccines for parainfluenza, bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme.
Vaccine Schedule for Puppies (Sample)
It is important to follow a vaccine schedule recommended by your veterinarian to ensure that your puppy is protected against a range of diseases.
Prior to vaccinating your puppy, your veterinarian will perform an examination to ensure that your puppy is in good health. It’s important to note that vaccines are typically not administered to puppies who are exhibiting signs of serious illness, such as a fever, as the vaccine may be less effective when the body is already fighting another infection
| Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core Vaccines |
| 6-8 weeks | Distemper; Parvovirus; Adenovirus | Deworm |
| 10-12 weeks | Distemper; Parvovirus; Adenovirus booster. | Leptospirosis; Bordetella; Parainfluenza. |
| 14-16 weeks | Distemper; Parvovirus; Adenovirus booster. | Lyme |
| 16 week ++ | Distemper; Parvovirus; Adenovirus booster; Rabies |
Conclusion
Vaccination, you can help protect them from a range of infectious diseases and ensure that they lead a long and healthy life.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccine schedule for your puppy.
