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Puppies are just like babies who depend on their parents or owners for everything. A puppy needs extra care and attention during the initial years of growth. This includes providing timely meals, bathing, soft training, providing toys, socializing and providing a comfortable bed for sleeping. One of the most important aspects of taking care of a puppy involves getting the right shots or vaccinations at the right age.
Puppies are typically vaccinated between the age of six to eight weeks. Vaccines are effective only after the puppies have been weaned Vets are usually consulted who determine the best kind of immunization strategy depending upon on the breed of the dog. Some of the shots that are absolutely necessary in all kinds of dogs are parvovirus, distemper, rabies and hepatitis.
Scheduling Shots for your Puppy
Puppies usually receive all of their vaccinations within an interval of two to four weeks till they are 14 weeks old. There are a lot of vaccinations that are given as a combo. This means that a lot of different kinds of individual vaccines are injected together. One very common example of combo is DHLPPC which is a combination of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo and corona. Other kinds of vaccines other than DHLPPC are usually given one at a time.
Even if the adopted puppy is 14 to 16 weeks old, it is always a good idea to get it vaccinated. Some of the common vaccination schedules for puppies are mentioned below.
- DHLPPC- The first vaccination for DHLPPC is received during 6 to 8 weeks of age. The second when the puppy is between 9 to 11 weeks. The third vaccination is given at the age of 12 to 14 weeks and the fourth one between 16 to 17 weeks. After these shots, there are additional booster shots given after 12 months.
- Bordetella- Bordetella involves only one round of vaccination followed by a booster given at a very young age. The vaccination is usually given at the age of 14 weeks and the booster shot when months old.
- Rabies- The first vaccination for rabies is given at the age of 16 weeks and subsequent booster shots are taken between the ages of 12 to 36 months.
- Giardia- First vaccine is given when the puppy is 14 weeks old, second at the of 17 weeks and the booster shots are given when it reaches 12 months of age.
- Lyme- Just like Giardia, the first vaccine is at 14 weeks, the second at 17 and booster shots at the age of 12 months.
Different breeds of dogs often require different kinds of vaccinations. It is always advised to consult with a vet regarding the specific needs of the puppy.