Puppy Vaccinations
Give your new pet the best start in life.
When you first see that little ball of fur, you can't help but smile. You're already thinking of the hours of play and companionship you will share. That's why our veterinary team at South Mountain Canine Reproduction and Pet Care in Draper, UT, recommends having puppies vaccinated as early as six weeks. Unvaccinated animals are not protected against dangerous diseases such as rabies and distemper. Even illnesses such as Bordetella and Canine Influenza can impact a puppy's quality of life.
When Should Puppies Be Vaccinated?
Puppies should receive their first shots at six weeks with subsequent puppy vaccinations given according to the following schedule:
- 6 weeks
- 9 weeks
- 12 weeks
- 16 weeks
Boosters are given at one and four months with ongoing boosters every three years.
What Vaccinations Should Puppies Receive?
Every puppy should receive core canine vaccines. Non-core vaccines such as Bordetella or Lyme Disease may be recommended by our veterinarian depending on your puppy's lifestyle. Protection against the following diseases is vital for your puppy to enjoy a healthy life.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing and is considered the primary cause of kennel cough. This vaccination may be required for your puppy to attend daycare or training classes.
Canine Distemper
Distemper is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory and nervous systems of dogs. It is spread through the air and can be transmitted through shared food and water dishes. There is no cure for canine distemper. Supportive care is provided in hopes that the dog's immune system can fight the disease. Vaccination is essential for preventing this disease.
Canine Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is highly contagious and affects a dog’s internal organs. Symptoms can be mild, but in severe cases, the illness can be fatal.
Canine Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza viruses can contribute to kennel cough and cause flu-like systems such as coughing or sneezing.
Leptospirosis
Bacteria cause leptospirosis. Some dogs may not show symptoms, but most will experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration.
Lyme Disease
Dogs may not exhibit symptoms if exposed to Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks. It affects the lymph nodes causing swelling, high fevers, limping, and loss of appetite. Lyme disease can lead to neurological disorders.
Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious disease that mainly affects unvaccinated puppies less than four months of age, although all unvaccinated dogs are at risk. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and can result in extreme dehydration, which can be fatal within 48-to-72 hours.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that invades the central nervous system, usually resulting in death. Most states require a rabies vaccination.
Veterinarian in Draper, UT
Please contact your general-care veterinary clinic for a vaccination appointment. If you do not have a general-care facility that you are established with, it might be wise to ask your friends and neighbors who they recommend.
Call us at (801) 987-3639 to schedule your pet’s first physical exam.
