Taking your dog for regular vaccinations might appear unnecessary, but this preventive care is essential for protecting them from various serious diseases. In this post, our vets in Monroe discuss the importance of vaccines for dogs and provide information on the schedule for puppy vaccines and booster shots.
What are vaccines?
Vaccines help teach your dog's immune system to recognize and ward off certain agents that cause diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system's production of antibodies that identify and destroy these agents before they can cause disease. This helps prevent or lessen the severity of disease symptoms.
Why are vaccines and booster shots important for dogs?
Like vaccines for people, vaccines are a key element of preventive healthcare and protect your dog against a host of serious diseases that could threaten your pup's life. By taking your dog in for his/her shots early in life and then regularly as they move through adulthood, you give your furry friend the very best chance of living a long and healthy life.
While getting your dog vaccinated may seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, your dog's shots are likely to cost much less than treatments for the illnesses vaccines protect against.
What vaccines and booster shots does my dog need?
In Monroe, the core vaccinations recommended for dogs include immunizations to prevent Bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies.
Our vets can recommend the most appropriate vaccines for your dog based on age, your location (since some diseases are more prevalent in certain geographical areas), and lifestyle.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies & Adult Dogs
Puppy Shot Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
10 - 12 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Optional)
- Leptospirosis (Optional)
14 - 16 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Rabies
- Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
- Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
12 - 16 Months
- Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Rabies
- Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
- Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
Every 1 - 3 Years
- DHPP
- Rabies
- Bordetella (Optional)
- Leptospirosis (Optional)
Age Restrictions
Speak to your vet to learn which vaccines are appropriate for your dog. Very young puppies and senior dogs with compromised immune systems are not eligible for all shots.
Will my dog experience side effects from their vaccines?
In some cases, dogs may have an allergic reaction to getting their shots. This is typically due to a sensitivity to an individual ingredient of a specific vaccine. Different breeds tend to react to some ingredients.
German shepherds, various collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccinations. Your vet will skip any vaccines containing ingredients your dog may be sensitive to.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.