Keeping up to date on your puppy's vaccines can save its life.
Getting your puppy vaccinated is one of the most important decisions you will make in your pet's life. At 10 weeks, your puppy should have already had its first set of vaccines and will be receiving its 10-week boosters. Some vets prefer to wait until puppies are a bit older before giving the first set of shots. If this is the case with your vet, you may be giving the initial shots at 10 weeks. Vets may also give three sets of puppy shots instead of two, so talk to your vet about his preferences.
Distemper
All dogs should be vaccinated for distemper. It is a highly contagious viral disease. Dogs who get distemper do not always survive because the effectiveness of treatment varies. The virus effects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. The distemper vaccine is highly effective and has few side effects.
Puppies are usually give two doses of the distemper vaccine three weeks apart. The average ages are seven weeks and then again at 10 weeks. Their next distemper vaccination is at one year and after that every three years.
Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a viral disease that can kill puppies quickly. Death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. In some cases there are few signs of hepatitis before the puppy is close to death. Hepatitis makes adult dogs weak and causes them bleeding and acute abdominal pain.
The hepatitis vaccine is a core (essential) vaccine, usually given at the same time as distemper, with few side effects. Two doses are given at three to four week intervals. Seven and 10 weeks are the normal ages for puppies. Like distemper, they get boosters a year later and then every three years.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is another essential vaccine. It is a highly contagious viral gastroenteritis disease. The disease effects the intestinal tract and heart. If left untreated, it can kill a dog in 24 hours.
Like the previous vaccines, parvovirus is given at seven and 10 weeks, again at one year and then every three years.
Bordetella - Kennel Cough
This vaccine is not considered an essential vaccine, but it is recommended by many veterinarians, especially if dogs are going to be travelling, meeting other dogs, in a kennel or other stressful environment like dog shows. This is an upper respiratory virus that is very contagious, particularly if the dog is in an area that is not well-ventilated.
Vaccines can be given at 10 weeks and then every year. You can also give your dog an intranasal vaccine two weeks before exposure. This is most often done if you are going to be boarding your dog in a kennel or taking it to a dog show.
Other Non-Essential Vaccines
There are other vaccines that are available for your dog. Your vet may recommend parainfluenza, leptospirosis, coronavirus or lyme disease. Some of these diseases are more prevalent in certain areas. Your vet will be able to advise you on which ones suit your situation.
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