Puppy Vaccination Schedule - When to Get Your Puppy Their Shots

Puppy vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding your furry friend's health in their first year when they are most vulnerable. Here, our North Asheville vets discuss why puppy vaccinations are essential, and provide a handy puppy vaccination schedule for you to follow.

Why does my puppy need to be vaccinated?

Vaccinations are a key component of preventive healthcare for puppies. They help stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against harmful diseases, providing immunity without your adorable fur baby having to suffer from the actual illness.

These adorable young family members are particularly vulnerable to infections at this stage of their lives due to their developing immune systems, making vaccinations an essential part of their early care.

What puppy shots does my new dog need?

The puppy vaccines recommended by our North Asheville veterinarians include immunizations to help protect against rabies, parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, canine parainfluenza, and bordetella. Your veterinarian may recommend a slightly different schedule but will likely include the same vaccines.

• Rabies is an extremely serious, fatal virus that affects the nervous system. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. Most regions legally require rabies vaccination.
• Parvovirus causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It's especially dangerous for young puppies as well as elderly and immunocompromised dogs.
• Distemper is a highly contagious virus that affects a puppy's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Distemper can be fatal, making its prevention crucial.
• Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis) can cause liver damage, respiratory issues, and even death. Vaccination helps protect against its effects.
• Canine Parainfluenza is one component of the kennel cough complex. This virus causes coughing and respiratory distress in our canine companions. It's an important vaccination for social puppies that are in close contact with other dogs.
• Bordetella is another highly contagious respiratory infection that leads to kennel cough. This virus is encountered in social or group settings.

Every puppy is unique, and their vaccination needs can vary based on factors such as breed, location, and health history. Your veterinarian is your best source of guidance for tailoring a vaccination schedule to meet your puppy's specific needs.

When does my puppy need to get vaccinated?

Your vet can help you determine the best puppy deworming and vaccination schedule for your fur baby when you come in for your pup's first examination, but below you will find the typical vaccination schedule recommended for puppies and adult dogs. Follow the link to find out more about puppy shots and adult dog booster vaccines at Animal Hospital of North Asheville. 

By following the recommended vaccination schedule for puppies, we believe that you are giving your four-legged family member their very best chance at a long and healthy life. 

Are there any side effects from puppy vaccines?

Dog vaccines are considered very safe and few dogs experience side effects. Those that do typically experience very mild reactions.

That said, in rare cases some 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.

Breeds including German shepherds, collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccines. Your veterinarian will skip any vaccines that contain ingredients that 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.

At Animal Hospital of North Asheville we can help you to give your new puppy all the preventive health care they need to thrive! Contact us today to learn more about our puppy vaccine schedule and to book a first appointment for your four-legged friend.