Puppy Vaccinations: A Complete Guide for First-time Pet Owners

We all love our pets. They are our companions that do not judge us and they are always available for cuddling and snuggles. Our pets are more than just a pet, they are an important part of the family. Right when you adopt a puppy, you know that you need to take care of him, to offer love and affection. Puppies, just like babies, are sensitive and more prone to infections, so you need to take extra care of them and offer the proper puppy vaccinations necessary.

But how to do this? Which is the best way to protect your puppy? Here is a complete guide for first-time pet owners that offers you the information you need about puppies and their protection.

Puppy Vaccinations

In the first year of his life, your puppy will make several vet visits. It may seem like an obstacle or inconvenience, but you need to do it to protect your puppy from getting ill. Several viruses are lethal for puppies, so regularly going to the vet is a must.

The good thing is that most diseases a puppy can get are preventable, so vaccinations should protect him. But how often should you go with your puppy to the vet?

According to dissertation writing services uk, in the first six months of your puppy’s life, the vaccine rate is high and he will be vaccinated for at least three times. However, as he grows, the rate of vaccinations decreases and annual vet visits are recommended.

Usually, the first two or three vaccines are given between six and eight weeks old. Because the milk of the mother has antibodies that can interfere with the vaccine, the last vaccination should be after your puppy turns sixteen weeks old.

Which Vaccinations Does Your Puppy Need?

Being so many diseases and guides presented online, it is difficult to not get confused about the best choices for your puppy. Some are optional, while others are very important because they offer a shield of protection for your puppy.

1. Bordetella Bronchiseptica

Bordetella Bronchiseptica is the bacteria that contribute to the kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease puppies can get. Your puppy can contract the virus in large spaces designed for dogs. It spreads through direct contact with infected dogs or the air.

Among the most common symptoms are severe episodes of coughing, whooping and vomiting. In rare cases when the puppy is not given appropriate help, it can lead to seizures and death.

The vaccine is available in two forms: injectable and nasal spray.

2. Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper is a disease that does not affect only dogs, but also raccoons, foxes, wolves, and even large cats. It spreads through airborne exposure with an infected animal.

Because your puppy can interact with a lot of other dogs while socializing, it can easily contact the disease which can be fatal for him. Canine Distemper is a respiratory disease that causes fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis and, in the most often cases, death.

Although there is no cure for canine distemper, there are options that are efficient in maintaining the disease under control and preventing it.

The distemper shot is usually administered at six to eight weeks old, so make sure your puppy had it done. The most prone to canine distemper are puppies and adolescents, so clean and disinfect your home periodically to make sure that the virus is not in your puppy’s living environment.

3. Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is not connected with the human form of hepatitis. However, it affects the normal functioning of your puppy’s liver. Among the symptoms are fever, vomiting, jaundice and liver pain. It is transmitted between dogs through contact with the urine, feces, blood or nasal discharge of an infected dog.

You can protect your puppy to contact this disease by periodic checks at the vet. There is a vaccine that helps prevent canine hepatitis, among other four canine diseases. However, if your puppy presents the symptoms, you should go to the vet who will treat the symptoms. Most puppies can overcome the mild forms of the disease. The more severe ones can prove to be fatal.

4. Parvovirus

Parvovirus is among the deadliest viruses for dogs. It is highly contagious and it especially affects puppies and adolescents. Puppies that are under four months old and are not vaccinated are at high risk of contracting it.

Parvovirus affects the gastrointestinal system by causing a decrease in appetite, episodes of vomiting and fever. If your puppy presents the symptoms, it is extremely urgent to contact your vet.

Puppies often have bloody diarrhea which causes dehydration which leads to death. Parvovirus can kill a dog in 48 to 72 hours, so immediate action is required. However, if your puppy has contacted the virus, it will probably need veterinary hospitalization to constantly hydrate him.

The virus spreads through direct contact with the feces of an infected dog or indirect contact with an infected dog. So, you need to pay attention to your puppy when he interacts with other dogs, says Samantha Eisner, professional essay writer on biology topics.

5. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is among the most common diseases for dogs. It is a tick-transmitted disease and the symptoms differ from those of humans. It is characterized by lameness in your puppy’s legs which lasts for three or four days. Among other symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, sensitivity to touch and limps.

The infection usually begins after the tick has been attached to your puppy for at least 48 hours. However, your vet will rapidly identify the disease and will prescribe antibiotics for your puppy.

To prevent Lyme disease, you need to talk with your vet. There is a vaccine available but it is not suited for all dogs, so your vet should have some advice for you. Take additional protection measures and always check your puppy’s skin and coat daily and remove the ticks you find, advises John Keys, a uk essay writer.

6. Rabies

Rabies is a disease that affects mammals and it is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. So, if your puppy has been bitten by another dog or mammal, you should contact your vet immediately.

Among the most common symptoms of rabies in dogs are fever, seizures, paralysis, inability to swallow and excessive drooling. Rabies is a deadly disease and the treatment should be administered within hours of infection.

There are state laws that require periodical rabies vaccinations. Dogs are usually vaccinated between 3 and 6 months old, a booster being administered a year from the first vaccine.

Pet owners can bring their puppies to the nearest veterinary clinic. For instance, a vaccination dog Perth or clinic is available for those who reside in the area.

Veterinary clinics offer complete dog vaccination from anti-rabies to DHLPP vaccines, for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your puppy in the first months of his life is essential. There are a lot of viruses and diseases he can contact and that can prove to be deadly, if not treated. The best way to protect your puppy is to periodically go to your vet and not miss the vaccination schedule.

All these vet visits can be stressful both for you and your dog. But the effort is worth it because your puppy will survive and he will make your life more beautiful, happier, funnier and more enjoyable.

Author Bio:
Scott Mathews is an editor and writer who offers the best essay writing at online assignment help. He is also a proofreader for dissertation service and write my thesis. He loves animals and nature and he has adopted three dogs and two cats.