Many people question the need for vaccination for puppies and dogs.
It’s surprising to see a lot of people thinking why they need it. We vaccinate our kids, right? So, why not do the same for our puppies?
What’s even more worrying is the fact that even people who have dogs don’t have enough knowledge about this process of vaccination. If you don’t provide proper protection, your puppy or dog is going to get some infections that can be fatal.
It’s crucial that your puppy or dog should be vaccinated.
But you are not like the people above. You’ve come here to know more about puppy vaccination schedule which means you care and that’s awesome!
But, before that…
Why do Puppies need Vaccination?
A newborn puppy is susceptible to most of the diseases; it is not immune to them.
But the puppy does have some antibodies that he got from his mother, and that form a layer of protection. Most of the puppies have immunity as a result of these antibodies from the milk.
This milk is produced only at the time of birth, and it is mandatory that the puppy drinks it.
But after some time puppy does not continue to receive these antibodies from its mother’s milk, as it only absorbs these useful antibodies for 12 to 24 hours after birth.
If the mother is vaccinated against a particular disease or diseases, then the puppy will only receive antibodies against those specific diseases. So it is essential to vaccinate the puppy or your dog as they lack those antibodies for which its mother is not being immunized.
When to Vaccinate Your Puppy?
Puppies that are nursed on their mother’s milk have maternal antibodies in their blood that plays a role in blocking the immune system from responding to the vaccines.
These antibodies present will protect your puppy from all the bacterial and viral infections while puppy matures.
Doctors prefer to vaccinate the puppies with a combination vaccine at six weeks of age, so this is done initially with the boosters given every three weeks till the time puppy is about 16 weeks of age.
This vaccine schedule is perfect for all the breeds of dog. It will protect your puppy just fine.
At six weeks of age only 25 % of your puppy could be immunised, at nine weeks of age only 40 % of him or her will respond to the vaccines, and at the age of 18 weeks 90 % of your puppy is immunized with the vaccine.
By using a suitable vaccination protocol, you can make the occurrence of diseases very less.
Some of the puppies may need an intensive and aggressive program for vaccination. So it is advisable to contact your vet doctor to get more information on this subject.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule and Cost
There is a set protocol for veterinarians for providing the vaccinations to the puppies and their follow ups. These protocols can be changed as and when new researches suggests. You must follow the given schedule to ensure the health of their puppy.
1. Just after the birth in between 6th to 7th week
Administration of the first combination vaccine, which are Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus.
The Estimated cost of a Fecal test is $ 14.63 and 1st Distemper Parvo/Corona(7- 1) Vaccination is $ 26.92.
2. At the age of 9 weeks
At this stage, the second dose of a combination vaccine is preferred by veterinarians.
Estimated cost of 2nd Distemper Parvo/Corona(7-1)Vaccination is $ 26.92 while the 1st Heartworm Prevention Tablet costs around $ 5.85.
3. At the age of 12 weeks
A Lyme vaccine inoculation is generally preferred for the third dose of the combination vaccine. This Lyme vaccine is then repeated after every one year.
Estimated cost of 3rd Distemper Parvo/Corona(7-1)Vaccination, 1st Bordetella, and 2nd Heartworm Prevention Tablet are $ 26.92, $ 18.23 – $21.53, and $ 5.85 respectively.
4. At the age of 16 weeks
The last dose of Combination vaccine is administered at this age.
The 4th Distemper Parvo/Corona(7-1)Vaccination, Rabies costs around $ 40.81. The 2nd Bordetella vaccine costs around $ 18.23 – $21.53 while the six-month supply of Heartworm Prevention costs around $ 34.45 – $ 149.46.
5. At the age of 12 to 16 weeks
Rabies vaccine is to be inoculated at this age. Sometimes this vaccine can be inoculated early, and that depends on the local laws of your country. This is because humans can also get affected by rabies from your puppy.
The rates of the rabies vaccine can be found above.
Note 1: There are certain breeds like, Rottweilers and Dobermans that must be given with at least two doses of Parvo Vaccines. The second dose should be given after the age of 20 weeks. So vaccination is different for different breeds, and this is only a general guideline.
Note 2: These are just the prices at the moment and they are subject to change without any notice (Source).
Is Vaccination a Cure-it-all?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Vaccines don’t provide the cure for other diseases that your puppy might get after it becomes an adult.
There are certain theories that stand true in this regard. According to researchers, there are several autoimmune diseases that can’t be just treated with vaccines.
Also, some believe that dogs naturally attain immunity against the hepatitis virus at the age of 12 weeks permanently, and then there is no use the second dose of it.
There are several other problems such as mental illnesses, paralysis and leukaemia that can’t be prevented by the use of vaccines alone.
Common Vaccination Mistakes
We all make several mistakes when we get our pets vaccinated, either we care too much or not at all.
- The first most common mistake is, vaccines are given too early to the puppies. As the milk from their mother contains natural antibodies, early immunisation should be avoided.
- According to studies inoculation of vaccines at shorter intervals of time doesn’t provide any additional benefits to the pet.
- This last mistake is about the dosage. An optimal dose of the vaccine is necessary; it shouldn’t be less or more than the prescribed values.
By following the prescribed protocols and puppy vaccination schedule by the law and veterinarians, you can prevent your puppy from getting infected.
And yes, different breeds will have a different case of vaccination.
If you brought home a puppy, make sure the young fellow is given proper immunization. That can save a bunch of problems and prevent unexpected diseases in the long run.
Thanks for reading and do share it with your friends who brought home a new buddy.
Featured photo credit: pyotr021/depositphotos