Everything You Need to Know About Puppy Vaccinations

While repeated appointments for your dog's vaccinations and boosters might seem inconvenient, following the vaccine schedule in this post is the best way to protect your canine friend from numerous serious, potentially deadly diseases. Our Murfreesboro vets share some advice to consider. 

Should you get your dog vaccinated?

Similar to vaccines designed for people, dog vaccinations protect your pooch against a host of serious diseases that can threaten your pet's life. 

While having your dog vaccinated might seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, your puppy's shots are likely to cost far less than treatment for the illnesses vaccines protect against. 

Does my dog need all available vaccines?

Vaccines recommended for dogs in the Murfreesboro area include immunizations to help prevent bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and rabies. 

Your veterinarian can recommend which vaccines will be most appropriate for your dog based on where you live, your dog's lifestyle and your dog's age. 

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies & Adult Dogs

Are there any possible side effects to dog vaccinations?

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.

German shepherds, various collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccinations. Your vet will skip any vaccines that contain ingredients that your dog may be sensitive to.

The Importance of Vaccinations

Pet vaccinations are a key element of your dog's preventive health care. By taking your dog in for his/her shots early in life, then regularly as they move through adulthood, you give your furry friend the very best chance of living a long and healthy life.

Numerous vaccinations such as rabies are mandated across the United States for both dogs and cats. In many areas, residents need vaccination records to obtain a pet licence. 

If you go to dog parks, have your pet groomed, stay in pet-friendly hotels or travel with your four-legged companion, certain places may require vaccinations, which can prevent your furry friend from contracting contagious diseases from other animals, along with inadvertently spreading infection. This is also true for doggy daycares, pet sitting services and other businesses. 

Your dog is still at grave risk of illness even if they are always on leash. Because many viruses and bacteria can survive for long periods of time on surfaces, your pet could contract a serious disease without even coming nose to nose with another pooch. Other conditions may be airborne and easily contracted by pets who interact with infected dogs while out walking.

Vaccine Protection

It's important to note that your puppy will not be fully protected by their vaccinations until they’ve received all of their shots - when they are about 12 to 16 weeks old (this is also true for kittens that receive vaccinations). After your vet has administered all of your dog or cat's vaccinations, your young pet will be protected against the conditions or diseases covered by the vaccines.

We recommend keeping your puppy or kitten in restricted to low-risk areas (such as your own backyard) if you plan to allow them outdoors before they have received all their shots for the diseases listed above.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.