What vaccines should I consider for my puppy?

Molly helping up front after her vaccines!

For new puppy owners, the number of vaccines available for dogs can feel overwhelming. Concord Animal Hospital is here to help! Here are answers to a few common questions:
What is a vaccine? A vaccine exposes the immune system to inactive or incomplete disease-causing agents to train the immune system to quickly and effectively respond when exposed to the real deal. It is a safe way to protect your dog from some scary, often life-threatening diseases.
Are vaccines safe? There are isolated cases of allergic reactions, but these are rarely life threatening when treated appropriately. We generally limit the number of vaccines given at once – your Veterinarian will discuss the safest vaccine schedule for your puppy. Call us or a 24-hour emergency hospital immediately if you observe hives, swelling around the face or vomiting.

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Learn more about common vaccine reactions.

Ernie listening intently to his Vet

What are the core vaccines that CAH Vets recommend? There are two vaccines that we strongly recommend for your dog:

• Distemper Virus, Adenovirus, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza (DHPP): this vaccine protects against the most common & contagious viral diseases that can be serious & often fatal. Vaccination can start as early as 6 weeks and continues every 2-4 weeks until your puppy is over 16 weeks old. This is followed by a booster 1 year later. Adult dogs who have completed this series only require a booster every 3 years to protect them from these diseases.
• Rabies: Rabies virus can be transmitted to mammals typically through bite wounds from an infected animal. State law requires vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies since pets can transmit rabies to humans. Vaccination typically begins at 16 weeks (it can be given sooner, though we often prefer to spread out puppy vaccines), followed by a booster 1 year later. Adult dogs with previous vaccination need revaccination every 3 years.

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Important to know: if your dog is bitten or bites another animal, get the contact information of the other animal’s owner if possible and call us immediately. We will go over state regulations around rabies booster vaccines and quarantine. 

What other vaccines do CAH Vets recommend? The following are non-core vaccines. We will work with you to assess your pet’s risk of contracting one of these diseases and decide together if your pet should receive the following vaccines.

• Leptospirosis vaccine: leptospirosis is caused by bacteria and is transmittable to animals and people through contact with infected tissue, urine, contaminated water, food or bedding. Infection can cause severe life-threatening damage to the liver and kidneys even with antibiotics and supportive care. Puppies receive two boosters 3-4 weeks apart for full immunity. Yearly vaccines are needed to maintain immunity.
• Lyme (borreliosis) vaccine: Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks carry and transmit these bacteria. Your Veterinarian will help you decide whether a Lyme vaccine is appropriate for your dog in addition to tick prevention. Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that often causes recurrent lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes and joints, and a reduced appetite. More serious complications include damage to the kidneys and nervous system. Puppies receive two boosters 3-4 weeks apart for full immunity. Yearly vaccines are needed to maintain immunity.
• Bordetella bronchiseptiva (kennel cough) vaccine: many puppy and dog training classes, boarding, and grooming facilities require this vaccine to prevent transmission among dogs. This bacterial infection affects the respiratory system and, while rarely life threatening, can lead to pneumonia. The vaccine doesn’t provide 100% immunity from the disease, but it will lessen clinical signs of the disease if your pet is exposed and hopefully speed recovery time. Depending on your dog’s exposure (ex. visits to dog parks, meeting other dogs in the woods), this may be a vaccine that we recommend into adulthood. Puppies are typically administered an intranasal vaccine on their first visit – no booster is needed. Adult dogs often don’t like the intranasal vaccine, so we instead administer the injectable vaccine, which we then booster 2-4 weeks later. Some grooming and boarding facilities require this vaccine within 6 or 12 months.

As always, we're here to answer all of your questions and to help you keep your pets safe! Call or email with any questions.