Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. Along with the cuddles and playful moments, it’s essential to start your puppy off on the right paw with proper healthcare, including vaccinations. Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting your puppy from potentially serious and even life-threatening diseases. At Mokena Animal Clinic, we’re here to guide you through your puppy’s vaccination schedule and ensure a healthy start to life.
Why Are Puppy Vaccinations Important?
Puppies are born with some natural immunity passed down from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades within the first few weeks of life. Vaccinations help build your puppy’s immunity against infectious diseases by stimulating their immune system to recognize and fight off these threats. Without vaccinations, puppies are at high risk for diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies - many of which are highly contagious and sometimes fatal.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Vaccines are generally divided into two categories:
- Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs due to the widespread nature and severity of the diseases they protect against.
- Non-core vaccines are optional and recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle, risk of exposure, and geographic location.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
At Mokena Animal Clinic, we follow a general vaccination schedule designed to give your puppy strong protection during their early stages of life. This schedule may be adjusted by your veterinarian based on your puppy’s breed, age, overall health, and potential risk factors.
Between 6 to 8 weeks of age, your puppy should receive their first round of core vaccinations, which includes a combination vaccine for Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), and Parvovirus, commonly referred to as the DAP combo. At this time, the Bordetella vaccine may also be recommended, especially if your puppy is at risk of exposure to kennel cough through grooming, boarding, or interaction with other dogs.
At 10 to 12 weeks old, your puppy will need a DAP booster to continue building immunity. This visit is also typically when the first dose of the Leptospirosis vaccine is administered. If Bordetella was not given during the earlier visit, it can be given now.
By 14 to 16 weeks, your puppy will receive their final DAP booster and the second dose of Leptospirosis. This is also the appropriate time for the Rabies vaccine, which is required by law in most states and essential for both your puppy’s safety and public health.
In addition to core vaccines, there are a few optional vaccinations that may be beneficial depending on your puppy’s lifestyle. The Canine Influenza vaccine is often recommended for dogs that are frequently around other dogs, such as in daycare or grooming facilities. The Lyme Disease vaccine is another optional immunization that may be advised if your dog is exposed to wooded or grassy areas where ticks are prevalent.
Booster Shots and Adult Schedule
Your puppy will need booster shots one year after completing the initial vaccine series. After that, certain vaccines may be given annually, while others may be administered every three years. Regular wellness visits will help keep your dog on track with their vaccination schedule.
Schedule Your Puppy’s First Wellness Exam Today
Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard their health and ensure a long, happy life. Staying on schedule with vaccines not only protects your pup but also helps prevent the spread of disease within the community.
Schedule your puppy’s first exam with Mokena Animal Clinic for a personalized vaccination and wellness plan tailored to their needs. Visit our office in Mokena, Illinois, or call (708) 479-2811 to book an appointment today.
