Pet vaccines are crucial for promoting the health and wellness of your furry friends. When you get a new puppy, you might wonder which shots they need and when a veterinary care provider should administer them. Below, you'll learn more about canine vaccinations and how to make sure your dog receives the proper inoculations.

What's the Purpose of Vaccines?

Pet vaccines contain antigens, which are molecules that resemble illness-causing microbes but do not actually cause infections. When introduced to a puppy's body, antigens stimulate the immune system, helping it learn how to fight harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Additionally, vaccines may reduce the transmission rate of illnesses from dogs to other canines, which can gradually eradicate diseases. Inoculations may also lower the risk of puppies transmitting diseases to humans, which can keep you and your family safe. 

Which Pet Vaccines Do Puppies Need?

Pet care providers recommend core vaccines for puppies. These are vital and occasionally mandatory inoculations that can protect against more severe diseases that present a higher risk of exposure. Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, also known as DHPP. 

Additionally, Tennessee law requires that all puppies receive rabies vaccinations. Non-core vaccines can protect your dog against less prevalent but potentially dangerous illnesses, such as bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme. 

At What Age Should They Receive Shots?

Generally, puppies should receive inoculations for distemper and parvovirus by the age of six to eight weeks. Your dog can also get the optional bordetella vaccination at this time. At 10 to 12 weeks, your canine companion will need their first round of DHPP. At this point, you may also get your pup's first round of influenza, leptospirosis, bordetella, and Lyme shots.

At 16 to 18 weeks, they'll require another DHPP vaccine along with their first rabies shot. Veterinarians also suggest getting boosters for influenza, Lyme, leptospirosis, bordetella at this age. Your puppy should get another DHPP and rabies inoculation at 12 to 16 months. Veterinary care providers recommend re-vaccinating adult dogs for DHPP every one to two years and scheduling rabies boosters every one to three years.

When your puppy needs their next round of vaccinations, contact Appalachian Animal Hospital. These veterinary care providers offer pet vaccines, pet health exams, and surgery to animals throughout Morristown, TN. Call (423) 587-4393 to book an appointment with this veterinary hospital, and visit the website to learn more about how they can keep your furry friends healthy and happy.