So you just bought a new puppy and its time to get shots. You look at the list and... You have no idea how to even pronounce these things. Well, I know the feeling, and I will try my best to explain these vaccines, what they do, and which ones you actually need.
NOTE: This is not a back up for advice from a vet, you still need that! This is a long, yet very important article, so I suggest at first looking at the "Cruciality Meter"
DHPP
DHPP is a combination vaccine that treats: canine Distemper, infectious Hepatitus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Its very important and should be given to the dog at about 6-8 weeks, then again at 9-12 weeks, then again at 13-16 weeks.
Canine Distemper is a disese that usually starts as a cold and can eventually become seizures or even death. Its commonly transmitted through other dogs or wild animals like raccoons and coyotes.
Infectious Hepatitus causes liver and/or kidney infections.
Parvovirus causes an intestinal tract infection that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. If untreated, it may be deadly. The virus is passed in poop and can still be contagious for a while after its in the ground (1-2 years!)
Parainfluenza causes coughing and contributes to Kennel Cough. It is spread by droplets of nasal discharge (you may know it as dog snot) that go in the air and get inhaled by other dogs.
CRUCIALITY: HIGH
CORONA VIRUS
Typically given at 9-12 weeks. It is often not recommended by vets because its only a minor cold that causes diarrhea for 2 or 3 weeks. Most dogs never get vaccinated for Corona Virus. However, if you're in the area that it is common for dogs to get Corona, your vet may reccomend getting your puppy vaccinated.
CRUCIALITY:LOW
LYME
For puppies 9-12 weeks. It's only needed if your vet reccomends it, depending on the risk of getting this disease. It comes from ticks and causes fever and possibly lameness in your dog. It's reccomended for dogs who are exposed to ticks but some experts diagree on really how effective it is.
CRUCIALITY: LOW-MEDIUM
KENNEL COUGH
Reccomended for pups 9-12 weeks. Causes a hacking cough and/or a runny nose. Its highly contagious to other dogs because it is spread by the mucus that flys out of the infected dog's mouth and into the air. Gross, I know. It's not exactly crucial to get this vaccine, but it could help depending on your area.
CRUCIALITY: MEDIUM-LOW
LEPTOSPIROSIS
9-12 weeks is a good time to get vaccinated for the Leptospirosis vaccine. Causes severe kidney and/or liver infections that can lead to death. It can also be spread on to humans. It comes from infected pee that somehow gets inhaled. Again, not exactly crucial, but can help depending on your area.
CRUCIALITY: MEDIUM-LOW
RABIES
I feel that now would be a good time for a "BUM BUM BUUUUMM!" The Rabies vaccine is very important, given at about 13-16 weeks old. Most good dog owners have at least heard of this one! Always fatal if not vaccinated and passed through infected saliva (usually froma bite). Common patrons to this disease are: RACOONS, BATS, SKUNKS OR DOGS. Humans are at risk to this disease to, especially small children. This vaccine is required yearly. I definitely reccomend you follow that rule!
CRUCIALITY: HIGH
Remember to always check with your vet, keep all your vaccination records, get a Rabies shot yearly (and any other virus that your dog may need) and... LOVE YOUR PUPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
