Puppy Vaccination Schedule: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Pet

Index

1. Why is it important to vaccinate your puppy?
2. When should the vaccination plan begin?
3. Is it mandatory to vaccinate my dog?
4. Vaccination schedule for puppies
5. What are the most common diseases that vaccines prevent?
6. Tips for a successful vaccination plan
7. Conclusion

At La Casa de Turrón , we know that your pet's health is a priority. When you welcome a new puppy into your home, you not only embark on an exciting adventure of playing and petting, but also on the responsibility of ensuring its well-being. One of the most important aspects of taking care of your dog's health is to follow an adequate vaccination plan for puppies .

Vaccines are essential to protect dogs from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the puppy vaccination schedule, the most important vaccines, and how to ensure your puppy grows up healthy and strong.

 

Why is it important to vaccinate your puppy?

Puppies, like humans, are born with an immature immune system, which makes them especially vulnerable to diseases. Although puppies initially gain some immunity from their mother's milk (thanks to colostrum), this protection is temporary and wears off over time. Therefore, it is crucial that puppies receive the right vaccinations to build up a strong immunity and protect them from potentially lethal infections.

By vaccinating your puppy, you're not only protecting him, but you're also helping to prevent the spread of disease to other dogs and animals ( herd immunity ). Some canine diseases, such as rabies , can also be transmitted to humans, so a proper vaccination program is beneficial for the entire family and community.

 

When should the vaccination plan begin?

The vaccination plan for a puppy usually begins between 6 and 8 weeks of age . Before this age, the puppy's immune system may still be protected by the antibodies it received from its mother. However, from that point on, it is essential to start immunizing it against the main diseases.

Your veterinarian will determine the exact schedule for each puppy, but generally, puppies need to receive several vaccinations during the first few months of life, followed by annual boosters to maintain their protection.

 

Is it mandatory to vaccinate my dog?

There are certain vaccines that are mandatory for your dog, and the main one is the rabies vaccine. This vaccine cannot be administered before 12 weeks of age. The dog will be fully protected 14 days after receiving it. If you plan to travel with your dog, it is ideal to have the vet administer the vaccine at least one month before the trip. The rabies vaccine is mandatory for traveling abroad with your dog.

In addition to rabies, puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus and distemper , as these are serious diseases with high mortality. These vaccinations should also be repeated annually.

Your veterinarian may suggest including annual reminders of other optional vaccines to protect against contagious diseases, which, although not mandatory, are recommended to avoid risks.

 

Vaccination schedule for puppies

Below is a standard vaccination schedule for puppies. It is important to remember that this may vary slightly depending on the country or your veterinarian's recommendation, but this is the general schedule recommended by most professionals:

6 to 8 weeks:

1. First vaccine against distemper , infectious hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza (combination known as polyvalent vaccine).
• These diseases are common in puppies and can be fatal if not prevented. The multi-purpose combination protects against several of them effectively.
• Dogs of the following breeds: Rottweiler, Husky, Doberman and Golden Retriever, and those that have some of these breeds in their genetic heritage, are especially vulnerable to parvovirus, so it is recommended to administer the first dose before the dog is one and a half months old.

8 to 12 weeks:

1. Second dose of the multivalent vaccine (booster).
• It is crucial to administer a booster within a few weeks of the first dose to ensure the puppy develops adequate immunity.
2. Leptospirosis vaccine (optional or depending on the puppy's environment).
• This bacterial disease can be transmitted through infected water and urine. In rural areas or where there are areas of stagnant water, this vaccine is highly recommended.

12 to 16 weeks:

1. Third dose of the multivalent vaccine.
• A final booster to ensure solid protection against the diseases mentioned above.
2. Rabies vaccine.
• Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including dogs. In addition, in many countries, such as Spain, vaccination against rabies is mandatory by law.

Annual reinforcements:

• Once the initial vaccination plan has been completed, it is important that your dog receives annual boosters to maintain immunity against diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies and leptospirosis. In the case of rabies, the booster may be twice a year, depending on the Autonomous Community where your pet lives. Your veterinarian will guide you in this regard, ensuring that your pet is always protected.

Finally, although it is not mandatory, it is recommended in Spain to vaccinate against leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a canine disease that is usually transmitted by the bite of a mosquito that has previously bitten an infected dog. A dog can be vaccinated against this disease from 6 months of age, after deworming them beforehand and performing a test to confirm that they are not infected.

What are the most common diseases that vaccines prevent?

It is important to understand what diseases we are protecting our puppies against when we vaccinate them. Here are some of the most common and dangerous ones:

1. Distemper:
• It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems of dogs. It can be fatal if not treated properly.
2. Parvovirus:
• Parvovirus is a severe gastrointestinal infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), loss of appetite, and in many cases, death. It is especially dangerous for puppies, as they have weaker immune systems.
3. Canine infectious hepatitis:
• It affects the liver, kidneys, eyes and lungs. It is another viral disease that can be fatal in young, unvaccinated dogs.
4. Leptospirosis:
• It is a bacterial disease that can affect both dogs and humans (zoonosis). It causes serious problems in the kidneys and liver and can be fatal.
5. Rage:
• A viral disease that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Although not necessarily, rabies can be transmitted from an infected animal to a human.
6. Kennel cough:
• It is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes severe coughing in dogs. Although it is not usually fatal, it can end up affecting the lungs and considerably weakening the pet.

 

Tips for a successful vaccination plan

1. Follow the recommended schedule: It is vital not to skip any vaccinations or boosters. If your puppy does not receive the vaccines at the right time, he could be vulnerable to the diseases mentioned.
2. Always consult with your veterinarian: If you have questions about the vaccination schedule, your veterinarian is the best source of information. He or she will be able to adapt the schedule to the specific needs of your puppy and his or her environment.
3. Don't expose your puppy too early: Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, avoid letting him come into contact with unfamiliar dogs (don't be afraid to ask if the other dog is fully vaccinated or dewormed before meeting him) or visiting dog parks. This will minimize the risk of him contracting a disease before he is fully protected.
4. Combine vaccination with a good diet: A well-fed puppy is more likely to develop a good immune response to vaccines.

 

Conclusion

A puppy vaccination schedule is a fundamental part of responsible dog care. Not only does it protect your puppy from serious diseases, but it also helps prevent the spread of these illnesses in the community. By following a proper vaccination schedule, you will be ensuring that your pet has a long and healthy life. Always consult with your veterinarian and make sure to follow all recommendations. At La Casa de Turrón , we are committed to the well-being of your pet and we will always be here to support you at every stage of their life!