Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

When you get your puppy or dog, one of the first things you should do is take them to a veterinarian where preventative care will begin. Vaccinations are extremely important to give your canine companion a healthy start to their life. Between 6-12 weeks old, your puppy should begin their first round of vaccines. If you just got an adult dog, our team will look into their medical history and determine which vaccines they need.

What are the necessary dog vaccinations?

For those diseases that can be easily spread to other animals and could be fatal, the vaccines are mandatory. All dogs must have their core vaccines, which are usually the first ones given to them as a puppy or if the patient has no vaccination history. Some core vaccines for dogs include Rabies, Canine distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.

There are some other vaccines that are recommended based on the likelihood that the patient may be exposed to the disease. We may recommend that your canine pal be vaccinated against Bordetella, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease and Leptospirosis.

Why is it recommended for my dog to have boosters?

Boosters help maintain or increase the immunity levels of your canine pal. The initial vaccine is only effective for a certain period of time, after which your dog is vulnerable to catching potentially fatal illnesses. If too much time passes between when your dog receives his previous vaccines and a booster, he may have to restart the entire series to build-up an effective level of immunity. During your dog’s wellness exams, our team will discuss vaccination and schedule appointments so that their boosters aren’t missed. To schedule an appointment for your loyal companion, please call us at 403-843-2234.

Will my dog have a reaction to vaccines?

Not all dogs will respond to vaccines in the same way. Some mild side effects that you may notice are fatigue, fever, diarrhea, swelling at the injection site and hives. These symptoms are short-lived and your dog should be back to their normal health within 48 hours.