What shots does my puppy need?

Puppies should receive their first vaccination at 8 weeks of age. Vaccinations are repeated at 3-4 week intervals until the puppy is 12-16 weeks old.


The vaccinations are given to protect your dog against the following infectious diseases:

Distemper – a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through air-borne secretions and causes respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological problems and can be fatal.

Hepatitis – a serious viral infection of the liver and blood vessels.

Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection of the kidneys spread through contact with urine, saliva or nasal secretions. (This vaccination may or may not be used based on various risk factors.)

Parvovirus – a potentially fatal virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. This is a highly contagious disease of young dogs.

Rabies – a fatal viral infection of the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. In our area, bats and raccoons are the most common carriers of rabies. Rabies vaccinations are given at 3 months of age and are legally required in Albany County.

Kennel Cough (Bordetella) – vaccination is recommended for dogs with frequent contact with dogs from varied sources (e.g. kennels, dog shows). This vaccine can be administered through the mouth or through an injection.

Lyme - A tick borne infection causing arthritis, fever and possibly kidney, heart or neurological disease. The first Lyme vaccine is given in a two shot series, two to three weeks apart. The vaccine is then administered once per year.

Canine Influenza - The "dog flu." This is not a common ailment in our area but is required by some boarding facilities, daycares, and transportation.

Note: There are no vaccinations that give life long protection. We recommend boosters one year after the initial vaccination and every three years thereafter.



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