Vaccinations: Puppies

Vaccines are given to young puppies to stimulate their immune systems to form antibodies to protect against disease. A series of vaccines is necessary to ensure that your puppy's immunity is sufficient to protect your future dog against disease, while their in the crucial stage of immunity development.

Your puppy's recommendations for a vaccine program will be based on their age, previous vaccine history, and lifestyle. Puppies receive booster vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age. Vaccines which may be considered are as follows:

• Distemper Combination Vaccination Includes:
• Distemper: a viral disease that is often fatal in puppies. It is characterized by respiratory distress, coughing and seizures and is highly contagious.
• Hepatitis (adenovirus): a viral disease spread through urine. It causes respiratory and liver problems.
• Parainfluenza: a respiratory infection that is often involved with kennel cough.
• Parvovirus: a severe intestinal viral disease characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It is often fatal and highly contagious.
• Lyme disease: a tick-borne disease, which has many documented cases in Minnesota the last couple of years, can cause long-term symptoms and pain for pets who contract the disease. This vaccine is very important in the Zimmerman area. Learn more here: www.intervetusa.com/lyme.
• Leptospirosis: This bacteria is found in standing water and after ingestion can lead to kidney and bladder infection. This infection is transmissible to humans.
• Rabies: Your puppy will also receive a rabies vaccine at 3-4 months of age. Rabies is always fatal and is a public health concern.
• Bordetella: known as kennel cough or tracheobronchitis. It is highly contagious and often difficult to treat. Recommended for puppies with high exposure to other animals, being boarded, or going to dog shows or obedience school.