Immunizing Your Puppy: Vaccines Part 1
Are you the happy owner of a new puppy dog? There’s certainly no better feeling than finally bringing your new furry friend into your home. However, you must be aware that that little ball of fur now completely depends on you. Don’t panic! Puppy parenting has its ups and downs, but it’s a ride you won’t want to miss.
Part of introducing a new puppy into your life is keeping it healthy. This includes having its complete puppy vaccination schedule done on time. But, do you know all the puppy shots it’ll need? In this blog, we’ll go through each one of them!
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
Also known as “kennel cough,” this bacteria is among the most contagious. Your puppy can easily contract it from any other unvaccinated animal or the environment (e.g., grass, toys, etc.).
Symptoms include a harsh cough that may sound like your puppy is choking, runny nose, fever, and lethargy. If not treated, kennel cough can eventually lead to pneumonia.There are vaccines available in both nasal spray and injectable forms.
Canine Parvovirus
A very dangerous virus usually affects puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months. It’s easily spread through contact with contaminated feces, vomit, or saliva. Parvo can also live in the environment for months, so your puppy doesn’t even have to come into direct contact with an infected creature to catch it.
The virus attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, and a loss of appetite. It’s recommended to apply the vaccine while puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old.
Rabies
A deadly virus that attacks all mammals, including humans. Transmission can occur through a bite or scratch from an infected animal or if the saliva of an infected animal gets into an open wound or mucous membrane (e.g., eyes, nose).
Rabies initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as fever, headache, and general weakness. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms appear, such as paralysis, delirium, and hallucinations. The rabies vaccine can be applied to 16-month-old puppies and then repeated each shot every one to three years.
Coronavirus
There are two types of coronavirus that can infect dogs: intestinal and respiratory. Intestinal coronavirus is more common in puppies and causes mild to severe diarrhea. However, most puppies will recover on their own without any treatment.
On the other hand, respiratory coronavirus is less common but much more serious. It can cause critical respiratory problems and even death in puppies. There is no exclusive treatment for coronavirus, so vaccination is the best way to protect your puppy’s health.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria transmitted through an infected tick’s bite. Lyme disease can lead to many symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, stiffness, and lethargy. In critical cases, it can even cause kidney failure.
Lyme disease is most common in areas with a lot of vegetation, such as woods or fields. The Lyme disease vaccine is usually given to puppies who live in or visit these areas.
Purchase Your Puppy’s Vaccines At Fix & Feed!
As you can see, various vaccines are available to help keep your puppy healthy and safe. However, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about which ones are right for your pup. Once you know this, go ahead and visit Fix & Feed stores!
We’ve got the Canine Spectra vaccines available at our stores. You can find 25 doses, 10 doses, and single doses. You can also find quintuple puppy shots! Send us a message to get more info about our products.