Shots:
Your puppy will need shots on a regular basis to protect him from common but serious canine diseases. Make sure to follow your veterinarian's schedule for keeping your puppy up-to-date on his shots.
Vaccinations are essential in preventing infectious diseases in puppies. Your veterinarian can help you decide on the most appropriate vaccination program for your puppy.

The most common diseases for which your puppy will need vaccines are Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus infections, Bordetellosis, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Rabies. After 16 weeks of age most vaccinations are given annually, excluding the rabies vaccine. According to the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the first rabies shot should take place at 12 weeks and the second shot at 64 weeks. After this it depends on local laws, usually falling between 1 - 3 years. The vaccination schedule may be modified depending on when your puppy was weaned from his mother.

One of the vaccines often given to puppies is a combination vaccine. This combination vaccine protects against four diseases including Canine Distemper virus, Canine Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Canine Parvovirus.



Suggested vaccination schedule for puppies: