If you’ve recently welcomed a new puppy into your home, congratulations! All puppies need specific vaccinations to stay healthy. At Aboite Animal Clinic & House Call Practice, our veterinarian in Fort Wayne is here to help you protect your new furry family member and ensure their long-term well-being. Getting the right puppy vaccinations from our vet clinic is just one of the many important steps pet owners can take to help their dog thrive for years to come.
Puppy Vaccinations: The Basics
All puppies should receive several vaccinations during their first year of life to protect them from a variety of dangerous infectious diseases. Distemper and parvovirus (parvo) are two of the most critical vaccinations your puppy will need. When your puppy receives these vaccines from our Fort Wayne veterinarian, it’s essential to administer them at specific intervals to maintain their protection. A puppy’s immune system is still developing, so regular vet visits are necessary to ensure they receive vaccinations on schedule.
Timeline to Visit Our Veterinarian
Your puppy should receive their first vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. If you’ve adopted your puppy, be sure to get any available medical records so that your vet can track which vaccines your puppy has already received. These records help our animal hospital determine when the next vaccines are due. After your first visit, your veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s needs.
Typically, puppies receive vaccines every two to four weeks until they have built the highest level of protection. It usually takes three to four rounds of vaccinations to protect against distemper and parvovirus, which will continue until your puppy reaches 16 to 20 weeks of age.
Core Vaccines for Puppies
During this time, your puppy should receive two core vaccines: the DHP vaccine and the rabies vaccine. The DHP shot combines protection against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. A rabies vaccination is also required by law and must be administered annually to keep your dog protected from this highly contagious and fatal disease. Your puppy will also need a DHP booster around their first birthday to maintain their immunity.
In addition to these core vaccines, we recommend the Bordetella vaccine (for kennel cough), especially if your puppy or adult dog will be staying at a daycare or boarding facility. This vaccine helps protect your dog from highly contagious respiratory infections.
Contact Us for Puppy Vaccinations in Fort Wayne, IN
If you have a new puppy that needs vaccinations, contact our caring team at Aboite Animal Clinic & House Call Practice in Fort Wayne by calling (260) 432-5525 today. Our animal hospital is a trusted veterinarian near you, ready to assist with all your pet’s healthcare needs, ensuring a healthy and happy life for your new furry companion.