Vaccinations are used to help protect your furry friend against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases. Here, our vets in Bedford talk about the importance of dog vaccines and share a standard puppy shot schedule for proper protection.
Why is it important to have your puppy or dog vaccinated?
Vaccines are used to boost your dog's immunity to specific conditions and diseases that could have a serious impact on your dog's health or potentially result in death.
While getting your dog vaccinated may seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, your dog's shots are likely to cost far less than treatment for the illnesses vaccines protect against.
When are vaccines for dogs not needed?
The vaccines recommended for dogs in the Bedford area include immunizations to help prevent Bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies.
Your vet will be able to recommend the vaccines that are most appropriate for your dog based on your dog's age, where you live and your dog's lifestyle.
What vaccines does my dog or puppy need and when?
Puppy Shot Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- *DHPP Shot 1
- Bordetella
10 - 12 Weeks
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
- *DHPP Shot 2
- Leptospira
- Lyme
14 - 16 Weeks
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
- *DHPP Shot 3
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
Annually
- Bordatella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
- DHPP Booster
Every 3 Years
- Rabies
*DHPP: This vaccine protects against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Age Restrictions
Speak to your vet to find out more about which vaccines are appropriate for your dog. Very young puppies and senior dogs with compromised immune systems are not eligible for all shots.
What are the potential side effects of dog vaccines?
In rare cases, some dogs may have a reaction to their vaccinations. This is typically due to a sensitivity to an individual ingredient of a specific vaccine. Different breeds tend to react to some ingredients.
German shepherds, various collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccinations. Your vet will skip any vaccines that contain ingredients that your dog may be sensitive to.
The Takeaway For Dog Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a key element of your dog's preventive health care. By taking your dog in for his/her shots early in life, and then regularly as they move through adulthood, you give your furry friend the very best chance of living a long and healthy life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.