What vaccinations are given to dogs at birth? - briefly
Newborn puppies do not receive vaccinations immediately at birth. Vaccinations typically begin when puppies are around 6-8 weeks old, starting with core vaccines such as distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parvovirus.
What vaccinations are given to dogs at birth? - in detail
Newborn puppies are highly susceptible to infections due to their immature immune systems. Therefore, vaccinations are crucial for protecting them from various diseases. The vaccination process for dogs begins shortly after birth and continues throughout their lives. At birth, puppies receive passive immunity from their mothers through colostrum, the first milk produced after whelping. This colostrum contains antibodies that provide temporary protection against diseases. However, this immunity wanes over the first few weeks, making it essential to start active immunization through vaccinations.
The initial vaccinations for puppies typically begin when they are 6-8 weeks old. These early vaccinations are critical because puppies are particularly vulnerable during this period. The primary vaccines administered at this stage include:
- Distemper: A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis): A viral infection that can cause liver disease and damage to the kidneys.
- Parainfluenza: A viral infection that contributes to kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease.
- Parvovirus: A severe and often fatal viral infection that attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Additionally, puppies may receive a vaccine for coronavirus, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, although this vaccine is not always routinely administered due to varying opinions on its necessity. The Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine, which protects against kennel cough, is also sometimes given at this early stage, depending on the puppy's environment and potential exposure risks.
Booster shots are administered every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is about 16 weeks old. These boosters ensure that the puppy's immune system is fully primed to fight off infections. The timing and frequency of these vaccinations are crucial because the maternal antibodies from the colostrum can interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccines. Therefore, veterinarians carefully schedule these boosters to coincide with the decline of maternal antibodies.
It is important to note that the specific vaccination schedule may vary based on the puppy's health, the mother's vaccination history, and the veterinarian's recommendations. Some puppies may require additional vaccinations or adjustments to the schedule based on their individual needs and risk factors.
In addition to the core vaccines, puppies may receive non-core vaccines depending on their lifestyle and environment. These non-core vaccines include protection against diseases like Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Giardia, and heartworm. The decision to administer these vaccines is typically based on the puppy's exposure risk and the prevalence of these diseases in the region.
Regular veterinary check-ups and adherence to the recommended vaccination schedule are essential for ensuring the health and well-being of puppies as they grow into adult dogs. Proper vaccination not only protects the individual dog but also contributes to the overall health of the canine population by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.