Your Guide to Puppy Shots in Altadena, CA

Do you have a new puppy? Are you thinking of adopting one? Did you know your puppy is going to need a lot of puppy shots during his first twelve months? Are you prepared to handle these and take your puppy to the vet as often as necessary?

The Basics on Puppy Shots in Altadena, CA

In this article, we’ll show you the basics you need to know about the required puppy shots. Your vet may have more information for you as well depending on where you live and any lifestyle requirements your puppy may have. Read through this information to find out more.

Puppy Shots at 6 Weeks

Parvovirus

Puppies are the most susceptible to parvovirus, although it can also be contracted by dogs of any age in Altadena, CA. It causes bloody diarrhea and severe vomiting, and it leads quickly to dehydration because of these symptoms. Puppies often die within a few days of coming down with this illness, so it is extremely important to have them vaccinated against it as soon as the vet thinks it is safe to do so.

Distemper

This is a serious and highly contagious illness that almost always leads to death. It can affect the nervous system, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal system of a dog and quickly causes vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, seizures, and high fever. There is no cure for this illness, and like parvovirus, it is most threatening to young puppies.

Puppy Shots at 10 Weeks

Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis causes damage to a dog’s liver and kidneys. It can also sometimes spread to the lungs, spleen, and eyes. There is no cure for this illness, so vaccinating your dog against it is the best way to ensure he never suffers from these lasting effects. Some vets may offer the hepatitis vaccination before 10 weeks of age depending on other factors.

Parainfluenza

This is a virus that can sometimes cause kennel cough, although it isn’t the most common cause. Parainfluenza is a type of flu that is highly contagious among dogs. Vaccinating your dog against it will ensure he cannot catch it and cannot spread it to other dogs in Altadena, CA, either.

Bordetella

This is a type of bacteria that is the leading cause of kennel cough in dogs and puppies. It can sometimes be fatal, especially to younger puppies, so it’s crucial to get this puppy shot as early as your veterinarian in Altadena, CA feels it is safe to give it. Most kennels and boarding facilities will require this vaccination before you can board your dog, too, so it’s important to have your puppy vaccinated against Bordetella as soon as you can.

Leptospirosis

This infection sometimes does not cause symptoms in dogs whatsoever, but sometimes leads to severe symptoms including weakness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stiffness, liver failure, and kidney failure. Dogs can die from this disease if it is not caught and treated in a timely fashion. However, it can be treated easily with antibiotics when handled as soon as possible, although it may be avoided completely with the right vaccination for your puppy.

Puppy Shots at 16 Weeks

Lyme disease

Lyme disease comes from ticks and causes dogs to develop pain and stiffness in their joints. It can cause swollen lymph nodes and usually leads to a loss of appetite. When untreated, it causes heart and kidney damage and can lead to brain damage as well. It cannot be cured, but can be managed fairly well with antibiotics.

Puppy Shots at 1 Year

Coronavirus

This is not the same type of coronavirus that causes covid-19 infection. They are two separate viruses and should not be confused. Even so, coronavirus infections in dogs can be fatal in some cases and may lead to severe respiratory illness. They can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, which in turn lead to dehydration quickly. Dogs can sometimes receive a vaccination for canine coronavirus before one year of age, but this is the most common time frame for this puppy shot.

Rabies

Rabies affects the nervous system of any animal and is extremely contagious. It causes drooling, fear of water, anxiety, pain, and eventually leads to death. Although it can be treated, it must be acted on within just a few hours of the infecting bite, otherwise dogs usually will not survive a rabies infection. Rabies shots are usually required by law in most locations, and they can be found at some human drug stores as well as vet clinics.

Puppy Shots in Altadena, CA That Your Pet Needs Every Year

Rabies

Your dog should have received his first rabies shot at around one year of age. However, it’s crucial to have your dog vaccinated with a rabies booster shot every year afterward to keep the protection up. Some rabies shots, however, only need to be given every three years. Your vet will let you know which version your dog has received.

DHPP

This is a booster shot which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Puppies should have already received all of these shots, either separately or together, and they will need boosters for the first few months of life too. From there, annual DHPP boosters are highly necessary for all dogs and may be required by law in some locations.

Book a Puppy Shot Appointment With Your Vet

It can sometimes be overwhelming trying to keep track of all the needed puppy shots throughout the first year or so of his life. This is just one of the many reasons why it’s important to work with a trusted veterinarian from the moment you bring your new puppy home.

If you have further questions about puppy shots call Altadena Pet Hospital at (626) 798-0738 or book an appointment today!