Do puppies need vaccines?

Our question this week was:

When does my puppy need shots?

In puppies, a series of vaccines is recommended. These should begin when your puppy is between 6 and 8 weeks and continue every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy is between 14 and 16 weeks of age.

The vaccine should protect against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza and canine parvovirus. If the risk of kennel cough is great, a vaccine against bordetella is recommended. Rabies vaccine should be given in accordance with individual state laws usually between 16 and 26 weeks of age. Newer vaccines effective against specific forms of the bacteria leptospirosis may be important in some areas.


Our question this week came from Maxie B., Boston, MA.




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