Puppy Vaccinations

When you bring your puppy home it is important to help its developing immune system become protected against some very serious diseases. Puppy vaccines are given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks in order to build an army of antibodies to keep your puppy safe.

What vaccinations do you provide to new puppies?

At your first puppy visit, usually around 8 weeks of age, we will start their vaccination series with a Distemper-Hepatitis-Parvovirus-Parainfluenza vaccine (DHPP). The second visit, at 12 weeks, will be a booster of DHPP and the first vaccine of Leptospirosis. The Bordetella vaccine can also be used at this time if your puppy will be interacting in environments where there is exposure to lots of other dogs. The final visit at 16 weeks will be a DHPP booster, Leptospirosis booster and your puppy’s first Rabies vaccine.

Why is it important to vaccinate your puppy?

Your puppy is getting ready to explore and enjoy its new environment and providing vaccines will keep your puppy protected against very serious diseases.

At what age should I bring in my puppy for their vaccinations?

Your puppy should receive its first set of vaccines when he/she is approximately 8 weeks of age. Often, the breeder or rescue will have performed this vaccine series prior to sending your puppy home with you. If that is the case, we still recommend a puppy check up to ensure your puppy is healthy and then have you return when your puppy is around 12 weeks of age for its second booster.

How should I prepare my puppy for their first vaccination visit?

In order to set your puppy up for success at their first visit, we recommend bringing a toy and blanket for your puppy. It is also important that your puppy be brought in on a leash with a collar or harness. Bring all of the paperwork you were given when you brought your puppy home so that we can make copies for our records. It is also helpful to know which brand of food you are feeding your puppy. If you have lots of questions for the doctor, some people find it helpful to write down questions in advance so that nothing gets missed.