Vaccinations for puppies are one of the first responsibilities of the puppy owner for the health of the dog. Puppies are protected against many potentially deadly dog diseases by vaccinations for puppies.

Before birth, puppies receive some antibodies from their mothers through the placenta. For the first two days after birth, the puppies continue to receive antibodies in the mother’s first milk.

If a puppy is vaccinated before this natural immunity from them maternal antibodies wears off, the vaccination will be in effective. A common recommendation is for the puppy to begin receiving vaccinations at six to nine weeks of age.

Parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, and hepatitis vaccinations are the vaccinations for puppies that are typically required. Vaccinations for rabies and kennel cough may be recommended by the veterinarian.

Parvovirus is a potentially fatal virus that causes abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, depression, vomiting, and refusal to eat or drink. Canine distemper can cause lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, coughing, runny nose, and eventually seizures.

Infectious canine hepatitis is a virus that attacks the liver that can quickly lead to death. Symptoms of canine hepatitis include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fever, and lack of appetite.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that causes abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, bloody diarrhea, increased thirst, and fever. A dog can die from leptospirosis within hours of the onset of symptoms.

A highly contagious upper respiratory infection that causes a slight fever, loss of appetite, dry cough, and lethargy is called kennel cough. Dogs that spend time in a kennel may be required to have the vaccination for kennel cough before they are accepted for boarding.

The final stages of rabies causes the dog to foam at the mouth and drool. Rabies can lead to paralysis, coma, and death from respiratory failure. Rabies can also affect people unlike most dog diseases.

Dogs can also be vaccinated for coronavirus, parainfluenza, Bordetella, and measles. The veterinarian may recommend these vaccinations and others if the dog is to spend a significant amount of time with a large group of dog such as in a kennel.

Following some vaccinations, the puppy may not be allowed to be exposed to other dogs. The veterinarian may provide information on possible side effects and any other precautions related to the vaccinations.

Moses Wright has been a lover of dogs for many years. He set up this site to provide information on non allergic dog breeds and symptoms of dog diseases to help fellow dog owners learn more about their pets.