Necessary Vaccinations For Puppies

By Moses Wright

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.

Puppies receive the first antibodies from their mothers through the placenta. After they are born, they were continue to receive antibodies in the mother's milk for the first two days.

Puppies typically get their first vaccines when their natural immunity from the mother's antibodies wears off. Prior to this time, vaccinations for puppies will not provide protection against disease. Many veterinarians recommend that the puppy be vaccinated between six and 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 causes bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, refusal to eat or drink, then vomiting. Parvovirus is potentially fatal. Canine distemper causes vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing, runny nose, and may cause seizures.

A viral disease caused by infectious canine hepatitis attacks the liver and can quickly cause the death of the dog. Canine hepatitis can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite.

Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, increased thirst, fever, and increased urination are symptoms of a bacterial infection leptospirosis. Dogs can die from leptospirosis within hours.

A dry cough, slight fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy are common symptoms of kennel cough which is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection. Before I dog is boarded at some kennels, the dog owner is required to provide proof that the dog has been vaccinated against kennel cough.

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.

Other diseases for which a dog can be vaccinated include coronavirus, bordetella, parainfluenza, and measles. Some of these vaccinations are only recommended if the dog is to spend significant time in kennels or with a large number of other dogs.

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. - 29895

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