You have a new puppy, and you aren’t sure what vaccinations it needs to keep it healthy. We can help with that. First, you want to protect your puppy from parvo, which means for its first six months, you want to limit its contact with the ground outside. But, wait! How are you supposed to potty train if it can’t be on the ground? Some people use puppy training pads. My vet recommended limiting my puppy’s time outside to what was needed to use the bathroom and then bring him back inside immediately.
You’ll want to start with core vaccines. Your puppy with need a series of three DHPP vaccinations. DHPP stands for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. The first vaccine is due at 8 weeks. This is also the time to start your puppy on heartworm preventative (Heartguard, Trifexis, Revolution, etc). The next booster is due at 12 weeks, and the final booster is at 16 weeks. This is also the time to get your puppy his rabies vaccination (this vaccine is required annually by Texas law).
The rabies vaccine can be given as early as 12 weeks.
What about common non-core vaccinations? None are recommended at 8 weeks. At 12 weeks, depending on your pet’s lifestyle, the following vaccinations may be recommended: Bordetella (kennel cough), Lepto, Lyme, Canine Influenza (N3N8), and Rattlesnake. At 16 weeks, your pup will be due for boosters of any of the vaccines you decided were appropriate at 12 weeks. The booster is important to ensure your pet has full immunity.
What about tests and deworming? At 8 weeks, deworm for hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworms and start on parasite prevention (flea, tick, heartworm). At 12 weeks, deworm again. At six months, test for heartworm, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Lyme.
That’s what you need. After you set your puppy up with this solid foundation, annual boosters, and an annual exam will keep your puppy happy and healthy.
