It is really important that you vaccinate your puppy against contracting any infectious diseases. While your puppy is very young, it is protected against illnesses and infections by ingesting its mother’s milk, providing she, herself, is up to date with her vaccinations.
Your puppy should be taken to the vet for its first vaccination at 8 weeks old. Puppy vaccines are usually given as a combination shot.
The following are considered as core vaccines for a puppy:
Canine distemper, which is a viral infection which can affect the lungs, intestines and the brain.
Hepatitis, a viral infection affecting the liver.
Parvovirus. A virus which can attack the intestines and may occasionally affect the heart too. Leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection harming the kidneys.
Dogs will need regular boosters and your vet will advise on when and how frequently to bring your dog in.
If you are planning on placing your dog in kennels from time to time, then you should consider a vaccination against the parainfluenza virus which can affect the upper respiratory tract. This may also be known as kennel cough vaccine and is usually administered in the form of nose drops.
If you are planning on taking your puppy or dog abroad, then it is very likely that it will need a rabies shot.
