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Puppy Health Informations

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Puppy Health Informations
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Against which diseases should puppies be vaccinated?

Experts generally agree that the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease) and canine parvovirus-2. Some would say vaccines to protect against leptospirosis and coronavirus should also be considered "core" vaccines.




Noncore vaccines include canine parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica (both are causes of "kennel cough"), Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease), and for some veterinarians, coronavirus and Leptospira. Again, consult with your veterinarian to select the proper vaccines for your puppy.




A possible vaccination schedule for the "average" dog is shown below.




Age Vaccinate for:




5 weeks Parvovirus


6 weeks Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis


9 weeeks Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis


12 weeks Combination vaccine*


15 weeks Combination vaccine*


1 year Combination vaccine*


2 years Combination vaccine*







*A combination vaccine includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis (the inclusion of either adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both diseases), distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines also protect against leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a relatively rare disease that affects few dogs. Today, most people give combination vaccines without leptospirosis to puppies (those under 12 weeks of age). In the latter portion of the puppy's vaccination schedule, vaccines with leptospirosis can be used to protect against this disease. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what will be best for your puppy.




* Rabies vaccination should be given by your veterinarian according to local law.


* Where coronavirus is a concern, vaccinate at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Some combination vaccines contain coronavirus.


* Where Lyme disease is a problem, or if the animal is traveling to an area where Lyme disease occurs, vaccinate at 12 and 15 weeks and then yearly.


* For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac II ADT. For those who show, field trial, or board their dogs, we recommend re-vaccinating every 6 monthes with Intra-Trac II ADT.


The above recommendations apply to "most" puppies. Consult your veterinarian as to which vaccines are appropriate for your puppy. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the puppy, the potential of the puppy to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, and the geographical area where the puppy lives or may visit.




http://www.peteducation.com/vaccination/puppy_vaccs.htm