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Few things are as exciting as adopting a new puppy, especially if you and your family have been searching for the perfect one to fill your family dynamic. In addition to cute little jerseys, booties, toys, and the perfect bed, you will also need to schedule the necessary vaccinations.

Whether or not you receive your puppy vaccinated will depend on where you’re adopting it from. Some shelters or rescue agencies offer vaccinations as part of the initial fee, but this isn’t a given so you may be left having to arrange vaccinations and boosters after adoption. We share the top vaccinations a puppy living in Iredell will need.

A Word on Pet Insurance

No matter what type of dog breed you’re hoping for, you should always start your pet owner journey by investing in the right pet insurance. Should you go with Trupanion? Or will Figo offer more benefits? These questions not only help you afford any medical issues in your pup’s life but can also make it more affordable to get initial vaccinations.

Start this research process with a comprehensive look at this Spot pet insurance vs. Lemonade comparison. Then check out more comparisons online to find the best long term fit for your puppy.

Rabies

The rabies vaccination will most likely be the first one your vet administers to your new pup. This is because rabies vaccinations are mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Iredell County and must be done by the time the animal reaches three months of age. Your vet will most likely not wait that long and will give it to your pup with its first vaccinations around six weeks.

DHPP

Many veterinary clinics administer a DHPP vaccination. Also known as the 5-in-1 vaccine, this is a combination shot to prevent the initial onset of five of the most common and infectious diseases.

The DHPP vaccine is made to combat the following:

• Distemper: This is a highly infectious viral infection that affects the digestive, neurological, and respiratory systems. Distemper is typically spread through coughing, sneezing, or by sharing feeding or water bowls. Keep your puppy away from any other dogs until it has had its DHPP vaccination.
• Hepatitis 1 and 2: Also known as adenovirus 1 and 2, this injection combats a viral infection of the liver.
• Parainfluenza: Another viral infection that can affect the respiratory system and, if unvaccinated, can also lead to kennel cough.
• Parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is one of the worst diseases your puppy can contact. Not only is this illness highly contagious, but it is often medicine-resistant and can easily wipe out a litter of puppies in only a few days.

Your puppy should receive the DHPP vaccine between six and eight weeks. Booster shots must then be administered every three to four weeks after that until it reaches 16 weeks old. Speak to your vet as soon as you adopt your puppy, as keeping it around other dogs can put it at a severe risk of infection.

Leptospirosis

Canine Leptospirosis is commonly caused by the Leptospira bacteria and can easily pass between humans and animals. This disease can cause your puppy to become very lethargic, experience vomiting, and lead to eventual kidney failure. Your puppy should receive this vaccination at six weeks old and then have follow-up boosters at 14 and 16 weeks. Keep your puppy away from anyone who may currently have or have had this disease, as they may still be contagious.

Lyme Disease

If you have a garden or you’re planning to let your pup spend a lot of time outdoors, then it will need a vaccination for Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted by ticks which are usually found in the ground or on plants. Ticks can easily jump onto your puppy’s fur and attach themselves to the skin. Since the ticks are so small, it can be difficult to spot them before they burrow into the pup’s flesh.

Bordetella

Bordetella bronchiseptica is another infectious bacterial disease that is the number one cause of kennel cough. Vomiting, coughing, and flu-like symptoms may indicate that your pup has contracted this disease. You should be especially careful with puppies who are under six weeks during the winter time, as this can cause them to develop the flu.

Cold weather will require special care until your pups can be vaccinated. Puppies who are moving into a home with other animals should have the Bordetella vaccination as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Puppies, whether born at home or adopted, must get their vaccinations as early as six weeks. Your vet will provide you with a timetable of the various vaccinations needed, the age they should be administered, and which will require boosters. Sticking to the vaccination timetable will ensure that your puppy is healthy and less likely to contract or spread any viral or bacterial diseases.