Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

Whether you have a puppy that’s only a few weeks old or a senior dog, vaccinations are important at every stage. Keeping up with your puppy/dog’s vaccination plan ensures they get their doses on schedule, which helps them maintain their immunity against harmful but preventable diseases.

When should my puppy have their first vaccines?

You should schedule your puppy for their first exam as soon as possible. Until your puppy has received a series of vaccines during their first few weeks of life, they’re susceptible to many serious but preventable diseases. After this first series, your puppy will continue getting vaccines less frequently. Depending on the vaccine, they could need boosters every 1-3 years to maintain their immunity. In the first 6-18 weeks of your puppy’s life, they’ll be vaccinated against:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Bordetella (optional)
• Lyme disease (optional)

Why does my dog need a rabies vaccine if the disease is less common?

Many areas have laws that require dogs and cats (and sometimes ferrets) to be vaccinated against rabies. These laws help protect dogs, cats and people from this deadly disease. Thanks to rabies laws, control and prevention programs, and pet owners’ cooperation, domesticated pets in North America rarely become infected with this disease. By keeping your dog up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, not only are you protecting your pet, but you’re also helping to eradicate rabies from the dog/cat population in your community. If you have questions about the rabies vaccines, please contact us at 416-928-6761.