Puppy Vaccinations

We offer a wide range of vaccines to protect your puppy from diseases that can be found in their environment. Some are required by law and others are optional. Your veterinarian will discuss your options. Please remember that these may change as your puppy ages and may have new environmental challenges.

What vaccinations do you provide to new puppies?

We offer the following vaccines:

Rabies – As this is your puppy’s first rabies vaccine, we give the 1 year. Please note, this vaccine is required by law and is needed if you plan to cross the border with your pet.
DA2PP – This vaccination is given every 3 years after your puppy has had its initial series. This vaccine protects your dog against Hepatitis (liver disease), some respiratory diseases, and the ‘nasty’ Parvovirus that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and can be fatal.
Leptospirosis – This vaccine is given as a 1 year only after your puppy has had its initial series. It protects your dog against a bacteria that can be contracted by ingesting wildlife urine (deer, fox, raccoon, etc.) containing the bacteria directly, or by drinking it out of stagnant puddles/ponds.
Bordetella – This vaccine is given once a year. It protects your pet from the dreaded ‘Kennel Cough’ found at dog parks, boarding facilities, and large groupings of unfamiliar dogs.
Flu Bivalent – This vaccine is also provided once a year. It protects your puppy from a flu that can be contracted much like ‘Kennel Cough’.

Why is it important to vaccinate your puppy?

To stimulate your puppy’s immune system and give it protection for its future encounters with diseases depending on its environment. This is much like when we were little and had a series of vaccinations as well. Yes, the mom can pass on some immunity but this typically loses its protection over time.

At what age should I bring my puppy for their vaccinations?

Your puppy should be seen by your veterinarian at 8 weeks of age for its first DA2PP booster. Four weeks later at 12 weeks, your puppy should have a second booster of DA2PP and a discussion on its environment for the start of the Leptospirosis, Bordetella and Flu Bivalent boosters. The final vaccines in the series are done at 16 weeks, along with your puppy’s first rabies vaccine. The reason for this series of vaccines is because when the puppy is in utero and nursing from the dam, it will get some immunity if she has been vaccinated. However, over time, this will slowly fail and leave your puppy unprotected.

How should I prepare my puppy for their first vaccination visit?

Socialization is great for the puppy before its first visit. By this we mean to accustom your puppy to meeting different people, being in different situations, and hearing all sorts of noises and commotions. Looking in your puppy’s mouth, eyes, and ears are helpful, and getting them used to being touched/petted/prodded throughout their body – i.e. head to tail including paws – are all wonderful. The more you do now with your puppy, the easier it will be for you, your puppy and the veterinarian.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?

It depends on the vaccines that are needed for your puppy in particular. The best answer to this would be to contact your veterinarian and have a discussion on what lifestyle your puppy is going to have and what is needed to protect it. Please keep in mind that these may stay consistent or change as your puppy ages and its lifestyle evolves.