After adopting a new dog or puppy, one of the first tasks on your to-do list should be visiting the veterinarian. Beyond establishing care, your veterinarian will also need to administer some core pet vaccines to prevent illnesses. All of the diseases listed below can become fatal to dogs, but luckily, they can all be prevented with pet vaccines.

4 Pet Vaccines Every Dog Needs

1. Distemper

Because canine distemper is an airborne disease, your veterinarian will prioritize protection. Somewhere between six and 16 weeks old, your dog will receive three doses of distemper immunization. However, if your dog is fully grown, they will need two doses with three to four weeks between shots. After this initial immunization, dogs need boosters once every three years. Distemper attacks the nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory system, so this core vaccine is non-negotiable.

2. Heartworm

Though heartworm preventives aren’t administered through a shot, they are equally essential to a dog’s health. Heartworm is incurable in dogs, so prevention is the only option. Once your dog is 12 weeks old, ask your veterinarian about medication options. Generally, pet owners choose a topical gel or cream, which is applied to the animal’s neck, or oral medication. Both options are typically given monthly, and many options also ward off fleas and ticks.

3. Parvovirus

Parvovirus is highly contagious, so be cautious about introducing your puppy to new dogs before they’ve received their shots. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe weight loss, so watch for these symptoms in your puppy. The veterinarian will administer 3 doses of the parvovirus pet vaccine between 6–16 weeks of age. After the first year, your dog will need a booster; after that, they will only need one once every three years.

4. Rabies

Though it is generally transmitted through the bite of an infected area, avoiding other animals is not a sound rabies prevention plan. A puppy can receive a rabies immunization as early as 3 months of age, and pet owners have the choice between a 1-year and 3-year vaccine. A year after the first dose, your dog will need a booster, even if you choose the 3-year option. After that, your vet will administer boosters according to the length of treatment.

If you have a puppy that needs its core pet vaccines, turn to Mt Washington Animal Clinic in Bullitt County, KY. They will help pet owners devise an immunization schedule for their new pet, and they will also help you choose the best heartworm, flea, and tick option based on your dog’s habits and preferences. Their veterinarians also offer prescription diets, behavioral counseling, X-rays, urinalysis, and in-house laboratory testing to ensure your pet is in the best health possible. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (502) 955-6822 to schedule an appointment.