In the excitement of bringing a new puppy home, it’s important to take them to a veterinary hospital and set up their vaccination schedule. Pet vaccines will help protect your pup against dangerous preventable diseases. If you aren’t quite sure what shots your dog will need in their first year, you can learn more about the necessary vaccines from the guide below.

5 Pet Vaccines Your Puppy Needs

1. Rabies

Rabies is a serious viral disease that is most often spread through the bite of an infected animal. This virus targets the central nervous system, often causing aggression, anxiety, seizures, and paralysis. In most cases, rabies is fatal. Many states, including Pennsylvania, require the immunization of dogs and cats against rabies by law. Your pup should get their first shot at 16 weeks old.

2. Parvovirus

This highly contagious virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fever. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk of infection. Severe dehydration and death can occur in untreated cases, and there is no current cure beyond controlling symptoms. Vaccination is the best method of prevention and comes in a combined shot known as the DHLCCP, which covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Canine Cough, and Parainfluenza as well.

3. Distemper

Canine distemper spreads through airborne exposure between foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and dogs, as well as through shared food and water bowls. This disease starts in the respiratory system and eventually spreads to the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in serious cases, death. The vaccine for distemper is also given in the combined DHLCCP shot.

4. Hepatitis

Caused by adenovirus 1, infectious canine hepatitis affects the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and eyes. This viral infection spreads through contact with the urine, feces, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge from affected dogs. Puppies are at the highest risk of infection. In severe cases, fever, depression, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice are possible. The DHLCCP vaccine includes immunization for canine hepatitis.

5. Lyme

While it’s not considered a core pet vaccine, the shot for Lyme disease is highly recommended in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. This infectious, tick-borne disease leads to limping, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes in dogs. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause neurological problems and affect the heart, kidneys, and joints. Puppies should receive this vaccine at 14 weeks and 17 weeks old.

Do you need to set up a pet vaccine schedule for your new puppy? Contact the dependable veterinarians at Animal Care Hospital in Lewisburg, PA. Serving the Greater Susquehanna Valley area, this veterinary clinic offers a wide range of health services, including dentistry, parasite prevention, nutritional counseling, surgeries, and individualized wellness programs. Their team is dedicated to providing continuous, high-quality care for your beloved companion. Call (570) 524-7560 to schedule your puppy’s first appointment. For more information about wellness and vaccination programs, visit their website.