Pet vaccines protect your furry friends from many diseases that affect their health and behavior. If you recently adopted a puppy, you will need to start a vaccination schedule with your local veterinarian to help them grow up healthy and strong. Below, review how to prepare your new friend for pet vaccines and learn which ones are essential to health and wellness.

How to Prepare Your Puppy for Vaccines

Provide your puppy with a nutrient-dense diet to build up their immune system. The stronger the immune system is, the more antibodies it will produce in reaction to the vaccine. Also, provide plenty of water, because hydration is crucial for the immunity to hold. Take the puppy on several long walks the day before each appointment and the morning of, if possible. Exercise keeps them from feeling overly anxious due to pent-up energy.

Reduce your puppy’s stress level at the veterinary hospital by bringing favorite toys, blankets, and treats. Distract the puppy with these items while also showering them with affection to reduce agitation.

Which Pet Vaccines Do They Need?

Work with your veterinarian to create a vaccination schedule for your puppy that focuses on core vaccines. These typically start when puppies are between six and eight weeks old, and happen throughout the first year of life. Some vaccinations require yearly booster shots, which your veterinarian will discuss with you.

Core vaccinations include:

• Distemper: An often fatal virus with symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, seizures, and paralysis.
• Rabies: A potentially fatal disease that includes foaming at the mouth, brain inflammation, hallucinations, paralysis, and anxiety.
• Parvovirus: A contagious and potentially fatal virus that is common in puppies and strays and causes vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.
• Parainfluenza: While commonly mistaken for kennel cough, this issue also presents difficulty breathing, eye inflammation, fever, possible pneumonia, and sneezing.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a non-core vaccine schedule. For example, if Lyme disease is prevalent in your region, the vet will recommend the vaccine that protects against it. The Bordetella—kennel cough—vaccine may also be necessary if you frequent dog parks or board your puppy often. Be upfront about your plans to help the veterinarian devise a pet vaccine course. 

Make pet vaccine appointments at Canal Road Animal Hospital to keep your puppy healthy. The veterinary hospital in Orange Beach, AL, offers vaccinations as well as spay and neuter, dental care, grooming, boarding, and laser surgery services to help area pets enjoy long, happy lives. Call (251) 968-7387 to schedule an appointment or learn more about pet care services online. Get the latest pet hospital news and tips on Facebook.