Most Important Puppy Shots for Livonia, MI, Pets

Bringing a new puppy home is great. This tiny fur ball can bring so much happiness, joy, and fuzzy emotions to you and your family. Remember, you have to be well prepared for everything that comes with getting a puppy because from now on, you will be entirely responsible for this puppy’s well-being, health, and quality of life. This includes making sure your puppy gets their recommended shots. Our veterinarians in Livonia, MI can help with that!

Usually, puppies don’t get adopted until they are six to eight weeks old. While still nursing from their mother, they are still benefiting from the viral and bacterial antibodies present in her milk to protect them from getting sick. Once they stop nursing, however, and start weaning off their mother’s milk, they lose those antibodies and become vulnerable to diseases and infections. Therefore, they need to start creating their own antibodies, and this is where dog vaccinations come into play.

Recommended Vaccinations for Livonia, MI Puppies

Here are the shots that are recommended for puppies between the ages of six and eight weeks old:

• Distemper virus
• Adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
• Parainfluenza virus
• Parvovirus (parvo)

Distemper Virus

Distemper virus has symptoms that begin with respiratory distress and can turn into diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and even death. It can be contracted through contact with other infected dogs, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes.

Adenovirus

This is also known as canine hepatitis and is usually transmitted through the urine of infected dogs. It affects the kidneys, liver, eyes, spleen, and lungs, and it is highly contagious. There is no cure for this disease.

Parainfluenza Virus

Parainfluenza virus is one of the causes of kennel cough and leads to distress of the respiratory system. It is airborne and is contracted when the nasal secretions of other dogs are inhaled. If it leads to kennel cough, your puppy may develop an irritation of the airway and experience mild or severe coughing. While the cases where contracting this virus leads to death are rare, they do exist.

Parvovirus

Also known as parvo, this disease can occur in dogs of all ages but is most threatening to puppies who have not been vaccinated yet. There is no cure for this disease, and there is a high death rate associated with it—particularly in very young puppies. It is spread through contact with contaminated feces, and it attacks the immune and digestive systems.

 

Recommended Shots for Older Livonia, MI Puppies

For puppies who are twelve to fifteen weeks old, the following vaccinations are recommended:

• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis (lepto)
• Canine influenza
• Rabies
• Lymes

Bordetella

This is transmitted through the air and through direct contact, and it can be yet another cause of kennel cough. It is highly resistant to antibiotics and therefore, it is very difficult to treat it.

Leptospirosis

Also known as lepto, this is a bacterial disease attacking the kidneys and liver. This disease can be spread to people as well. Its symptoms are sometimes dormant for a while, but once they do occur, it is in the form of vomiting, pain, fever, kidney failure, and lethargy.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza, particularly its H3N2 and H3N8 strains, cause serious distress of the respiratory system. This disease is highly contagious, and it is strongly recommended that puppies are vaccinated against both mentioned strains in order to ensure their full protection.

Rabies

Rabies targets the central nervous system. It causes symptoms like seizures, paralysis, weakness, disorientation, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and uncharacteristic behavior. Vaccinating your puppy against this dangerous and deadly disease is required by law in most states. Rabies can also be easily transmitted to humans. There is no cure for it, and death is inevitable once the virus is contracted. It is spread through the bite of an infected dog or another animal.

Lymes

Lymes disease is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be passed from animals to humans. The blacklegged deer tick carries the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which causes Lyme disease in those infected. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include inflamed joints, lameness (due to pain in the joints), fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and decreased appetite. Lyme disease is treatable, but it can also be kept at bay with tick preventatives and the Lyme disease vaccine. If not treated in a timely manner, Lyme disease can do lasting damage to the heart, kidneys, and nervous system, and this damage can be life-threatening.

Before Your Puppy Gets Shots in Livonia, MI

Before your puppy receives their shots, it’s important to remember the following:

Keep the Socializing with Other Pets at a Minimum

It is not particularly safe to allow your puppy to socialize too much with other dogs before receiving all of their essential and recommended vaccinations. It is unrealistic to think that you shouldn’t take your puppy outside, as it is not natural for a puppy not to be able to go outside; but limiting their contact with other puppies and animals before all the necessary vaccinations have been administered is highly recommended.

Keep Shoes Out of Your Puppy’s Reach

You can invite family members and friends to come visit the new furry member of your family at home. Just make sure to remember to have them leave their shoes outside where they are out of reach, and there is no risk of your puppy chewing on them. This is to ensure that your baby doesn’t contract any infections and is not exposed to the bacteria, contaminants, and parasites that may be on someone’s shoes.

Side Effects of Puppy Shots in Livonia, MI

Keep in mind that there may be side effects associated with the vaccinations that are recommended for your puppy. Most dogs rarely experience any side effects, but the possibility should not be dismissed. After vaccinations, you should keep a close eye on your puppy for the next 24-48 hours.

Side effects of puppy shots normally include:

• Swelling around the injection site or around the face
• Drowsiness
• Mild sneezing or coughing
• Decrease in appetite
• Fever

Always consult with your vet and ask about possible side effects before administering a vaccination.

Schedule Your Puppy’s Vaccinations with Our Livonia, MI Animal Hospital

Vaccinations are important, and ensuring that your puppy is well protected against diseases is vital. Always take the necessary steps to help prevent your puppy from sickness and to ensure his or her continuous well-being. Schedule an appointment for your puppy’s vaccinations and a complete physical with us soon! We look forward to meeting your new best friend!