Vaccines for Puppies
As the owner of a new puppy, congratulations on your recent adoption! Your life is about to change for the better. To make sure there’s no shortage of puppy kisses and wagging tails to go around, start your puppy’s vaccinations as soon as possible. He can receive his first shots as young as six weeks old. Following the recommended puppy vaccine schedule is the easiest way to protect your pet from preventable diseases.
Schedule your puppy’s vaccinations in Germantown today by calling Germantown Vet Clinic at 240-252-7467.
Affordable Vaccines for Puppies in Germantown
We understand that getting a new puppy comes with a lot of new expenses, but you should never have to choose between feeding your dog and getting his vaccines taken care of! That’s why we offer pet wellness plans that cover everything from physical exams and vaccinations to flea and tick control. By spreading out the cost of these and other vet services throughout the year, you’re never caught off guard by unpredictable costs.
Learn more about our pet wellness plans »
Benefits of Puppy Vaccines
Many preventable diseases don’t show symptoms until the disease has progressed somewhat, making it more difficult to treat. Vaccinating your puppy gives his immune system the ability to fight off various diseases if he ever comes in contact with another dog carrying the germ.
Even if your puppy never socializes with other dogs, there’s always a chance he could slip out the door. Knowing your pup is vaccinated against the worst contagious diseases out there gives you peace of mind. Plus, up-to-date rabies vaccinations (delivered at 12 to 24 weeks, again at one year and then every three years after that) are required by law in Maryland. Many boarding kennels, grooming salons and dog parks also require canine visitors to be vaccinated against distemper, measles, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus.
While risks do exist, minor bruising and swelling at the injection site, fever, and/or mild allergic reaction are probably the worst side effects your pet will have to endure. We can help you assess the risk of puppy vaccines, but remember – vaccinations for dogs have saved countless lives over the years and continue to help battle the spread of infectious diseases that pass between canines.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
The American Kennel Club recommends that pet owners follow this puppy vaccination schedule:
- 6 to 8 weeks: Distemper, measles and parainfluenza
- 10 to 12 weeks: DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus)
- 12 to 24 weeks: Rabies
- 14 to 16 weeks: DHPP
- 12 to 16 months: Rabies, DHPP
Vaccinations Continue After Puppyhood
Once the initial vaccines are complete after 16 months, you can take a break from vet visits, but not forever. The law requires adult dogs living in Maryland to receive rabies shots every three years. You might also choose to pursue booster shots that increase your dog’s immunity to other diseases as he gets older. We’ll go over your options to make sure you make the best choice for you and your furry friend.
Keep Your Puppy Healthy – Schedule Vaccinations Today!
With vaccines readily available and more affordable than ever at Germantown Vet, there’s no reason to put your pooch at risk for contracting a dangerous or even life-threatening illness. Be the responsible pet owner you want to be and schedule your puppy’s vaccines today!
Germantown Vet is a great choice for meeting your pet’s needs. Since 1983, we’ve administered thousands of vaccines and provided other veterinarian services to four-legged companions of all shapes and sizes.
Contact us online or call us at 240-252-7467 to schedule your dog’s vaccinations today!
