Understanding Puppy Vaccinations
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it also comes with important health responsibilities. One of the most critical aspects of puppy care is establishing a proper vaccination schedule. Vaccinations protect your puppy from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.
Core Vaccines for Puppies
Core vaccines are essential for all puppies, regardless of lifestyle. These include:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) - This combination vaccine protects against four serious diseases
- Rabies - Required by law in Washington State and protects against this fatal disease
Typical Puppy Vaccination Timeline
The standard puppy vaccination schedule typically looks like this:
- 6-8 weeks: First DHPP and Rabies vaccines
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP vaccine
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHPP vaccine and Rabies booster
- 12-16 weeks: Final Rabies vaccine
Non-Core Vaccines
Depending on your puppy's lifestyle and risk factors, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines such as Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, or Lyme disease vaccine.
Post-Vaccination Care
After vaccinations, it's normal for puppies to experience mild side effects like lethargy or a slight fever. Monitor your puppy closely and contact us if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Schedule Your Puppy's First Appointment
At My Pets Veterinary Urgent Care and Wellness, we're committed to getting your puppy off to a healthy start. Dr. Rachel Martins and our team specialize in puppy care and will create a customized vaccination plan for your new family member. Call us at (425) 380-5880 to schedule your puppy's first visit today!
