What Shots Does My Puppy Need in Cooper City, FL?

Do you have a new puppy, or are you thinking of adopting one? When you’ve got a puppy joining the family, there’s a lot to keep in mind. You’ll need to figure out how to train your new family member, what to feed him, and how to take care of him, too. Part of your job as a responsible new puppy owner in Cooper City is making sure he gets the right shots at the right time to protect him and keep him healthy.

Below, you’ll find a list of the most important shots puppies need during their first year of life. Remember to speak with your vet for more information and to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

Shot Schedule for Puppies in Cooper City

If you adopted your dog from a rescue or shelter or purchased him from a breeder or a previous owner, be sure to gather any medical records and bring them to your vet in Cooper City. This way, your dog won’t risk receiving multiple vaccinations for the same disease, which could be dangerous or at the very least cause him to become somewhat sick.

Although your vet can give you more information about what to expect with your puppy’s upcoming shot schedule, this guide gives you a basic idea of when your dog may be ready for his shots.

Six weeks

At six weeks, your puppy should get his first DHPP shot. This shot covers distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. This shot gets administered to your puppy every four weeks for the next sixteen weeks.

Eight to Ten weeks

At ten weeks, your puppy needs a DHPP booster shot. This is the second of four total DHPP shots your dog will need during the first year of his life, so be prepared to go back to the vet several times for shot updates as the year goes on.

This is also the time when your puppy may need their Bordetella vaccination, but this could be given as early as eight weeks. Your veterinarian will help you determine when is the best time for your pet to receive this vaccine.

Twelve weeks

At twelve weeks, your puppy needs his third DHLPP shot.

This is also the time when your pet may receive their first leptospirosis vaccine, if they have have exposure to standing water.

If you live in an area that has a problem with Lyme disease, your vet may also choose to give the Lyme shot at this time; otherwise, that vaccination will wait until your next appointment.

Sixteen weeks

At sixteen weeks, your puppy will receive his fourth DHLPP shot.

At this time, your puppy will also receive his first rabies shot.

This is also usually when your vet will give the second giardia, Lyme shots and leptospirosis vaccine if they have exposure to standing water.

And beyond

When your puppy is about sixteen months old, he will receive his Lyme, giardia, and rabies booster shots.

Your puppy will also need his final DHLPP booster shot at this time.

Rabies shots will continue every year for the rest of your puppy’s life. Some other shots will need to be repeated depending on how long it has been since your dog last received them. Always talk to your vet for more information.

How Soon is Too Soon for Puppy Shots in Cooper City?

You might be ready to rush out and get your puppy the shots he needs right away, but it’s important to wait for the right time for his health and safety. Before your new puppy reaches six weeks of age, it’s probably too early to vaccinate him. The shots may be dangerous at this time. After six weeks, it’s usually okay, but some vets prefer to wait for eight weeks just to be on the safe side.

As with all aspects of your dog’s health, it’s important to talk to your vet in Cooper City as soon as possible and ask these questions. Each dog has his own individual needs and health concerns to keep in mind, and your vet will be able to pinpoint these and talk them over with you.

Almost every dog, however, will need to be vaccinated by eight weeks of age. In some places this is required by law, and in others it’s just strongly suggested by your vet.

Which Puppy Shots are Required?

Depending on where you live, some puppy shots may be required by law. In this section, we’ll break down the most common required shots so you can better understand which ones your puppy needs before all the others.

Rabies

Rabies shots are required by law in many places. Even if they aren’t required where you live, it’s very important to have your dog vaccinated against rabies. Many wild animals carry rabies and can transmit it to your dog if you don’t take precautions against it.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is extremely dangerous for young puppies. Unfortunately, many puppies come down with it because they aren’t vaccinated against it. It’s very common, but with the right vaccination, your dog won’t have to suffer from it. This vaccine is usually required in many places as well.

Distemper

Like parvovirus, distemper is very common in puppies, although dogs of any age can catch it. It’s also completely preventable when your dog has up-to-date shots.

Hepatitis

Finally, hepatitis is also required in most places as part of your puppy’s shots. Like rabies, you should get your dog this shot even if it isn’t required where you live, for his safety as well as yours.

Stay Current With Your Puppy’s Shots in Cooper City

Your puppy’s first year of life is an exciting time filled with many ups and downs for the both of you. Make sure you give him the best possible chance at growing up healthy and strong by keeping up with a regular vaccination schedule. Don’t forget to talk to your vet in Cooper City for more information and to create a strong rapport in the early stages of your new dog’s life.

At Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital, we tailor each vaccination plan to fit the unique needs of your pet because we want them to live a long and healthy life with you. Your puppy’s well-being is always our top priority, which is why we offer all the necessary puppy shots to keep your pet healthy. Call us today at (954) 432-5811 or schedule an appointment on our website for your puppy’s shots.