Vaccinations for puppies are one of the first responsibilities of the puppy owner for the health of the dog. Puppies are protected against many potentially deadly dog diseases by vaccinations for puppies.

Before birth, puppies receive some antibodies from their mothers through the placenta. For the first two days after birth, the puppies continue to receive antibodies in the mother’s first milk.

Commercial vaccinations are not effective until the maternal antibodies have worn off. Puppies generally begin the vaccination schedule when they are six to nine weeks old.

Parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, and hepatitis vaccinations are the vaccinations for puppies that are typically required. Vaccinations for rabies and kennel cough may be recommended by the veterinarian.

Parvovirus is a potentially fatal virus that causes abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, depression, vomiting, and refusal to eat or drink. Canine distemper can cause lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, coughing, runny nose, and eventually seizures.

A viral disease caused by infectious canine hepatitis attacks the liver and can quickly cause the death of the dog. Canine hepatitis can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that causes abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, bloody diarrhea, increased thirst, and fever. A dog can die from leptospirosis within hours of the onset of symptoms.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that causes a dry cough, slight fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Many kennels require that dog owners and their dogs vaccinated for kennel cough before they will board the dogs.

Rabies is one of the few diseases that can affect both dogs and humans. At the end stages of rabies, the dog could begin foaming at the mouth, drooling, and show signs of paralysis before slipping into a coma and dying of respiratory failure.

Other diseases for which a dog can be vaccinated include coronavirus, bordetella, parainfluenza, and measles. Some of these vaccinations are only recommended if the dog is to spend significant time in kennels or with a large number of other dogs.

A puppy that has been vaccinated may not be allowed to be around other dogs for the two weeks after receiving some of their vaccinations. The veterinarian should give the dog owner of the necessary precautions.

Moses Wright has been a lover of dogs for many years. He set up this site to provide information on best dog breed for children and symptoms of dog diseases to help fellow dog owners learn more about their pets.

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