So, you adopted a brand-new bundle of puppy fluff, and now it’s time to bring them home for cuddles, kisses, and fun, fun, FUN! We love that for you, but there are a few logistical things you’ll have to prioritize, too. You may be thinking about how to prepare your dog for vaccinations.
That’s right; we’re talking about puppy shots that keep that precious pooch healthy and safe. Young puppies receive a whole slew of these within the first few weeks of their lives, many of which require boosters as they age.
We’re discussing those vaccines today – what they are, when you need to get them for your puppy, and how to prepare your dog to make the experience less scary. Check it out below!
What Are Canine Vaccinations?
Whether you’re getting your pup from a breeder, store, or shelter, the folks there will likely remind you to make that first appointment with your vet to get a top-to-bottom check-up and the first essential vaccines.
We know this, but what exactly are vaccinations anyway?
Canine vaccinations are designed to provide immunity against specific diseases without actually causing the disease. Some of them do contain the actual strain of the disease you’re aiming to prevent – and this understandably scares some people—but vaccinating puppies is routine, safe, and highly recommended by the leading experts in the veterinary field.
What Vaccines Do I Need to Get My Dog?
The American Animal Hospital Association breaks vaccinations into two distinct groups: core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are highly recommended and, in some areas of the country, required by law. They include:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Adenovirus
- Rabies
Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, may or may not make sense for your dog based on where you live, what your dog will be getting into, and other factors that should be discussed with your vet during the appointment. These include:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme Disease
- Canine Influenza
- Rattlesnake Toxoid**
**National Snakebite Support does not recommend the snakebite vaccine (rattlesnake toxoid) for dogs. It has not been demonstrated to help, and it may cause harm. Click here to read a detailed article by Kimberly Wyatt, MS, with Asclepius Snakebite Foundation. There is NO published data supporting the efficacy of the vaccine in dogs. Veterinary experts also do not recommend it. If your vet is recommending it, you should find a new vet. Adverse reactions following vaccination, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.
Florida law states that all dogs and cats must have a doctor-patient relationship and a current Rabies Vaccine. This relationship is described as a physical exam by the doctor once a year.
When Do I Take My Puppy for Vaccinations?
Your veterinarian will discuss the details of each vaccination, including when to come in for the shots, if and when a booster will be needed, and more. Generally, people wind up going to the vet a total of four times in the first 16 weeks of the puppy’s life to receive the following:
- 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (often combined as DHPP)
- 10-12 weeks: DHPP booster, Bordetella (if at risk), Leptospirosis (if at risk)
- 14-16 weeks: DHPP booster, Rabies
- 12-16 weeks: Lyme Disease (if at risk), Canine Influenza (if at risk)
How Do I Prepare My Pup for Vaccinations?
Most dogs don’t like going to the vet, and who could blame them? Young pups come in, see the older dogs trembling and emitting the smell of fear into the air, and then, when it’s time for their turn, they get jabbed by a stranger with a pointy object. Big ouch!
It’s also not fun as a pup parent to bring your precious pooch to the vet if it means your dog will whine, whimper, try to escape, refuse to walk—the list goes on! So, here are a few tips that may help prepare your pup for their vet visit and vaccinations so you can get a little relief during these initial regular vet visits and make the experience somewhat more manageable for everyone involved.
1. Socialize Your Dog Early
It’s a bit of a Catch-22 that you’re not allowed to bring your dog to places like puppy kindergarten before they get all their shots. Yet, trainers refer to these first 16 weeks as the “critical period” or “sensitive period” when your pup is most open to learning new behaviors.
Safety always comes first, but you want to expose your dog to as many new things as possible during the first few weeks of its life. We’re talking about new people—friends, family, even strangers to some degree—as well as new dogs, new places, sights, sounds, smells, and the whole nine.
This is because, through these crucial learning experiences, your dog will gain confidence in itself and that the world may not be a scary place after all. They’ll carry that confidence into the vet visit and (hopefully) be more welcoming of the new people and environment.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement has become the norm in dog training, and we’re all for it! Giving treats, love, and rewards whenever your dog does something right is a great way to keep them happy and feeling brave as they face what’s sure to be a slightly scary situation at the vet!
So, when they get in the car, reward them. When they walk into the vet, reward them again; when they are receptive to the vet and vet techs, more rewards. And, of course, after the jab, jackpot reward! Shower them with love, praise, and treats! They’ve earned it for their puppy bravery!
3. Bring Comfort Items
Does your puppy have a favorite toy or blanket that comforts it when stressed or scared? Don’t be shy to bring that along so it has something to give it a little courage when it gets tough.
Remember–-the most important thing to do when preparing your pup for their vaccinations is to take it at their pace and let them come around to their bravery as they find it. Comfort items will help them get there and ultimately make the experience less traumatic so that the next visit will be even better!
Of course, wash these comfort items when you bring them home. Vets and their staff do a lot to keep their offices clean and sanitized, but germs thrive in these places!
Final Thoughts on How to Prepare Your Dog for Vaccinations
Getting all those vaccinations in the first few weeks can be a lot for you and your new puppy baby, but they must live their best and healthiest lives. Taking extra time and care to get them prepped can minimize its negative effect on your pooch and help them overcome the situation with flying colors.
Once you complete this critical step, don’t hesitate to call your friends at Space Coast Pet Services. We offer the best pet services in Rockledge, Viera, and Suntree, and we can’t wait to show you and that precious pooch firsthand!
Contact us now to see if we’re a good fit!
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