Vaccinating Your Puppy

Vaccinating Your Puppy

By vaccinating your puppy, you have take an important step toward protecting them from serious diseases.
Vaccines are designed to trigger a specific immune response that will protect your pet from illness in the event of exposure to viral upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Remember:

• your puppy will need multiple visits to complete the vaccination series
• each dose is as important as the first, your puppy is not fully protected until it receives the full series of vaccines
• immunity does not happen immediately, most vaccines take up to 4 weeks for full immunity
• puppies and kittens should be vaccinated every 2-3 weeks between the ages of 8-16 weeks
• play it safe until all vaccinations are received, be cautious of socializing puppies before full immunity develops
• your veterinarian will follow the American Veterinary Medical Association’s recommended vaccine protocol while also taking into account the individual needs and environmental exposure for your pet
• always consult with your veterinary care professionals if you have questions about your pet’s vaccination schedule

 

SIDE EFFECTS

Some pets may experience mild side effects following vaccinations. Typically starting within hours of vaccination, symptoms are often mild and do not persist more than 24 hours. This is a normal response by your pet’s immune system during the process of developing immunity. Always report ANY concern of a reaction to your veterinarian.

Common symptoms your pet may experience:

• mild fever up to 103*F

• sluggish or decreased activity

• discomfort or swelling at the injection site

• decreased appetite

Contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist longer than 24 hours.
 

Call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency medical treatment if any of the following occur:

• facial swelling of the muzzle around the face, neck, ears, or eyes

• high fever over 103*F

• hives or whole body itching

• difficulty breathing

• persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• collapse

VACCINATIONS
At Countryside Animal Clinic, vaccines are always administered by a veterinarian and include a full physical examination and consultation.

Rabies is a communicable disease between dogs, cats, people, and wild animals. Vaccinating for Rabies is important for the health of the entire family. Cats get the highest quality Rabies vaccine that is made especially for them.

Distemper/Parvo combination vaccine is given yearly to protect dogs from highly contagious upper respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases such as Distemper, Parvovirus, Cornonavirus, Adinovirus, and Parainfluenza.

Leptospirosis is typically given in combination with the Distemper/Parvo combination. This virus is transmitted to dogs through water sources contaminated by the urine of wild animals such as raccoons. Leptospirosis is prevalent in Central Florida. It causes liver and kidney failure and is zoonotic, meaning it is also contagious to people.

Kennel Cough combo at Countryside provides both injectable and intranasal protection from Bordetella and other highly contagious upper respiratory viruses. This vaccine is recommended for dogs that frequent the groomer, dog parks, community/social events, boarding kennels, and doggie daycares.

Canine Influenza is a contagious upper respiratory infection. Several strains of Influenza outbreaks have occurred across the country, including Central Florida. This virus can lead to serious health concerns such as pneumonia and even death. The combination vaccine protects dogs from every known strain of Influenza. It is also recommended for dogs that frequent the groomer, dog parks, community/social events, boarding kennels, and doggie daycares.