Congratulations on being a pet parent to an adorable puppy! Remember that a key step to being a responsible guardian is to ensure your puppy receives all their vaccinations. This will protect them from all sorts of diseases and parasites. It will also protect you and other animals in your neighbourhood as some illnesses are contagious. Fully-grown dogs need to continue to be vaccinated all their life to maintain their immunity. Don’t hesitate to call us at 905.685.7349 to find out how we can help keep your pet protected.
When should my puppy get their first vaccination?
There are different factors that affect this and all pets are different. In general, we recommend pups get their first vaccines at around 1.5 months to 2-months-old.
Do dogs really need vaccines?
Yes! Vaccines are a scientifically proven way to protect your pet from getting serious diseases. Some of these conditions, like Rabies, have no cure and are fatal. It is also mandated by law for your pet to get the Rabies vaccine. These injections will cost you less time and money, compared to treatment for a health issue down the road. Your veterinarian will only administer the shots your pet needs medically. Optional or non-core vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle. For instance, a hunting dog who spends a lot of time outdoors will have a different set of vaccines versus an indoor dog.
Are vaccines safe for dogs?
Absolutely. These medications undergo intensive testing. For most patients, vaccinations are a quick and easy procedure. That being said, your pet may experience minor side effects that usually subside within a matter of hours:
- Swelling around the injection site
- Fatigue
- Fever
There are extremely rare instances of allergic reactions to vaccines, but again, it is important to remember that leaving your pet unvaccinated places their life at far more substantial risk.
