Puppy Vaccines - 4

Vaccine Vigilance: Understanding Your Puppy’s Immunization Schedule

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Hey there, devoted puppy parents! Dr. B here, thrilled to discuss puppy vaccines with you. Ensuring your puppy’s health and well-being starts with understanding its immunization needs. Let’s embark on this crucial journey together!

Vaccines have revolutionized veterinary medicine, saving countless pet lives. However, navigating the world of vaccinations can be daunting. At Pet Health, we strive to demystify this process for our pet parents. Understanding the basics is critical.

Selective Vaccination

At Pet Health, we believe in a personalized approach to vaccination called “Selective Vaccination.” This method thoroughly discusses core and non-core vaccines with our pet parents, considering the pet’s age, lifestyle, environment, and individual exposure risk. Core vaccines, recommended for all dogs, are prioritized unless there’s a specific medical reason against them, while non-core vaccines are suggested based on lifestyle and geographic location.

We understand that not all vaccines are necessary for every pet, especially if there’s limited exposure to contagious diseases or older pets already have immunity. Every pet is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination. Moreover, Las Vegas’s unique environment, with no significant tick population or common reservoirs for certain diseases, may influence vaccine recommendations. Discussing your pet’s vaccination plan with your veterinarian is essential, especially if traveling to areas with different disease prevalence.

Core Vaccines

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine protects pets against a deadly virus transmitted through saliva, primarily from wild animals like bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. This preventable disease targets the central nervous system and is fatal once symptoms appear. Due to its severe public health risk, most states, including Nevada, mandate rabies vaccinations for pets, with the initial vaccine administered after 12 weeks of age and valid for one year.

Dr. B Insight – While the likelihood of pets contracting rabies is almost zero, compliance with vaccination laws is essential. Failure to maintain updated rabies vaccinations can lead to legal consequences if your puppy bites someone, as rabies poses a fatal threat to humans. Therefore, ensuring your pet’s rabies vaccination status is up-to-date protects your pet and complies with legal requirements, preventing potential legal issues.

DA2PP Vaccine


The DA2PP vaccine, a combination vaccine containing Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza, is pivotal in shielding young dogs from severe and highly contagious diseases. This modified live vaccine, containing weakened virus strains, triggers the pet’s immune system to build protection. Administering the vaccine at specific ages, typically 8, 12, and 16 weeks, is crucial to ensure comprehensive immunity development during the vulnerable puppy phase.

Dr. B Insight—Parvovirus poses a significant threat to young puppies, which is challenging to treat and potentially fatal. The DA2PP vaccination is the most critical vaccine to safeguard your new puppy from these life-threatening illnesses and foster its long-term health and well-being.

Non-Core Vaccines

Bordetella

Bordetella, a bacterium linked to kennel cough, thrives in densely populated areas like boarding facilities and dog parks. Given its high contagiousness, vaccination is advisable for pets frequenting such environments. Administered as a liquid by mouth at 12 weeks of age, the vaccine is well-tolerated and easily dispensed.

Dr. B Insight—While Bordetella typically isn’t severe, it can cause discomfort and inconvenience in healthy pets and potentially more serious issues in young or older pets. If your pet has exposure to other dogs, keep this vaccine updated to avoid the hassle and distress of dealing with a coughing dog (or household of dogs) for an extended period.

Canine Influenza


Like human flu, canine influenza spreads via direct contact, respiratory secretions, or contaminated surfaces. Since its identification in 2004, there have been geographical outbreaks in communal dog settings like shelters and boarding facilities. Starting in 2024, positive cases have been identified in Las Vegas, mostly involving shelters.   This is a killed vaccine that requires a booster.   If appropriate, puppies are vaccinated starting at 12 weeks with a booster at 16 weeks.

Dr. B Insight—With the emergence of canine influenza in Las Vegas, I foresee the influenza virus becoming endemic, and vaccination is most likely recommended for dogs with routine exposure to other dogs, similar to Bordetella.

Lyme Disease


Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through deer tick bites, primarily affects the Midwest and coastal regions. Symptoms include joint pain, fever, and potential kidney and brain complications.

Dr. B Insight – I don’t recommend this vaccine for dogs who stay in the Las Vegas area.   Discuss travel plans with your puppy outside of Las Vegas to see if your vet would recommend this vaccine.

Leptospirosis


Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated animal urine, threatens dogs in regions with rodent populations, such as rivers and urban areas. Symptoms encompass fever, increased thirst, lethargy, and eye inflammation, and the infection targets the liver and kidneys.

Dr. B Insight – Similar to the Lyme vaccine, I don’t recommend this vaccine for dogs who stay in the Las Vegas area.   There have been some sporadic cases at dog parks in the southern California area.   Good communication with your vet regarding travel plans can alert them if this non-core vaccine should be given to help protect your puppy.

Puppy Parenthood Pitfalls: Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

Puppy Parenthood Pitfalls: Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

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Hey there, fellow pet parents! Dr. B here, and today, we’re diving into the exciting yet challenging world of puppy parenthood. Bringing a new furry friend into your home is undoubtedly a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities and learning curves. Let’s discuss the top five mistakes I see pet parents often make when welcoming a new puppy and how to avoid them!

1. Compatibility:

Choosing the perfect pup solely based on its adorable appearance may seem tempting, but it’s essential to consider factors beyond looks. Before bringing home a new furry family member, take the time to research and understand the specific needs and behaviors of different breeds. Additionally, consider your living situation, yard size, and ability to provide adequate exercise when selecting the right breed for your lifestyle. Remember to assess compatibility with existing pets in your household, as introducing an energetic puppy can be an adjustment for everyone involved.

Dr. B Specific Points:

  • An excellent resource for understanding the energy level of different breeds is the AKC website, which provides comprehensive information on various breed characteristics.
  • An energetic puppy is a difficult adjustment for you and other older pets in the household. Have a plan in place to give your older pets a break and some alone time with you as well.

2. Neglecting Socialization and Training:

One of pet parents’ most common mistakes is underestimating the importance of early socialization and training for their new puppy. While it’s natural to assume that your pet will adapt to its environment independently, proper socialization efforts are crucial for preventing behavioral issues. Enrolling your puppy in obedience training classes and incorporating positive reinforcement techniques from the start can help build confidence and establish boundaries. Don’t wait until behavioral problems arise to seek professional guidance – incorporating a trainer into your puppy’s routine early on can set the stage for a lifetime of obedience and good behavior.

Dr. B Specific Points:

  • Socializing your puppy is crucial, especially between 10 and 16 weeks. To promote positive interactions, I encourage leash walks outside, puppy socialization classes, or playdates with familiar and vaccinated dogs.

3. Not Enough Exercise:

A tired puppy is a good puppy! Many pet parents overlook the exercise needs of certain breeds, leading to pent-up energy and behavioral problems. It’s essential to provide ample opportunities for physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety in your puppy. Incorporating outdoor playtime and regular walks into your puppy’s daily routine can significantly benefit their well-being and behavior. Pay attention to signs of restlessness or hyperactivity in your pet, which may indicate a need for more exercise and stimulation.

Dr. B Specific Points:

  • Avoid letting your puppy nap excessively in the evening, as this can interfere with bedtime and lead to restlessness at night.

4. Education:

Being a pet parent comes with many responsibilities and commitments, and educating yourself and your family about proper pet care and handling is crucial. Take the time to research and understand your new puppy’s needs, and seek guidance from reputable sources or professionals on pet nutrition, health, and behavior. Your veterinarian should be a valuable resource for answering many questions and providing advice or additional resources, such as training recommendations for your puppy’s care. Remember to involve children and other family members in the education process to ensure everyone is on the same page when caring for your new furry family member.

Dr. B Specific Points:

  • If you haven’t spent several weeks discussing or researching a new puppy – don’t get one!

5. Pet Insurance:

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the importance of pet insurance. According to our survey of more than 1,000 dog owners, most spent an average of $40 to $290 per month on their dogs — or an average of $480 to $3,470 annually. Many pet parents underestimate the potential costs of veterinary care and emergencies, leaving their pets vulnerable to health issues without adequate coverage. While regular savings may help cover routine expenses, pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unexpected medical expenses. Remember, it’s always better to plan for the worst and hope for the best regarding your new puppies’ health and well-being.

Dr. B Specific Points:

  • Don’t wait until it’s too late – consider purchasing pet insurance for your puppy as soon as possible.   Once that first ear infection happens, other issues, such as allergies, will often be considered pre-existing if the insurance is already not in place.