Jefferson Animal Hospital’s

PUPPY VACCINATION SCHEDULE

We recommend the following schedule of vaccinations and worming for your new puppy. With these vaccinations, your pet will also receive a complete physical exam by the doctor. All puppies need a series of vaccinations to keep them protected from these various viruses!

First Visit

6-7 weeks of age (approx. 2 weeks after weaning)

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus vaccine

Intestinal Parasites (worm) examination - please submit fresh stool sample (We only need 1 teaspoonful)

Deworming Medication

Second Visit

9 - 10 weeks of age (three weeks after first visit)

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus vaccine.

Second dose of worm medication

Flea and Tick prevention

Heartworm preventative started if appropriate

Third Visit

approx. 12 weeks of age

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus vaccine

Start Heartworm preventative and flea and tick preventative

Leptospirosis vaccine if your pet is considered at risk.

Fourth Visit

approx. 16 weeks of age

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus vaccine.

Rabies vaccination - PLEASE ASK US FOR HELP IN OBTAINING A JEFFERSON COUNTY LICENSE FOR YOUR PET!

Second Leptospirosis vaccine if needed.

Final check for intestinal parasites to make sure no further worming is needed. (Once again submit fresh stool sample)

Dispense 6 month supply of heartworm preventative and flea and tick medication

Fifth Visit (for breeds at higher risk)

approx 19-20 weeks

Parvo vaccine only - This is recommended for Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Labrador Retrievers , and Dobermans.

4504 Outer Loop

Louisville, KY 40219

(502) 966-4104

PUPPY VACCINATIONS

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) has determined through extensive research that the Rabies vaccine and the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccine are the Core Vaccines to give all healthy dogs. Other vaccines such as Bordetella, Lyme disease and Leptospirosis vaccines should only be given to those dogs who have potential for exposure. When your dog is examined at Jefferson Animal Hospital, our doctors will consider your dog’s individual health condition, age, and lifestyle to determine his/her vaccine needs. Over-vaccinating your dog can be dangerous to his/her health.

DISTEMPER Distemper is a widespread, highly contagious virus that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, respiratory infections and seizures. It is about 90% fatal and survivors are usually impaired for life.

HEPATITIS Canine hepatitis is a virus that can affect the liver, kidneys and lungs. It can be fatal.

PARAINFLUENZA Parainfluenza is a virus that causes a hacking cough that can last up to three weeks.

PARVOVIRUS Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that quickly leads to dehydration and often death if not treated. Labrador Retrievers, Rottweillers, Dobermans, and pitbulls seem to be especially susceptible to this disease.

We recommend beginning to vaccinate your puppy at 6-8 weeks. It is at this time when the immunity that was passed to the pup in the milk starts to be exhausted. This is also the earliest possible time when the pup’s immune system may have a response to the vaccine. Because a puppy’s immune system is not fully mature at this age, two to four boosters are given (at three week intervals) before a pup can be considered to be protected against these diseases.

RABIES Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system and is always fatal. Vaccination is required by law. It is given at four months of age.

INTESTINAL PARASITES Almost all puppies are born with roundworms and hookworms. Roundworms can obstruct the intestines and hookworms can suck enough blood to make the pup very anemic. Young puppies should be wormed at least twice and have a negative stool sample when the worming is finished. Coccidia is also a common parasite that is not killed by routine wormers. Coccidia can cause diarrhea, sometimes with blood.

“OPTIONAL” VACCINES

Bordetella- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) is a bacteria that is easily transmitted from dog to dog by respiratory secretions. It causes a harsh cough that may last 4-6 weeks. Dogs that are frequently boarded or groomed should have this vaccination.

Lyme disease- Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and is very hard to diagnose. It is now felt that many species of ticks can transmit it, not just the deer tick.

Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is transmitted in the urine of dogs (not cats), deer, raccoons, cattle and horses. Dogs with exposure to farm ponds, roadside rest stops, parks or any grassy areas where any of these types of animals may have urinated should be vaccinated annually.

Jefferson Animal Hospital and Regional Emergency Center

4504 Outer Loop

Louisville, KY 40219

(502) 966-4104