Do the puppies get their first round of shots before they are ready to go home?
It depends. Puppies need their first round of shots between 6 and 8 weeks old and we start to let them go home with people right at 6 weeks old. Depending on the day of the week the puppies were born and our availability, we'll typically get shots for any puppies that we have when they're between 7 and 8 weeks old unless we know somebody is planning to pick them up prior to 8 weeks old and they prefer to get the shots themselves. If we administer vaccines we generally do so ourselves and will provide the wrapper and a printout with the shot info, lot number, date given, etc.
There are some optional vaccines and not all vets recommend the same for puppies. There are 4 core vaccines, typically given in a single shot, that cover Distemper, hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. And then Rabies is generally required by law and the first shot is given at 1 year old. Optional vaccines include Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough), Leptospira, Borrelia Burgdorfei, Coronavirus, Heartgard, and Flee & Tick.
Because vet recommendations differ, and some may depend on the environment (for example, Leptospira is often only recommended if the dog will be around wooded areas, swampy water, or could be in the presence of wild animals), we feel like it's better for the puppy to get all of their shots at the same vet so that they know which shots have been given, the vet has all of the records, can advise on what they recommend, etc. Many vets have clinics once or twice a week where they give shots without a consultation fee. We recommend a full checkup for the first visit, within a few days of taking the puppy home, but ask your vet if they offer vaccine clinics as that can save some money for the follow-up shots.
For reference, puppies need 4 rounds of shots that include at least the core 4 listed above; the first is between 6-8 weeks, the second is between 9-11 weeks, the third is between 12-14 weeks, and the fourth is after 15 weeks. We recommend waiting at least two weeks between each round of shots, but again, consult with your vet.
|
| Back to FAQs |
|
