Do Puppies Need All These Vaccines?

As a pet parent, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of new puppy shots for the furry friend you've welcomed into your family. You also may be wondering, what shots do puppies need, and why?

Vaccines protect your pup from infectious diseases, like rabies and kennel cough, by building up his immunity.

"Immunity is a complex series of defense mechanisms by which an animal is able to resist a disease or infection, or at least resist the harmful consequences of the infection," says VCA Animal Hospitals. Vaccines, discovered by Dr. Edward Jenner in the late eighteenth century and later developed by Louis Pasteur in the late nineteenth century, protect animals (and humans) from infectious organisms that contain antigens by providing immunity.

Since vaccines expose your pup to the disease for the first time, it gives him time to build up antigens to fight it off, ensuring that his immune system will react more quickly to that particular disease in the future. No vaccine is 100 percent guaranteed — there always is a chance your puppy still may acquire an illness. Vaccinating your dog goes a long way to help keep your pup healthy and happy as he grows.

What Shots Do Puppies Need?

When planning your dog's vaccines, keep in mind that scheduling new puppy shots is not done on a one-size-fits-all basis. You and your veterinarian will work out a schedule that works best for your puppy, taking into consideration his age, health, lifestyle and other factors. Here are some of the most common vaccines puppies will be expected to receive.

Rabies

A deadly virus that can affect all mammals, including humans, rabies is at the top of the list of new puppy shots. Bats, raccoons and other wild animals, including stray dogs and cats, are common carriers of this virus and, when acquired (typically through a bite or contact with saliva), the virus transfers to the dog's spinal cord and brain.

The vaccine is required by law in countries around the world, including most states in the U.S. According to American Veterinary Medical Association, rabies vaccinations have successfully and effectively prevented most pets from contracting the disease. That makes this vaccination important not only for your dog, but for the safety of other animals, too.

Distemper

Another viral disease, distemper is highly contagious. It spreads through the air, so dogs can easily pass it between each other. Once infected, it can progress to affect the brain, lungs and intestines.

Any dog can catch distemper. However, according to the Pet Health Network, puppies are especially vulnerable to distemper because their immune systems are not fully developed. That's why it's especially important to talk to your vet about getting your new puppy protected.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for distemper. That's why vaccination is critical to aid in preventing this communicable disease.

Parvovirus

Parvo is a virus typically seen in the youngest of puppies that aren't vaccinated. It is a deadly disease, but it is treatable.

"While it might be tempting to take your new puppy with you everywhere you go, her health depends on keeping her safe until she is fully vaccinated against this life-threatening disease," says the American Kennel Club. Don't allow your pup in areas where he's most likely to acquire this virus, such as dog parks and kennels, until he is fully vaccinated.