Newborn pet vaccines
Newborn puppies are fragile and require important care for the strengthening of their immune system. The antibodies found in maternal milk are the first ones received by the puppies and play a crucial role in protecting against microorganisms that can cause diseases. After weaning, which occurs around the 45th day of life, you need to start giving puppy vaccines, avoiding various serious health problems that can affect their quality of life or even be fatal.
Administering vaccines while the dog is still a puppy increases its longevity, as it protects against canine diseases such as distemper, coronavirus, leptospirosis, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and rabies. It’s important to note that dog vaccination doesn’t only happen when they are puppies; this is the beginning of a vaccination period that accompanies them throughout their lives, as doses need to be reinforced annually.
It is recommended that canine vaccination takes place after 45 days of life, when the antibody protection provided by maternal milk tends to decrease. But before starting the immunization period, it is necessary to assess the animal’s condition so that the doses have the desired effect. The dog should not have a fever or diarrhea, must have been dewormed, and should have the appropriate weight. All these guidelines will be observed by the veterinarian, who will also determine the doses and frequency of administration.
What vaccines does a newborn puppy need?
In general, the first mandatory puppy vaccines are the V6 and V8 — the so-called multiple vaccines, which protect against a series of diseases — and the rabies vaccine:
- At 6 to 8 weeks, the first dose of the multiple vaccine is given, which can be V6 or V8. The choice of which is better depends on the dog’s context and will be made by the veterinarian.
- Around 12 weeks, the second dose of the multiple vaccine should be given.
- To complete this cycle, the last mandatory vaccine for puppies is the rabies vaccine, which should be administered around 16 weeks.
Which vaccines should the dog take annually?
It’s important to emphasize that canine vaccination doesn’t only happen when animals are puppies. After the initial life immunization, doses should be reinforced annually. If you have adopted an adult dog that has never been vaccinated, it should receive these mandatory vaccines with a 21-day interval between them.
Can a dog go outside a few days after vaccination?
After receiving the second dose of the multiple vaccine (V6 or V8), the dog can go outside under the supervision of the owner and with the use of a leash — ensuring safety throughout the entire walk.
How long does the vaccine against leishmaniasis last?
Vaccines for newborn pets, created to combat diseases such as leishmaniasis or leptospirosis, have an average duration of six months to one year. Therefore, they should be reinforced regularly. Consult a veterinarian to know how often your pet should be vaccinated.
