Dogs Need Injections Too!

Make sure that you get the right injections for your pet. Not paying attention to the dog injections will cost you in the long run.

What is the first thing you do when you get a new puppy? Rush to the store to purchase puppy accessories? Do you buy food, toys, treats, a brush and shampoo? How about a bed and puppy pads for house breaking? When does the need for its shots or vaccinations enter your mind?

Many pet owners do not realize that a puppy needs to have regular shots to keep him healthy. A dog needs shots to keep him from getting parvo virus and distemper. It is very important to take into account that it is your responsibility to keep your new puppy safe for you and for him.

A puppy should have had a set of shots by the time you bring it home but it is necessary for you to continue the regime until he has his last set of shots for puppy-hood. Every two weeks until the dog is around twelve to fourteen weeks old. Many owners start puppy shots for DHLPP at six to eight weeks old. When the dog is nine to eleven weeks old it should have the second round of DHLPP then at twelve to fourteen weeks it should have its last round of DHLPP to prevent the above referenced diseases. After the dog is about four months old or sixteen weeks it is okay to get it the rabies shot.

After the rabies shot is given the dog will then only need to have booster shots once a year and depending on where you live a rabies vaccination every few years. It is up to the puppy parent to make sure that the dog is well vaccinated against disease. No one wants to see a puppy die from a preventable issue just because you did not remember to get the shots when they were due.

Just remember when you are getting all of the fun toys for your new pet to mark a calendar and get those shots from your local veterinarian or from the feed store if you are brave enough to give them yourself.