A protective response is what the veterinarian is aiming for when vaccinating your puppy,  priming the immune system to produce antibodies and neutralize infectious organisms before they have a chance to induce disease. Ideally, this is achieved through a standard schedule involving vaccines at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.

Variations to a schedule become necessary when, for instance, a puppy is vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, and is now 14 weeks old i.e. the 10 week booster was skipped.  A good protective response is unlikely now that the antibody levels have probably fallen to a low level that will not provide protection. Further vaccination will be necessary. 

At your first visit, the veterinarian will recommend the ideal schedule of vaccination for your puppy, depending on age, previous vaccines, and risk assessment.

6 - 8 WEEKS OF AGE
 

• Full physical examination & consultation
   

• Vaccination - DHPP (1st) distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus
   

• Consider Bordatella
   

• Fecal analysis for parasites
   

• Year-round Flea, Parasite, and Heartworm prevention   
   

10-12 WEEKS OF AGE
 

• Full physical examination & consultation
   

• Vaccination - DHPP  (2nd)
   

• Vaccination - Leptospirosis (NO LEPTOSPIROSIS- NOT RECOMMENED) 1st and Lyme 1st if in risk group
   

• Consider Bordetella if not yet given
   

• Year-round Flea, Parasite, and Heartworm prevention   
   

14-16 WEEKS OF AGE
 

• Full physical examination & consultation
   

• Vaccination - DHPP (3rd)
   

• Vaccination - Rabies
   

• Booster Leptospirosis (NO LEPTOSPIROSIS- NOT RECOMMENED) and Lyme as necessary
   

• Consider Bordatella if not yet given
   

• Repeat fecal analysis for parasites
   

• Year-round Flea, Parasite, and Heartworm prevention   
   

6 MONTHS OF AGE
 

• Ovariohysterectomy (spay) - female dogs
   

• Castration (neuter) - male dogs
   

• 6 months of age is a good time to spay or neuter since all adult teeth should be in by this time, which means baby teeth, if retained, should be extracted while the puppy is already under anesthesia.
   

 
YEARLY
 

• Full physical examination & consultation
   

• Vaccination - DHPP
   

• Vaccination - Rabies, unless 3-year vaccine
   

• Vaccination for at risk dogs- Bordetella/Leptospirosis/Lyme disease
   

• Fecal analysis for parasites
   

• Year-round Flea, Parasite, and Heartworm prevention
   

• Wellness blood testing including heartworm and tickborne disease screening   
   

MICROCHIP
Microchip pet identification may be done at any time, although many people choose to have this done at the time of the spay or neuter since it saves the pet a bit of discomfort.

STRATEGIC DEWORMING
Why deworm regularly?  Some of the most prevalent intestinal worms such as roundworm and hookworm may affect humans ("zoonoses"), especially children and people with suppressed immune systems.  Which treatment is most appropriate for your pet(s)? Together we will decide which preventive program is best for your pet. 

HEARTWORM PREVENTION
All dogs should be tested for HEARTWORM (a blood test) between April 15 & June 1st and be started on a preventive program for year round protection.  All dogs should have a blood test done BEFORE starting the medication except for dogs born after Oct. 31 just prior to the present mosquito season.  Dogs less than six months of age on May 1st of the current year, do not require a blood test prior to starting the heartworm preventive program since they were not born.

LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis is an extremely dangerous disease that is transmitted to dogs by contact with the urine of wildlife,livestock or other dogs. All dogs are at risk, although some are at lower risk than others. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans, and can be fatal in both dogs and humans. Unless they are an extremely low risk dog, all dogs should be vaccinated against Leptospirosis. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR DACHSHUNDS!!!

LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is becoming significantly more common in southern Ontario. Dogs that go for walks in areas where ticks exist and can bite the dog, should be vaccinated for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted by ticks and can affect dogs, cats and people along with many other animals. After the initial vaccine, a booster vaccine is required 3 weeks later, then once per year.  

A NOTE ABOUT PARVO VIRUS
Parvo virus is a serious disease that causes vomiting and diarrhea, and affects primarily young dogs (6 weeks to 6 months of age) although any age can be affected.  The highest risk breeds include the Rottweiller, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever.  It is a hardy virus that is contracted through exposure to infected dogs or infected stool.  Your puppy's core vaccines help protect against this deadly virus.  It is important to keep your puppy safe from this virus until he/she is fully vaccinated; i.e. do not visit parks or areas where a lot of dogs go to relieve themselves until your puppy is fully vaccinated.