Vaccinating your puppy

When puppies are born, they do not have a mature immune system, which makes them susceptible to acquiring infectious diseases. Young puppies are protected by their mother’s antibodies while they are nursing. Therefore any vaccines given during this time period will be less effective as the maternal antibodies will attack the vaccine before the puppy’s own immune system can mount a lasting response.

These maternal antibodies start to drop when the puppy is around 8 weeks old and continue to be present until about 16 weeks of age. Therefore, it is recommended that the first set of puppy vaccines be given at the age of 8 weeks old, and that they are repeated every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is about 16 weeks old.

Vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to form antibodies that protect against infectious diseases.  At Warman Small Animal Hospital, we vaccinate dogs and puppies for diseases that are found commonly in this area.  The following protocol is recommended for puppies: 

8 weeks old – Core Vaccine (see below) +/- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

12 weeks old – 2^nd Core Vaccine +/- Bordetella

16 weeks old – 3^rd Core Vaccine + Rabies +/- Bordetella

1 year old – Core Vaccine + Rabies +/- Bordetella

Annually thereafter – Core Vaccine +/- Bordetella

Every 3^rd year thereafter – Rabies Vaccine

What happens if I am behind or miss a vaccine appointment?

In a young puppy, vaccines require “boosters” in order to, literally, “boost” the immune system to the point where they are considered strongly protected against common viruses.  The first vaccine will start the immune system reaction but will not be enough and will start to decline within a couple of weeks.  Therefore, boosters are required in a timely fashion in order to get levels of protection into an adequate and strong position.  If your puppy is late for a booster vaccination, your puppy’s level of protection will have dropped to lower than optimal values and you may need to start the series again.

Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, do not walk them in public settings (including dog parks), or take them to groomers, puppy/obedience classes or kennels/daycare.

Core Vaccines for Dogs and Puppies:

DA2PP:

This is a combination vaccine and includes the following:

Canine Distemper:

This virus causes respiratory, digestive, and nervous system signs in affected dogs and can be fatal in up to 50% of unvaccinated dogs even with intensive care and treatment. Infected dogs can easily infect other dogs.  The virus is spread by discharges from the nose and eyes of infected dogs.

Canine Parvovirus:

This infection is both serious and widespread in North America.  Clinical signs, which include severe vomiting and diarrhea that frequently contain blood, resulting from damage to the digestive tract lining.  The disease is spread via infected feces.

Death in as early as 48 to 72 hours is possible; sudden death may also occur.  This virus is very resistant in the environment and is easily carried around on people’s shoes and other objects leading to virus transfer.

Even after recovery from this infection, life long damage to the intestinal wall can occur.

Parainfluenza:

Parainfluenza affects puppies and older dogs most severely.  Spread through nasal secretions, the virus causes a range of symptoms such as fever and coughing and can progress to potentially fatal conditions such as pneumonia.

Canine adenovirus type 1 (infectious canine hepatitis):

This virus is transmitted through contact with the feces and body fluids of infected dogs.  This disease progresses very quickly with a variety of symptoms including fever, coughing and bloody diarrhea.  It often leads to liver damage and chronic problems in surviving animals.

Please Note that there is no direct antidote or cure for any of these viral infections, so prevention is the best defense.

Rabies:                                                                                       

Rabies is spread through saliva, typically via deep bite wounds.  All mammals, including humans, are at risk of contracting rabies.  In 2020, Saskatchewan had a total of 10 rabies cases (8 bats, 1 dog, and 1 skunk).  In 2025 as of the end of October, we have had 20 positive cases! (20 bats) This disease is nearly 100% fatal, if unvaccinated, and there is no treatment. Once the neurological symptoms of rabies begin the affected animal will be deceased typically within 10 days.  Even dogs that do not go outside should be vaccinated — rabid bats can gain entry into homes, and rabid wildlife such as skunks and raccoons can enter a fenced yard or obtain access to a home through a pet-access door or screened door.

Please be aware that the only way to test for Rabies, involves a post mortem examination of the brain tissue. If an unvaccinated animal bites a human then a government public health

veterinarian may legally require that the animal be humanely euthanized and tested. This includes owned pets, so it is best to always have your animal up to date on their Rabies vaccinations at all times. 

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs and Puppies:

Bordetella:

Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria.  It causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.  It spreads through direct contact (licking, nuzzling), through the air (coughing or sneezing), or via contaminated fomites (clothing, hands, shoes, etc.).