Vaccines are the shots that your dog needs as he or she grows up. They prevent life-threatening disease and allergies. Vaccines are divided into two categories: core and noncore. Core vaccines are those that are strongly recommended for every dog. These will protect your pet against common diseases that are easily contracted. Noncore inoculations are only indorsed for dogs of certain breeds and ages or living in certain environments.

The AM/MA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents says that the core vaccines that every dog should receive are canine parvovirus-2 , distemper, canine adevovirus-2, , and rabies. The core shot canine parvovirus-2 is most likely the first shot your puppy will receive. Some veterinarians recommend issuing this shot when the puppy is only five weeks old. The vaccine is highly effective, lasts for over a year, and has a low risk of side effects. The earlier that a dog can receive this vaccination the better; Parvo is a contagious disease that can affect puppies early.

Canine Distemper is a highly effective vaccine that will keep your dog immune from the disease for over one year. If not prevented, dogs can contract this viral illness that affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Sometimes it will attack a dog's nervous system, in addition. The inoculation has a low risk of side effects. Canine Adnovirus-2 is a combination of two injections: hepatitis and respiratory disease. The hepatitis shot has a high efficacy and lasts for over one year, with a low possibility of adverse effects. The respiratory disease half of the show is classified as a noncore injection, and has not been adequately studied. It has a short length of immunity and minimal risk for adverse effects.

Another core shot your dog will need is a rabies shot. This inoculation is highly operational, and lasts up to a year depending on the vaccine that is used. The shot has low to moderate threat of side effects. All of these vaccinations will most likely be a part of a "combination shot" package at your local clinic. You should take your puppy to the vet to receive the first set of these vaccinations at six weeks. At nine weeks, he or she will need to receive the second round.

While every dog needs the above serums, there are a few other inoculations that your veterinarian may recommend. A measles shot is suggested for puppies that live in high risk environments. This vaccination can be issued when the puppy is between four and ten weeks old. The shot lasts a long time and side effects or adverse effects are rare. If your dog is frequently left at a kennel, has lived at a shelter, or competes in dog shows on a regular basis, then you may want to consider this inoculation. Intranasal injection is more effective than a needle injection, and the vaccine comes with low side effect possibility.

Boredtella is another common vaccine that protects dogs from an infection also known as kennel cough. It is easily preventable with an intranasal inoculation. Owners should also ask for a leptospirosis vaccine if travelling to an area where the illness is rampant. Only 70 percent of all dogs respond to this shot, but it could protect them from allowing bacteria to creep into your dogs' kidneys and liver. Coronavirus is needed in certain locations where the virus poses a threat. Your vet will tell you whether or not coronavirus is a concern in your area. Dogs who reside in kennels, breeding houses, or shelters are at a higher risk to this viral illness. Lyme vaccine is an annual vaccination with moderate side effect possibilities. If you will be taking your dog to an area where Lyme disease is common, you will want this shot. Dogs can get this vaccination at twelve and fifteen weeks. Make sure to attend to a veterinary vaccination schedule, and never skip over an inoculation. The right shots can keep your pet from life threatening diseases and ensure that you will have a happy and healthy relationship with your dog.