by Cheryl Kottke

Created on: August 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2009

You finally found the puppy you have been wanting for so long. Now that you have your new puppy, you haven't got the slightest idea what type of vaccinations it needs and when to get them. If you've never owned a puppy before it can be a bit confusing. If you have owned a puppy before it might be so long ago you cannot remember what all of the visits to the veterinarian were for exactly.

The following schedule may vary depending on other factors.

6 to 8 weeks old:

Physical examination

First DHLPPC vaccination to protect from

Distemper

Hepatitis (Canine adenovirus type I and II)

Leptospirosis

Para influenza virus

Parvovirus

Corona virus

Worming, including heartworm

10 to 12 weeks:

Physical examination

Intestinal parasite screen

Second DHLPPC vaccination

Second worming, including heartworm

Kennel Cough vaccination, if your dog will be going to a groomer or boarding kennel.

Lyme disease vaccination, if your dog is in an area that poses a problem with ticks.

14 to 16 weeks

Physical examination

Last DHLPPC vaccination

May need to be wormed again

Rabies shot

Annually:

Physical examination

DHLPPC booster

Rabies Booster, some states require yearly others may require every 3 years.

Intestinal parasite screen (including heartworm)

Worming, including heartworm

If applies to your dog:

Kennel Cough vaccination

Lyme disease vaccination.

Okay, you've called a veterinarian and made an appointment to take your new bundle of furry joy in for a check-up. You have an idea of what the vaccinations are but what is all of this stuff they are protecting your pet from exactly?

Distemper is an incurable, contagious, often fatal, viral disease related to the measles. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Other carnivores like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other dogs that have it spread distemper. The virus, which causes distemper, is an airborne transmitted virus; it is shed through secretions and excretions.

Hepatitis (Canine adenovirus type I and II) is an infectious disease of the liver and other organs. It is spread by direct contact with other dogs and from contaminated surfaces like cages, dishes, etc. Canine adenovirus is spread through body fluids, nasal discharge, and urine. Death can occur as quickly as 2 hours after symptoms begin. Symptoms include coughing and sometimes pneumonia. The liver and kidneys may fail causing seizures, thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, which

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