Vaccination Recommendations and Schedule for Puppies
Following a proper vaccination schedule for puppies (puppy shots) is one of the crucial steps in assuring that a puppy stays healthy and free of preventable diseases. However, a vaccination schedule does not follow a one size fits all approach. Consult with a veterinarian to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your puppy based upon their anticipated lifestyle. Maternal Antibody Protection To better understand how vaccine work and the need for boosters, it is important to understand how the puppy is protected from disease the first few weeks of its life. A newborn puppy is not naturally immune to diseases. Around the time of birth, a mother produces an antibody-rich milk called colostrum . Through this colostrum, a puppy receives antibodies from its mother that are absorbed in the intestines, providing the foundation for its immune system. After a 12 to 24 hour period, the intestines are no longer able to absorb these protective antibodies. The antibodies that a puppy receives