There’s nothing quite like the joy of welcoming a cute puppy into your home. You may already be seeing their unique personality developing. They may be shy and timid, or loud and rambunctious. Either way, all puppies need to be protected from the most common diseases that can harm them. The only way to do this is through vaccines. Our team is here to make sure your puppy gets all the injections they need so they can start their life on the right paw. Reach out to us at 905-885-8151 if you would like to learn more about our vaccination services here at Ganaraska Animal Clinic.

When should my puppy get their first vaccines?

In general, we recommend puppies get their first group of vaccines when they are 2-months-old and receive booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until they reach the 4-month mark. It’s important to be vigilant and stay on top of this schedule to make sure the vaccines work efficiently. Smaller breeds cannot handle heavy doses as well, so they may need to come in more frequently as we stagger their shots. Vaccines are divided into two groups: core (mandatory) and non-core (optional, prescribed depending on lifestyle and environment). Below are the vaccines we give to all puppies:

• Rabies (legally required)
• Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus

Can my pet be around other animals before they are vaccinated?

To be on the safer side, we suggest you keep your puppy from other animals until they complete their entire series of puppy vaccines (the 4-month mark). Even then, it is best to wait a couple of weeks before exposing them to other animals or the outside world. That being said, we know how important socialization is for puppies. For example, puppy training classes where the other students are clear of any contagious diseases are generally safe places for young dogs.