Core Vaccinations for Puppies

All puppies require a series of core vaccines for dogs to protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases commonly found in the environment. These include:

• Parvovirus – A highly contagious and often fatal virus that affects the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or soil, which can lead to liver and kidney failure in both dogs and humans
• Rabies – A fatal virus affecting the nervous system, transmitted through bites, and legally required due to public health risks

These vaccinations are essential to protect your puppy and your family. Diseases like parvovirus and leptospirosis are actively present in the environment, making early vaccination critical.

Vaccination Schedule & Safety

Puppy vaccination schedules are typically completed around 16 weeks of age, with full immunity developing by approximately 18 weeks. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, it’s important to limit exposure to public environments where harmful pathogens may be present, including:

• Dog parks and beaches
• Sidewalks and walking trails
• Pet stores
• Shared apartment spaces
• Outdoor dining areas

Even brief exposure in shared spaces can increase the risk of infection, so caution is strongly advised during this stage.

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Depending on your puppy’s lifestyle and level of social interaction, we may recommend additional non-core vaccines for puppies, such as:

• Bordetella (kennel cough), common in boarding, grooming, or daycare environments
• Canine influenza (dog flu), which spreads easily among social dogs

Our team will help customize a vaccination plan based on your puppy’s specific needs.

Parasite Prevention & Testing

Puppies are often exposed to parasites early in life, either from their mother or the surrounding environment. Our puppy parasite prevention program includes deworming and diagnostic testing to identify and treat:

• Roundworms and hookworms, which can also affect humans
• Giardia, a common cause of diarrhea in puppies
• Coccidia and other intestinal parasites

Early detection and treatment are important not only for your puppy’s health but also for protecting your household.

Schedule Your Puppy’s First Visit

Starting early with routine puppy wellness exams ensures your pet receives the care they need at every stage of development. Schedule your puppy’s first appointment today, and our team will guide you through vaccinations, nutrition, parasite prevention, and overall health planning—so you feel confident in every step of your puppy’s care.