Puppy Exams & Vaccines

While nursing, your puppy will receive maternal antibodies and nutrients from their mother. Once they stop nursing, they become more susceptible to diseases that could be fatal if not vaccinated against them. Vaccinated pets have a much lower risk as their immune system can quickly respond and decrease the severity of the illness before it advances. To learn more about your puppy's vaccine schedule, call us at 416-537-9677.

Which vaccines will my puppy need?

Like their feline counterparts, dogs also have core versus non-core vaccines, dependent on the risk factor of your pet to that specific virus or bacteria.

Core vaccines include:

• Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP)
• Leptospirosis
• Rabies

Non-core vaccines include:

• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Lyme Disease

What is an appropriate vaccine schedule for my puppy?

Ideally, your puppy will get 3 sets of boosters. The series is given every 4 weeks, starting at approximately 8 weeks of age. The rabies vaccine will be given at the same time as the third DHPP booster. Following that, adult dogs will get revaccinated every 1-3 years, depending on the type of vaccine and your dog's lifestyle.

Will my puppy react to the vaccines?

With any pet vaccine, there is a risk of an adverse or allergic reaction. However, vaccines today are produced to very high standards and are safer than ever. Most dogs generally do not develop reactions, though others may develop mild sneezing and cold-like symptoms. Mild discomfort and lethargy are normal as well.