Congratulations! You have a wonderful doodle puppy in your life! One of the important things to help your soft, sweet-smelling little ball of puppy fuzz be healthy and happy is proper veterinary care. That includes Doodle puppy shots! Shots. Shots. Shots. Shots. Shots. Shots! Doodle puppy Shots! Shots save Doodle puppy lives.
Why you need shots for your Doodle Puppy
In their first year of life, Doodle puppies need to get their shots with their veterinarian! Doodle puppies need numerous visits to get vaccinated and become immunized against potentially FATAL and PreVentabLE infectious diseases. The worst diseases are Distemper and Parvo.
The timing and space between booster shots are critical to ensure your puppy is protected. Their mother’s antibodies can interfere with a vaccination’s ability to mount your Doodle puppy’s own immune response. Doodle puppies need a series of shots to allow their immune system to “break through” waning maternal antibodies.
Which Shots Do Doodle Puppies Need?
The diseases that Doodle dog shots will shield our pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and thankfully, mostly preventable.
Below is an overview of the diseases that vaccinations will help your Doodle puppy to avoid:
When to Vaccinate or Immunize your Doodle Puppy with shoots
Doodle puppies should receive their first shot at six to eight weeks of age. Be sure to get medical records for a newly purchased or adopted puppy so your veterinarian can determine what has been given and when the next vaccine is due. Your veterinarian will then recommend a schedule depending on the lifestyle you envision for your puppy and risk of certain diseases based on where you live or travel.
Most vaccines are given every 2-4 weeks until actual protection is expected to be achieved. Depending on your puppy’s age, this may require 3-4 vaccinations for the Distemper/Parvo series until your puppy is 16-20 weeks of age. If your dog is over 16 weeks of age and isn’t up-to-date on shots, or if you’re not sure, your veterinarian may recommend a shorter series.
Core v. Non-core Shots
Core vaccines should be given to ALL dogs and puppies. Non-core vaccines are given based on lifestyle and where you live/travel.
Core Vaccines
DHP (also called DAP) – stands for Distemper, Hepatitis (or Adenovirus-2), and Parvo and are usually combined.
Rabies – usually required by state or local law, which dictates the age and intervals for your dog.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are important, but not needed for all dogs. Vaccines in this category are:
Parainfluenza – often combined with DHP.
Leptospirosis – can be given separate or combined with DHP or DHPP. 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster.
Bordetella – can be given intranasally, orally, or injectable. Route and interval to be determined by your veterinarian.
Canine Influenza – 2 strains (H3N2 and H3N8), 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster.
Lyme – 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available.
If you plan on boarding your puppy in the future, attending group training classes, or using dog daycare services, often proof of this vaccination will be a requirement.
Canine Distemper
A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. This disease used to be known as “hard pad” because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden.
There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections, control symptoms of vomiting, seizures and more. If the animal survives the symptoms, it is hoped that the dog’s immune system will have a chance to fight it off. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months.
Canine Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis.
Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.
Canine Parainfluenza
One of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough.
Coronavirus
The canine coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19 in people. COVID-19 is not thought to be a health threat to dogs, and there is no evidence it makes dogs sick. Canine coronavirus usually affects dogs’ gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but no drug kills coronaviruses.
Heartworm
When your puppy is around 12-to-16 weeks, talk to your vet about starting a heartworm preventive. Though there is no vaccine for this condition, it is preventable with regular medication that your veterinarian will prescribe.
The name is descriptive — these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long and, if clumped together, block and injure organs.
A new heartworm infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Unlike most of the conditions listed here, which are passed by urine, feces, and other body fluids, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, diagnosis is made via a blood test and not a fecal exam.
Kennel Cough
Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections, such as Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually, the disease is mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing; sometimes it’s severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can be deadly. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Cough suppressants can make a dog more comfortable.
Leptospirosis
Unlike most diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.
Lyme Disease
Unlike the famous “bull’s-eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme disease often spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Transmitted via ticks, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.
Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require a rabies vaccination. Check with your vet about rabies vaccination laws in your area.
Of course, your veterinarian should weigh in and can always provide more information and guidance if needed on necessary and optional vaccinations.
Doodle Puppy Vaccination Schedule
The first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors modify the Doodle puppy shot schedule. Some of the factors are which part of the country you live in, and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian.
One vet explained that “ we tailor shots to the individual Doodle puppy. For example, we ask questions about the pet’s life. A miniature doodle that is carried in an owner’s purse has different needs than a St Berdoodle that travels the country to camp with his family.” Always discuss Doodle puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments.
There is a generally accepted guideline of the Doodle puppy shot schedule for the first year.Shots provide important protection for your Doodle pet’s health
Typical Doodle Puppy Vaccination Schedule
First vaccination: 6 to 8 weeks – DHP
Second vaccination: 9 to 11 weeks – DHP
Third vaccination: 12 to 15 weeks – DHP
Fourth vaccination: 16 to 20 weeks – DHP
Booster DHP: 1 year of age or 12 months after the last puppy shot, then as recommended (usually every 1-3 years)
Rabies vaccination: typically required by law at 3-6 months of age with a booster 12 months later, then a booster every 1-3 years.
Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Canine Influenza recommended for social dogs (day camp, dog parks, boarding, grooming, dog shows).
Lyme or Leptospirosis: May be recommended by your veterinarian if you live in or travel with your dog to an area
Doodle Puppy Shot Cost
How much vaccinations for your puppy will cost depends on several factors.
Location
Veterinarians in crowded and expensive urban areas will charge more than a rural vet in a small town. There are significant differences in price. But no matter what the range in costs, some vaccines, such as the “core vaccines,” and for rabies, are necessary.
Vet Info has a helpful guide for the approximate cost of puppy vaccinations for her first year.
The average cost will be around $75—100. These will include the core vaccines, which are administered in a series of three: at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks old.
The core vaccines include the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza). Your pup will also need a rabies vaccination, which is usually around $15—20. (Some clinics include the cost of the rabies vaccination.)
Often animal shelters charge less for vaccines — approximately $20 — or are even free. If you acquired your Doodle dog from a shelter, he would most likely have been vaccinated, up until the age when you got him.
The initial Doodle puppy vaccination costs during the first year are higher than during adulthood.
Vaccinations for Adult Doodle Dogs: Booster and Titers
There is a difference of discussion about having your adult dog vaccinated every year. Some vets believe too many vaccinations in adult dogs pose health risks. Others disagree, saying that yearly vaccinations will prevent dangerous diseases such as distemper. Talk with your vet to determine what kind of vaccination protocol works for you and your Doodle dog.
Many dog owners opt for titer tests before they administer annual vaccinations. Titer tests measure a dog’s immunity levels, and this can determine which, if any, vaccinations are necessary.
One important exception to this is rabies: a titer test is not an option when it comes to the rabies vaccine. This vaccination is required by law across the United States. Your vet can tell you the schedule for your particular state.
For your effort and care your puppy will lavish you with lifelong love in return. This critical first year of her life is a fun and exciting time for both of you. As she grows physically, the wonderful bond between you will grow, too.
Are There Any Risks to These Vaccines
Any vaccine can have a risk, though they are uncommon and usually mild and short-lived. The American Veterinary Medical Association lists possible effects of vaccines as slight pain or swelling where the vaccine is administered, a mild fever, and a reduced appetite or level of activity. Your veterinarian will help you know what to look out for.
Shots are life-saving for your Doodle puppy. Your veterinary team will know which vaccines are most needed, depending on your Doodle puppy’s activities and where you live.
When you and your Doodle puppy visit the vet, take a note pad or scribe on your cell phone all the notes. Write down any questions. Together you will collaborate to keep your Doodle puppy healthy and happy for many years. Happy Puppy Memories For Life!
Remember shot! Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot! Doodle Puppy Shots!