Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

Vaccination is necessary to give your canine companion the right start in life. As a puppy they have little to no immunity so they can easily catch diseases. When fully vaccinated, their immune system is trained to resist viruses and keep them healthy. At Cochrane Animal Clinic we provide vaccines for both puppies and adult dogs. Our team will create a vaccination schedule for your pet to ensure they are always protected.

Why do puppies need vaccinations?

Your veterinarian will recommend your puppy start getting vaccines around 6 to 8-weeks-old. They will be vaccinated every 2 weeks until they are 16-weeks-old. We suggest giving them vaccines early before their maternal antibodies are ineffective. Because we can't tell when the antibodies wear off for each puppy, the vaccines are given more frequently to ensure your pet is protected from parasites and diseases at this key stage of their development.

Is vaccination still needed for adult dogs?

Yes, it is important for adult dogs to receive vaccines, especially boosters. Boosters are given to increase your dog's level of immunity. Each vaccine offers protection for a certain amount of time and when that time expires they are vulnerable to catching diseases. If your pet doesn't maintain their vaccines, they may have to restart the entire series. Sometimes your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines if your home environment changes or if the patient travels and is exposed to different viruses. To learn more about vaccination for your adult dog please reach out to us at 403-932-5875.

Which vaccines are given to my pet?

At our clinic we offer both core and non-core vaccines for puppies and dogs. Core vaccines are mandatory for all canines because they protect from deadly diseases that have a high transmission rate. These are usually the first set of vaccines given to a puppy. Non-core vaccines come later on and are given based on your pet's exposure risk. For instance dogs who frequent boarding facilities or dog parks are more prone to develop Kennel Cough, as such, your veterinarian will likely recommend a Bordetella vaccine. Here are the other core and non-core canine vaccines:

1. DHPP: A combination vaccine that includes Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus 2
2. Rabies
3. Leptospirosis
4. Lyme disease
5. Canine influenza