Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

Vaccines expose your dog to a deactivated virus, instructing their immune system on how to react to the actual virus. At our hospital, puppy/dog vaccination is included in our Puppy and Adult Dog Preventive Plans. For a monthly fee, your dog will be given different preventive treatments throughout the year. To learn more about vaccines and other prevention services, please call us at 905-332-4014.

When should my puppy/dog get vaccinated?

Puppies need three doses of vaccines before they turn 4 months old. Doses are given when they are 8,12, and 16 weeks old. This schedule must be adhered to because if they miss a dose or get it too late, it could put them at risk.

What diseases do vaccines protect dogs from?

Without vaccines, your puppy or dog is vulnerable to the following diseases:

• Rabies: This affects the nervous system and can progress to death. Humans can also become infected if bitten by a rabid animal.
• Canine parvovirus: This leads to vomiting, diarrhea and can lead to death.
• Canine distemper: Seizure, lung disease, fever, and possible death.
• Adenovirus type 2: Pneumonia, respiratory disease, and can be fatal.
• Bordetella (Kennel cough): Difficulty breathing, lung infection, cough, and runny nose.
• Lyme disease: Joint pain, inflammation, and fatal kidney damage.
• Leptospirosis: Can damage various organs in the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Why do adult dogs need boosters?

Your veterinarian will recommend boosters for your adult dog to maintain their immunity. Being fully vaccinated as a puppy means they have immunity for a period of time. Most vaccines need to be boosted every 1 to 3 years. Without boosters your canine friend will lose their immunity and may need to restart the entire vaccine series.