The health of your new pet extends beyond routine veterinary check-ups and proper nutrition. Puppy vaccine series are vital to ensuring your furry friend leads a long and happy life. Below, the caring veterinarians at Lillian Veterinary Hospital in Alabama discuss a few of the benefits of vaccinations for your new dog. 

Why Schedule Puppy Visits?

1. Maintain Your Puppy’s Health

Puppies are vaccinated every 3-4 weeks from 6 weeks of age to 18 weeks of age for multiple viruses. Each visit will include a vaccination against canine parvovirus. Parvovirus is a viral disease that attacks the rapidly multiplying cells in your puppy’s body, including the digestive tract and the heart. Young dogs are the most susceptible to this virus because they are rapidly growing. In an unvaccinated dog, parvovirus can be fatal if not treated quickly and aggressively. When your puppy has all the recommended vaccinations, this will help lower their risk of catching diseases like parvovirus, that can be deadly.

2. Protect Your Household

Your puppy is not the only life protected by their puppy visits. Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans. During these puppy visits, your puppy will receive vaccinations for zoonotic viruses, such as rabies, deworming for zoonotic parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms and examination to ensure they do not carry zoonotic fungal infections, such as dermatophyte (also known as ringworm). The best way to protect your family from exposure to these zoonotic diseases is to complete your puppy visits and see a veterinarian regularly.

3. Prevent Rare Conditions From Returning to Canine Population

When all pet owners make it a priority to vaccinate their animals, this prevents rare conditions from returning to the canine population. Canine distemper is a rare diagnosis today due to the development of the distemper virus vaccine. Most dogs receive at least 3 distemper virus vaccinations during their puppy series and continue to be vaccinated annually for life against the disease.  Distemper virus causes a serious disease as it attacks the central nervous system and causes seizures and paralysis. 

If you adopted a puppy, your veterinarian can tell you which vaccinations they need. If you’re in search of a new veterinary clinic, turn to the team at Lillian Veterinary Hospital. They also offer a wide range of additional services, from spaying and neutering to pet laser surgery. For over 22 years, they have been the go-to pet clinic for residents in Baldwin County. Call (251) 962-2304 to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian or visit their website for more information about their puppy vaccines.