Puppies_greatdane

Puppies between the ages of 6 weeks and 4 months typically receive a "core" vaccination every 3-4 weeks with the final one given at 4 months. The reason for this is that puppies will loose the disease immunity they receive from their mother some time between 6 & 16 weeks of age. Since there's not an easy way to tell when the shots take over the natural immunity, giving them often can help protect your puppy, but there still may be a gap where he is left unprotected between the time his immunity from mom stops working and the next shot is given. You should not take your puppy to public places such as parks, shops, dog parks, or even to your friends houses if they have dogs until he is at least 16 weeks and has had his 4 month booster. After age 4 months, the shot is typically given every three years, although some vets recommend an additional shot at 6 months or 1 year, and others still recommend vaccinating every year. This shot protects against Parvo, Distemper, and parainfluenza, and several other contagious diseases and can be obtained through your vet or at vaccination clinics. Many people request that the vaccinations be given separately rather than in a combo vaccine due to the risk of vaccine reactions. Consult your vet for more information on this.

General vaccination guidelines include a rabies shot at 3-6 months, again after 1 year, and then typically every 3 years after that. This shot is required by law in Arizona. If your dog has not had this shot and bites someone, he may automatically be killed or quarantined by rabies/animal control. This shot can be obtained at your vet, at vaccination clinics, or at the rabies/animal control pound.

Kennel cough (bordetella) is an extremely contagious respiratory disease that can cause death if not properly treated or prevented. Most vets will start this vaccination at around 4 months and is usually repeated every 6 months to 1 year for dogs that are exposed at kennels, shows or dog parks.

Heartworm/worm prevention can usually begin at 4 months. This can be obtained from your vet. Heartworm
prevention is easy (a chewable tablet given once a month), and treatment is extremely expensive and not very reliable. Talk to your vet about the risks and benefits.