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What vaccinations do puppies need in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada?

A fluffy golden retriever puppy, with big, curious eyes, gets a vaccination shot from a vet in a brightly lit examination room. The puppy is gently held by the vet, who is wearing a white lab coat and blue surgical gloves. The puppy looks slightly apprehensive but not scared. The vet's office is clean, organized, and reassuring, with a calming white and cream color scheme. A comforting poster with puppies on the wall is visible in the background. The room is bathed in natural light, creating a soft and tran

Making sure your puppy receives the right vaccines is crucial for their health and well-being. This guide will help you with the needed vaccines, especially if you plan to use a dog kennel services.

Table of Contents

Core Vaccines

Core vaccinations are essential for all puppies to protect them from severe diseases. These include:

  • Distemper: A contagious virus affecting the breathing, digestion, and nervous systems.
  • Parvo: A highly contagious virus causing severe digestive illness.
  • Adeno: Causes infectious canine hepatitis, affecting the liver.
  • Rabies: A fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system.

Dog kennels usually require these core shots because they are important for your puppy's health.

Vets will combine Distemper shots with other shots as follows:

  • Dapp: Includes Distemper, Adeno, Parvo and Parainfluenza
  • Dhpp: Includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvo
  • Dhlpp: Includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Lepto, Parainfluenza and Parvo
  • RECOMBITEK C8: Includes Distemper and Lepto

Non-Core Vaccines

Your puppy needs non-core shots based on their lifestyle and risk factors, especially if you plan to make them a daycare puppy. These include:

  • Lepto: A bacterial infection spread through water. Often given in the Distemper vaccine.
  • Lyme Disease: Caused by ticks, leading to joint pain and other issues.
  • Canine Influenza: An infection similar to the human flu and different from Parainfluenza.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): A highly contagious disease, especially important for puppies attending daycare or boarding kennels.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Puppies need a series of vaccines to build their immune response. Here is a common schedule:

  • 6-8 weeks: First visit for core vaccines.
  • 12 and 16 weeks: Booster appointment for core vaccinations.
  • 16 weeks of age: Final visit for core vaccines, including the rabies vaccine.

Following this timeline is important to build your puppy's immune system.

During the early weeks, puppies receive some help from their mother's milk, known as maternal antibody. However, this wanes over time, making vaccines essential to build their own immune response.

Cost of Puppy Vaccines

Puppy vaccines cost in Ottawa can range from $100 to $350 for the first year. This will include booster vaccinations and non-core vaccines based on your puppy's needs. The price of vaccines varies based on your location and which non-core vaccines you choose.

Preparing for Vet Visits

To prepare your puppy for vaccine visits, make sure they are at ease and calm. Bring their favorite toy or blanket to help reduce anxiety. Regular puppy visits to the vet will help them make future visits easier.

At home, you can practice for the vet visit by following the steps below:

  • Curl up their lips and look at their teeth and gums
  • Open their mouth looking for any problems with their tongue, teeth or throat
  • Run your hands along their body feeling for lumps, bumps, scratches or pain
  • Touch and look inside their ears for dirt, odours, or redness
  • Gently squeeze their belly feeling for pain or firmness

Keep a record of your puppy's vaccinations and any boosters they receive. This will help you stay organized and ensure your puppy is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations.

Side Effects and Care

After vaccinations, your puppy may have mild side effects such as pain at the injection site, mild fever, or lethargy. These side effects are usually short-lived and should resolve within a day or two. If you notice any severe reactions, contact your vet immediately.

Monitor your puppy after their vet visit and provide them with plenty of rest. If your puppy experiences any unusual symptoms or prolonged side effects, seek veterinary advice promptly.

Vaccinations are a crucial part of your puppy's health care. Follow the puppy shot schedule and get ready for vet visits to help your puppy grow into a healthy and happy dog. A puppy with all its shots is more likely to enjoy doggy daycare without getting sick.

Written by Patrick St-Louis for Kennel Club Boarding.