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Spring and summer are popular times of the year to bring a new puppy into the family. If you are thinking about adding a new puppy to your family, you need to know what vaccines your new family member will need to stay healthy.

#1: Rabies

Rabies is fatal for dogs, which is why you are going to want to ensure that your dog is vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine is something your dog will need to get regularly, depending upon the rules in your state. You will want to get your puppy started on the rabies vaccine as soon as they are eligible for it because there isn't a way to treat rabies if your dog gets it.

#2: Distemper

Distemper is a disease that can cause a wide range of health issues in dogs. In some dogs, distemper can even lead to death and brain damage. It is a serious disease that is caused by an airborne virus that you can't protect your dog against, other than by getting your dog vaccinated. The distemper vaccines are delivered over a series of multiple shots that are given when your puppy is young. Once they take the series of distemper shots are given, your puppy is protected against distemper.

#3: Parvovirus

Next, parvovirus protects your dog against what is commonly referred to as parvo. Parvo is a very contagious disease that can quickly spread from one dog to another. Parvo can cause a dog to experience extreme vomiting and diarrhea. The parvo vaccine helps to lessen the severity of parvo symptoms and helps dogs survive this disease. With the vaccine, some dogs end up dying from the impact of parvo.

Like the distemper vaccine, the parvovirus vaccine is given over a series of multiple doses given when your puppy is young and provides your puppy with protection for life against the parvovirus.

#4 & 5: Adenovirus Types 1 & 2

Another type of vaccine you are going to want to get is the adenovirus vaccine. There are actually two different types of adenovirus vaccines.

The first is type 1, which protects against canine hepatitis, which is spread through contact with other dog's urine and feces. This requires a series of shots.  

The second is type 2, which is also known as kennel cough. It is spread through droplets that are expelled when a dog coughs and sneezes. This is another series of shots.

When your puppy is young, they should get a series of vaccine shots to protect against distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus type 1 and 2. They should also get their first rabies shot.

Contact a local clinic like Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic to learn more.