7 Reasons Why Puppy Vaccinations in White Bear Lake, MN are Essential

If you’ve got a new puppy or you’re thinking about bringing one home, you may find yourself wondering whether or not vaccinations are really essential. Some people prefer not to have their dogs vaccinated, even when they’re still puppies, or may be on the fence about the matter.

The truth is that it’s very important to have your puppy vaccinated in White Bear Lake, MN. In this article, we’ll explain seven of the most important reasons why puppy vaccinations are truly essential. The health and well-being of your puppy depends on your willingness and ability to have her vaccinated while she’s still a puppy, so it’s important to consider this when you’re trying to decide whether or not a dog is the right pet for you.

Read through the information below to learn more about what makes vaccinations such an important part of your growing puppy’s life with you.

 

Puppies Have Developing Immune Systems

Since puppies are still very young, their immune systems are still developing. This means they’re much more likely to become sick than older dogs who have had time to develop stronger immune systems. Additionally, they may become much sicker with diseases than older dogs for the same reason.

When you have your puppy vaccinated against common dog diseases, you’re giving her a chance to grow up and develop an immune system in a healthy way. This means she won’t catch illnesses as easily and will get over many diseases with better results than she would otherwise, too.

 

Puppy Illnesses are Contagious

Most illnesses that can make puppies sick are very contagious. Many of them can be spread by dogs simply breathing in the same space as each other. Still others are spread through shared food, shared water dishes, and shared items like blankets, collars, and leashes that puppies may come into contact with. Since puppies spend a lot of time in each other’s spaces, they can spread disease quickly.

Vaccinating your puppy means you don’t have to be worried about her catching any of these contagious diseases. She will be healthier and will be unable to catch many of the diseases that other puppies can and will come down with.

 

Puppies are Messy Which Leads to Germs

Puppies are very messy. Although all dogs are messy to some degree, puppies spend a lot of time in conditions that may be messier or sloppier than older dogs. Therefore, they are more prone to exposure to germs because of this, even when they are well cared for.

 

Puppy Diseases are Often Fatal

Unfortunately, since puppies’ bodies, organs, and immune systems are still working to develop, many diseases that commonly afflict puppies are very fatal. They often result in death and may be very painful, causing a puppy to struggle and suffer much more than is necessary in a world where dog vaccinations for these diseases are available.

Even puppies who overcome these diseases may end up with long-term health problems. They may have difficulty breathing for the rest of their lives, may have heart or other organ problems, or may have stomach and digestive issues left over from the illness they had as a puppy.

 

Puppies Can Spread Illness to Other Dogs, Pets, and Human Family Members

When your puppy gets sick, she is more prone to spreading her illness to other dogs in your family. Additionally, she may make dogs in your neighborhood sick as well, depending on how contagious she is and how severe the illness is.

Also, puppies may be able to spread some diseases to other animals in your family besides just dogs. Some puppy diseases are even able to be spread to humans, and especially to human children. Although this isn’t true of all puppy illnesses, it is a possibility and it’s something to consider when choosing whether or not to vaccinate your dog.

 

Vaccinations are Required at Dog Boarding Facilities

Almost every dog boarding facility will refuse to accept puppies or older dogs who haven’t been vaccinated. In fact, puppies who aren’t old enough for their shots yet are automatically unable to stay in boarding facilities for this very reason. They will need required shots for your state or country before they can stay.

Puppies who haven’t had their shots yet also shouldn’t go to dog parks. Going to the dog park may introduce your puppy to a variety of germs, and if she isn’t vaccinated, she may become very sick very easily with many diseases.

 

Dog Vaccinations are Often Required by Law

In many states and countries, dog vaccinations are required by law. You can ask your veterinarian for more information about which shots are required by law and which are simply strongly recommended. You can then use this information to make the right decision for your pet.

 

 

Now that you’ve seen these reasons why dog vaccinations are so important for your puppy, it’s time to schedule her visit with your vet. Even if she’s behind on the usual puppy schedule of shots, you can still take her to the vet and get started right away. She will need to go to the vet several times for all of her vaccinations and booster shots, but within a year of her life, she will have most of the shots she needs to keep up with as she grows older.

Remember, too, that some shots require boosters throughout the rest of your dog’s life. Rabies shots, for example, require repeating every year to three years (depending on the type of shot your dog receives) for them to be effective. Speak with your vet for more information so you can determine which shots your puppy needs now and which she will need in the future.

Keeping your dog vaccinated in White Bear Lake, MN, even when she’s still a puppy, is an extremely important part of being a responsible pet owner. If you have any further questions or concerns about the process, call Birch Lake Animal Hospital at
(651) 426-2246 and we will be glad to help you make the right decision for your pet.