Is a 10-way vaccine safe for my puppy's very first round of shots?

The vaccine manufacturer will typically make a recommendation about the age at which to start the vaccine, and there are some leptospirosis vaccines labeled for ages 9 weeks and older. Even if the vaccine was labeled to start later many veterinarians will start vaccines earlier than labeled for dogs at high risk for infectious diseases like those in shelters and do not seem to experience an increase in side effects.

There are a whole lot of different vaccines available out there in the world. The one to which you are referring is the Distemper Combination vaccine. In my book, as long as the vaccine is offering protection for the distemper virus, parvovirus, adenovirus, and para-influenza, all the rest are bonuses. But, just make sure that whatever vaccine is being given offers protection for those. If not, I would choose something different. I would also make sure that if you are administering vaccines yourself rather than going to a vet, that you use a very reputable place to purchase them. If the shots were not be refrigerated or were in an inappropriate environment, they may be ineffective. Hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Panacur is a medication, it is a dewormer. I have not found it to be dangerous for any breed or size dog. Leptospirosis is a bacteria excreted in wild animal urine. A dog or human can get this bacterial infection from ingesting contaminated water or the bacteria can penetrate wounds. It causes kidney and liver failure. Dogs get very sick with this infection and can die. If Nacho will hike, go swimming, camping, you live in a city and he may drink from puddles (rat urine) or you have water on your property you should vaccinate him. Again, I have not found that a particular breed is more sensitive that another to the vaccine. Since Nacho is small I would not give him the Leptospirosis vaccine with the DHPP. I would separate it out and give it by itself. I personally do not give tony dogs too many vaccines at once. He needs 2 vaccines for leptospirosis, 3 weeks apart then yearly. Every dog, regardless of size, gets the same volume. The DHPPL does have Leptospirosis in it. You need to weigh the pros and cons of giving that vaccine versus his risk of contracting the bacterial infection. If his risk of getting it is minimal then do not vaccinate. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Linus. Based on the information you have provided, it doesn't sound like he ever finished his puppy series. The distemper-parvo combination vaccine (DHPP) is typically given every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks of age. The "L" of that combination is leptospirosis. That takes two vaccines to complete the series so this is likely fine. He should have a bordetella vaccine and depending on his lifestyle, influenza. I hope this information helps!

Lepto is transmitted in the urine of other animals (foxes, other dogs, smaller wild animals). Many dogs are exposed and have no signs whatsoever. But an unlucky 10% or less develope kidney damage requiring hospitalization. Occasionally the damage is irreversible. For me and my pets, it’s not worth that risk. But if your Twix will be almost entirely indoors (no camping, dog parks, etc.) it may not make sense to vaccinate. Also Depending on how common lepto is in your area, it may be more or less likely that Twix is exposed. With the newer lepto vaccines, we are not seeing any more anaphylactoid reactions than any other vaccine (<1%). However, I AM seeing more pain and lethargy associated with this vaccine than other vaccines. Since Twix shouldn’t be out and about yet anyway, I’d probably hold off and do it by itself after his other puppy vaccines are finished. Best of luck to you and Twix!

Puppies need a series of DA2PP (also called DHPP, combo boosters or Distemper/Parvo) vaccinations every 2-4 weeks until they reach at least 16 weeks of age (but up to 18-20 weeks in some cases). Lepto is an optional vaccination that does need to be boostered once. Bordatella is an optional vaccination as well. What your veterinarian is recommending appears to be the appropriate boosters of the vaccines that Toffee previously received. I am attaching a link to the American Animal Hospital Association's vaccine guideline below which explains boostering vaccines in puppies and also includes a Lifestyle-Based Vaccine Calculator to help you determine which diseases Toffee may be at risk for so you can discuss those with your veterinarian to make the best decision for Toffee. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/practice_vaccination.aspx Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Shyla is so cute! She needs the vaccine, Sherry, the lepto in it isn't dangerous for her. Contracting either lepto or distemper would be extremely dangerous for her. I urge you to have her vaccinated. Best of luck.