Vaccinations

Puppy Vaccinations

All Old Mill Doodles puppies begin their vaccination schedule while they are still with us.

Our puppies normally receive their first combination vaccination at approximately six weeks of age. During warmer months, when the risk of parvovirus is greater, we may administer a Parvo-only vaccine at five weeks and delay the first combination vaccination until about seven weeks.

We purchase and carefully handle high-quality vaccines and maintain vaccination records for each puppy. You will receive your puppy's vaccination record at Gotcha Day so your veterinarian knows exactly what has already been given and when.

Your Puppy Isn't Fully Vaccinated Yet

The vaccinations your puppy receives from us are only the first step in the puppy vaccination series.

Young puppies receive antibodies from their mother. These maternal antibodies provide important early protection, but they can also interfere with a puppy's response to vaccination. Because we can't know exactly when those maternal antibodies will decline in each puppy, we give vaccinations as a series rather than relying on a single dose.

Our veterinarian uses approximately three-week intervals between puppy vaccinations. After your puppy goes home, take the vaccination record we provide to your veterinarian and continue the series on the schedule your veterinarian recommends.

It is important that the puppy series continue until your veterinarian considers it complete based on your puppy's age, vaccination history, and current veterinary guidelines.

Leptospirosis and Other Vaccines

Leptospirosis vaccination begins later than the first vaccinations our puppies receive. Your puppy's paperwork will show exactly which vaccines have been administered so your veterinarian can continue the appropriate schedule.

Some other vaccines, including Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccines, may be recommended based on your dog's lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure. Discuss these with your veterinarian rather than assuming every dog needs exactly the same vaccination plan.

After the Puppy Series

Not all vaccines follow the same booster schedule.

Some core vaccines are generally boosted after completion of the initial series and subsequently at longer intervals, while others may require annual vaccination. Rabies vaccination must follow applicable state and local requirements.

Your veterinarian can determine the appropriate ongoing vaccination schedule for your dog based on current recommendations, the vaccines being used, your dog's health and lifestyle, and the laws where you live.

Even when vaccinations aren't due, a regular wellness examination is an important part of preventive veterinary care.

One Important Reminder

Please take the vaccination record you receive from Old Mill Doodles to your puppy's first veterinary appointment.

That record allows your veterinarian to continue the series appropriately without guessing what your puppy has already received or unnecessarily restarting the vaccination series.