Vaccinations
Puppy vaccinations are essential to protect them from various contagious and potentially deadly diseases. Yorkies, being a smaller breed, may have specific considerations regarding vaccines. Here's an overview of puppy vaccines, scheduling, and considerations for Yorkies:
Puppy Vaccines:
Core Vaccines:
Canine Distemper: A highly contagious and serious disease affecting a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Canine Parvovirus: Highly contagious and causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, especially dangerous for young puppies.
Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Protects against infectious canine hepatitis, affecting the liver and other organs.
Rabies: A fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system and transmissible to humans, often required by law.
Non-Core Vaccines:
Vaccines for diseases like Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Canine Influenza might be recommended based on lifestyle and exposure risks.
Vaccine Schedule:
A standard puppy vaccination schedule typically includes:
6-8 Weeks (Completed by your breeder):
DHPP (combination vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza).
First deworming.
10-12 Weeks (depending on go-home age, this may also be completed by your breeder):
DHPP vaccine booster.
Bordetella vaccine (if recommended).
Second deworming.
14-16 Weeks:
DHPP vaccine booster.
Rabies vaccine (required by law in many areas).
Sometimes additional vaccines if recommended.
12-16 Months:
DHPP and Rabies booster shots.
After these initial vaccinations, dogs usually receive booster shots periodically throughout their lives to maintain immunity.
Considerations for Yorkies and Individual Vaccines:
Yorkie Size and Sensitivity:
Due to their small size, Yorkies might be more sensitive to vaccines. Consider discussing separating individual shots with your vet to minimize potential reactions.
Monitoring Vaccine Reactions:
Watch for any adverse reactions following vaccination. Yorkies might be prone to stronger reactions due to their size. Notify your vet immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Consider Titers Testing:
Titers testing measures antibody levels and can determine if your Yorkie still has immunity to certain diseases, potentially avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.
Customized Vaccination Plan:
Work with your vet to create a personalized vaccination schedule for your Yorkie considering their size, health, and lifestyle. This could involve spacing out vaccines or opting for individual vaccines.
Regular Vet Check-ups:
Routine vet visits are essential to monitor your Yorkie's health, discuss vaccination plans, and address any concerns specific to your pup's needs.
Always consult your veterinarian to tailor a vaccination plan for your Yorkie based on their individual health, potential risk factors, and specific considerations for smaller breeds. The goal is to ensure they receive necessary protection while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.