A Yorkshire terrier and any other dogs brought at home, depending on their owner. From puppy food, a comfortable home, adequate attention, toys, socialization, and proper veterinary care, it is the owner’s responsibility to give all the care they need every day.
Yorkie Vaccination Schedule
A responsible owner must take the issue of animal vaccination seriously. Your new Yorkie puppy needs a series of vaccinations within the first year of their life, starting from 6-8 weeks, then re-vaccinate upon schedule.
| Type | Age |
|---|---|
| Distemper, parainfluenza | 6 — 8 weeks |
| DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) | 10 — 12 weeks |
| DHPP | 14 — 16 weeks |
| Rabies, DHPP | 12 — 16 months |
| DHPP | Every 1 — 2 years |
| Rabies (as required by law) | Every 1 — 3 years |
This article will discuss why vaccination is essential, what vaccinations are needed when to vaccinate, and how often. Some important vaccination tips are also included.
Are Vaccines Necessary?
Going to the vet regularly for vaccinations (and boosters/titers) throughout your dog’s life may seem inconvenient. But these shots have undoubtedly prevented countless dangerous canine diseases, including fatal ones.
A responsible owner must take vaccination seriously, but unfortunately, not all pet owners pay enough consideration to it. Sometimes, such carelessness results in severe consequences not only for animals but also for humans.
For example, when an unvaccinated dog bites someone, the owner might pay fines, and the one who’s bitten might be in trouble.
When Should Yorkies Be Vaccinated?
First Shots and Boosters
Vaccinations should be given during your puppy’s first year of life—the period of immune system development. The first shots for Yorkies are usually given within 6-10 weeks, followed by boosters every 2-4 weeks until the puppy reaches their fourth to the sixth month.
When this first series of shots is completed, some re-vaccinations should be arranged with your vet. It is either every year or every three years.
Necessary Vaccines
Basic shots are necessary for puppies. According to The American Animal Hospital Association, these include vaccines for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.
However, veterinarians have slight differences in vaccine recommendations. The type of vaccine your Yorkie receives depends on several risk factors, including the area/region they reside or may visit, their lifestyle, health status, exposure to certain diseases, and other circumstances.
Puppies in an area with few or no rattlesnakes at all, for example, do not necessarily have to get a rattlesnake vaccine. The same goes for dogs who seldom go outdoors, which do not need a vaccine for Lyme disease as they do not have a huge risk of contracting it.
Nevertheless, it is up to you to decide which vaccines you get for your Yorkie. Many owners opt for titer tests to assess a dog’s immunity levels and determine what vaccines are necessary. A professional vet will be willing to work with you on what vaccines are appropriate for your dog.
Vaccination Frequency
Some veterinarians believe that vaccinations should be performed annually to prevent the contraction of dangerous diseases. Some believe that getting shots every three or more years is fine because some dogs have low exposure to most diseases anyway and that “over-vaccination” can also be risky.
The veterinary community reconsiders the frequency of animal vaccinations because of medical improvements and evidence that vaccine protection lasts longer than expected. But is vaccination, even every few years, too much? There is no straightforward answer to this.
In making a standard recommendation, numerous variables in an individual pet should be considered. The best option is to have a comprehensive discussion with your veterinarian and make vaccination decisions on a case-to-case basis.
Vaccination Tips
Here are some recommendations you might consider about dog vaccinations:
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- Younger dogs need vaccines more – Puppy vaccines are essential since the immune system of young ones are still developing. However, they are less likely to contract diseases as they grow older.
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- Make sure the dog is completely healthy – At the time of vaccination, you must ensure your dog’s total health, including his/her appearance, appetite, and body temperature. A veterinarian carefully examines the animal beforehand, anyway.
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- Vaccinate before mating – If you plan to mate your dog with another, vaccinate it at least three months before this. Once pregnancy has occurred, you can’t give your pet the shots. Also, the dog will most likely give birth to puppies when it is vaccinated.
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- Consider side-effects – Prepare certain medications like suprastin if your dog is prone to allergic reactions, and have him/her take it before vaccination. Also, if possible, do not leave the clinic far from within half an hour after vaccination if something goes wrong with your dog.
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- Consult a vet if uncertain – If your pup was picked up on the street or came from anywhere other than reputable breeders, never assume that vaccinations are up-to-date unless there is valid proof.
Do not also rush vaccinations, for he/she might have taken them already. Instead, have him/her undergo a full vet check-up to determine his/her current health conditions. In any case of uncertainty, consult your vet.
- Consult a vet if uncertain – If your pup was picked up on the street or came from anywhere other than reputable breeders, never assume that vaccinations are up-to-date unless there is valid proof.
- Be updated on new recommendations – There might be new recommendations that the veterinary community will make as newer knowledge is introduced. Discuss with your veterinarian dog issues, including vaccinations, so that you can stay updated with present protocols.
Related Questions
1. Is it true that small breed puppies like Yorkies get lesser doses of vaccine?
No. All puppies, regardless of body mass, breed, age, and gender, are given the same dosage of vaccine (generally provided by one-milliliter doses or upon manufacturer’s instructions). Giving a lesser amount of vaccine than recommended will probably result in inadequate protection.
2. Should I isolate my puppy if not yet vaccinated?
The simple answer is yes, but not so. Unvaccinated puppies need to be isolated from other dogs. It is especially unvaccinated ones, as they are still low in immunity.
While large group socialization is harmful to an unvaccinated puppy, some experts claim that keeping your completely secluded is unnecessary. Just be wise in selecting social interactions.
Conclusion
Yorkies have a number of puppies. Prevention is better than cure, a saying we are all probably familiar with, also applies to a dog’s safety and health. An owner needs to make a wise judgment with the help of a veterinary professional to keep the pet healthy.
Vaccination is difficult but extremely essential, and owners must actively engage in putting their pets’ safety at heart.
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