When you first bring your puppy home, you may not be aware that you will be paying for more than just food and toys for your new furry buddy. Your pet will also need vaccinations to help protect him and other animals in your area from spreadable diseases. These diseases include lyme disease, parvovirus and rabies. See below for a vaccination schedule for your puppy.

Vaccinations

• DHPP Vaccine. This vaccine is given to your dog at 6-9 weeks old and protects your dog from parvovirus and distemper. Distemper will cause flu-like symptoms in your dog and can result in death. It is a very important vaccine to give to your dog. Your dog should get another booster shot of this DHPP vaccine at 10-12 weeks, one year and again every 3 years thereafter.
• Lyme Disease Vaccine. The lyme disease vaccine should be given to your dog at 10-12 weeks and at 13-16 weeks. A booster shot of this vaccine should be given to your dog at one year and then every year thereafter. The lyme disease vaccine protects your dog from lyme disease that is spread from deer ticks that have attached themselves to your dog. This is an important vaccine if you live near a wooded area or have a lot of trees. The vaccines help prevent lyme disease from spreading, but using a flea and tick protectant on your dog will also help. 
• Rabies Vaccine. The rabies vaccine is first given to your dog at 13-16 weeks, then a booster shot is given at one year, and again every three years thereafter. The rabies vaccine helps protect your dog from giving rabies to another animal or even to a human. Rabies can be spread if bitten by an animal that has rabies. This is a very important vaccine, and in some states it is required by law.

Vaccinating your puppy isn't just good for his health. It helps protect the health of other animals around you and protects humans as well. Keeping up with these vaccinations will help ensure a long and healthy life for your pet. Also, be sure to keep these vaccinations on file, as some places require proof of vaccinations, such as dog boarding facilities, dog groomers, dog parks, doggy daycare and even obedience classes. Check with your local laws to see which vaccinations are required by law, such as the rabies vaccine. 

Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination schedule for your dog. Contact a company like Cherokee Hospital for Animals for more information.