Today vaccinations are such a routine part of a veterinary visits that most pet owners aren’t aware how much of a benefit they actually provide.  Not to long ago thousands of dogs died or were permanently disabled every year due to a virus known as distemper, which normally appears in puppies less than one year old.  Dogs with distemper are now rare except in unvaccinated populations.

Parvo was also a major threat in the late 70’s killing entire litters throughout the world.  After only a few short years a vaccine was developed and most dogs are now protected. 

Canine vaccinations have even contributed t o the health of humans.  Before the 1940s, when mass vaccinations for rabies began, approximately 100 Americans died each year from rabies contracted through family pets.  Now such occurrences are extremely rare.

Puppies should get their first set of vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age, before they leave for their new homes.  They will also need two more sets of vaccinations spaced three to four weeks apart before they are fully immunized.  If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat check with a local veterinarian for which vaccines your new pet should receive and when.