Quarantine Puppies Until They have Finished Their Vaccination Series (16 weeks old!)
You should not allow puppies to come into contact with unvaccinated dogs until they have received all of their parvo/distemper vaccines, which is normally complete at 16 weeks of age. Make sure all dogs in your household are vaccinated and be very careful when socializing your puppy. Dog parks and other places where dogs congregate are potential sources of parvo, so plan on socializing your puppy in a less public environment.
Parvo is a serious and highly contagious disease. It is advised not to let your puppy walk on the ground of vet clinics or pet stores until they have finished their vaccine series at 16 weeks old. Parvo typically lives in Animal Feces and the soil where contaminated feces has degraded into the earth. Keep your puppy out of the dirt and away from unknown poop.
We even suggest keeping puppies away from shoes as a whole! Who knows what kind of germs can be on our shoes? And puppies love to smell our shoes and play with the laces if given a chance!
Parvo can be spread through saliva as well. It is a good idea to purchase new bedding, toys, or wash used bedding and toys with a 1:6 ratio bleach.
Socialization is very important puppies. You can safely socialize your puppy with fully vaccinated adult dogs in an environment like your home. Puppy classes, boarding facilities, and doggy daycare facilities usually require proof of vaccination for all of their participants, but it is a good idea to talk to your vet about the appropriate level of caution.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are the mandatory vaccines that every puppy must receive.
According to the 2017 AAHA update, core vaccines include the following:
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Adenovirus -2
- Rabies
The acronym vaccine brands (and scientific community) use for these inoculations are DHPP or DA2PP-L or DA2PP-C. (Check out this guide on Dog Vaccine Acronyms to clear any confusion!)
Here, the D stands for Distemper, H for hepatitis, P for Parainfluenza and Parvovirus respectively and A2 for Adenovirus-2. The L – stands for leptospirosis while the C for the coronavirus.
The rabies vaccine is not given at an early age – we will explain this in detail later.
Also, Adenovirus-2 is also known as Canine infectious hepatitis, hence H and A2 may be used interchangeably.
Some doctors also add the Leptospirosis shot in the core vaccine (DHLPP vaccine or DA2PP-L) although the AAHA states that Leptospirosis is non-core vaccine.
| Doodle’s age | Core vaccine | Non-core vaccine | Approximate cost** |
| 6 to 8 weeks | DHPP vaccine (distemper, canine hepatitis, para-influenza, and parvovirus.) | Leptospirosis and optional measles and bordetella | Core vaccines cost between $15 and $100. Additional vaccines can cost between $20 and $50 each |
| 10 to 12 weeks | DHPP | Canine coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella and Lyme disease | Core vaccines cost between $15 and $100. Additional vaccines can cost between $20 and $50 each |
| 12 to 24 weeks | Rabies | $15 to $20 | |
| 14 to 16 weeks | DHPP | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme disease boosters | Core vaccines cost between $15 and $100. Additional vaccines can cost between $20 and $50 each |
12 to 16 months ** Costs vary from state to state and depend on the vet practice | Rabies and DHPP boosters | Canine coronavirus, bordetella, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis boosters | Core vaccines cost between $15 and $100. Additional vaccines can cost between $20 and $50 each |
Non-Core Vaccines
As stated earlier, vaccine brands sometimes include Leptospirosis vaccine with the core vaccines for DHPP.
Non-core vaccines are the non-mandatory vaccines. This means that your Doodle would receive them if your vet thinks it is at a risk for the following diseases.
Leptospirosis
Several strains of bacteria and viruses can cause leptospirosis in dogs. As a result, one vaccine may not be able to protect your pet from this deadly disease.
However, it is still better to get this vaccine as it could considerably reduce the severity of symptoms.
Lyme disease vaccine
Lyme disease vaccine is optional and your vet might consider it if you live in a tick-infested area or there have been Lyme disease cases detected in your state recently.
Bordetella
Sometimes referred to as canine kennel cough vaccine, the Bordetella vaccine is also optional and given to pets that are to be boarded in kennels or pet hostels.
Since the disease is highly contagious, some pet hostels and boarding facilities demand proof of Bordetella vaccination (within the last 6 months) in case you plan to board your Doodle with them.
As with Lepto, Bordetella is caused by various bacterial strains. As a result, a single vaccine may not offer 100% protection to vulnerable dogs.
This vaccine is available as a nasal squirt as well as an injectable.
Canine coronavirus
Canine coronavirus is a highly contagious disease in dogs. It primarily attacks the intestinal tract.
Some vaccines for canine coronavirus are included in the distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus vaccines.
Note: This article is not intended as a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect your dog has parvo, contact your veterinarian immediately.