Sinceyour veterinarian does not know when an individual puppy will lose the short-term immunity,he or she gives a series of vaccinations. The hope is that at least two of these will fall in the window of time when the puppy has lost immunity from its mother but has not yet been exposed to disease. A single vaccination, even if effective, is not likely to stimulate the long-term immunity which is so important. Rabies vaccine is an exception to this, since one injection given at the proper time is enough to produce long-term immunity. Return to menu.
Intestinal parasites are common in puppies.
Puppies can become infected with parasites before they are born or later through their mother's milk. The microscopic examination of a stool sample will usually help to determine the presence of intestinal parasites. This exam is recommended for all puppies, if your veterinarian can get a stool sample. Please bring one at your earliest convenience. Even without t a stool sample, the use of a deworming product that is safe and effective against several of the common worms of the dog is recommended.