top of page
Search
Writer's picturebrigittewatterson
Jul 263 min read

Mastering Puppy Basics: Puppy Vaccinations and Parasite Protection

Simparica Trio

Welcome to Clever Canine Co.'s guide to raising a healthy puppy, focusing on puppy vaccinations and parasite protection. As a new puppy owner, ensuring your pup stays healthy and protected from diseases and parasites is crucial. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about vaccinations and parasite prevention, tailored to Australian guidelines.



Understanding Puppy Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential for preventing serious diseases in puppies. In Australia, the core vaccines recommended for puppies include:

  1. Distemper

  2. Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus)

  3. Parvovirus (C3)

  4. Parainfluenza

  5. Bordetella bronchiseptica (often given together as C5)


Vaccination Schedule

  • 6-8 Weeks: First vaccination (C3)

  • 10-12 Weeks: Second vaccination (C5)

  • 14-16 Weeks: Third vaccination (C5)

  • Annual Boosters: To maintain immunity, annual booster shots are recommended.

  • Optional: ProHeart SR-12 as an addition for yearly heartworm protection


Where Can Puppies Contract These Diseases?

  • Distemper: Spread through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

  • Hepatitis: Contracted through contact with urine, feces, or saliva of infected dogs.

  • Parvovirus: Found in contaminated environments like parks, streets, and yards. Can remind in the environment for multiple years.

  • Parainfluenza and Bordetella: Spread through close contact with infected dogs, particularly in kennels or social settings.


Parasite Control

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworms can pose serious health risks to your puppy. Here are the different types of parasite prevention products available in Australia and their duration of protection.

Nexgard Spectra

If you choose to NOT get the ProHeart SR-12 Injection from your vet, you can use the following:

All-rounder (Flea, Tick, Heartworm and Intestinal Worms)

Simparica Trio:

  • Protection Duration: 1 month.

  • Form: Chewable tablet.


NexGard Spectra:

  • Protection Duration: 1 month.

  • Form: Chewable tablet.


If you get the yearly ProHeart SR-12 Injection from your vet, you will need to give a flea and tick prevention AND a wormer (2 Seperate Products).

Flea and Tick Prevention

Bravecto:

  • Protection Duration: Up to 3 months for fleas and ticks.

  • Form: Chewable tablet or topical solution.

  • Notes: Effective against paralysis ticks and brown dog ticks.


Worm Prevention

Drontal:

  • Protection Duration: 3 months.

  • Form: Chewable tablet.

  • Notes: Treats roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm.

Milbemax:

  • Protection Duration: 3 months.

  • Form: Chewable tablet.

  • Notes: Effective against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm

Where Can Puppies Contract Parasites?

  • Fleas: Found in environments where other animals have been, such as parks, homes, and yards.

  • Ticks: Commonly found in grassy, wooded, or rural areas.

  • Worms: Can be contracted through contaminated soil, feces, or from their mother during birth or nursing.

  • Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected animal.


Tips for Puppy Vaccinations and Parasite Control

  1. Follow the Schedule: Stick to the recommended vaccination and parasite prevention schedule to ensure your puppy remains protected. Add it to your calendar so you know when your pup is due.

  2. Regular Vet Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to monitor your puppy's health and adjust their prevention plan as needed.

  3. Know the Symptoms: Learn the signs of common diseases and parasite infestations so you can act quickly if your puppy shows symptoms.

  4. Environment Control: Keep your home and yard clean to reduce the risk of parasite infestations. Regularly wash bedding and vacuum carpets.


I use:

My dog gets his yearly C5+ Kennel Cough Vaccinations in September and he gets either Nexgard Spectra or Simparica Trio on the 1st of every month. This works for us. We do regular hikes through bushland (Aka Tick Paradise) so it is extremely important that my dog receives his flea and tick medication. Being a vet nurse previously, I've seen my fair share of Tick Paralysis cases and I would never want to risk losing my best friend to something that is preventable.


Conclusion

Vaccinations and parasite control are vital components of keeping your puppy healthy and happy. By following the Australian guidelines for vaccinations and using effective parasite prevention products, you can ensure your pup is well-protected all year round. Always consult with your veterinarian to tailor a health plan specific to your puppy's needs.


Feel free to reach out with any questions or for further recommendations. We're here to support you and your furry friend on this exciting journey!

Comments

bottom of page