Vaccinations are a crucial part of keeping your Toy Poodle healthy, protecting them from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Here’s a breakdown of the core and optional vaccines for Toy Poodles:

1. Core Vaccinations

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle, as they protect against highly contagious and dangerous diseases.

1.1. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)

• What it is: A viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

• Why it’s important: It can be fatal and is highly contagious among dogs.

1.2. Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

• What it is: A viral infection causing severe vomiting and diarrhea, especially dangerous for puppies.

• Why it’s important: It spreads easily and is often deadly without prompt treatment.

1.3. Canine Adenovirus (CAV-1 and CAV-2)

• What it is: CAV-1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, and CAV-2 contributes to kennel cough.

• Why it’s important: Vaccination protects against both life-threatening liver disease and respiratory infections.

1.4. Rabies

• What it is: A viral disease affecting the nervous system, transmissible to humans through bites.

• Why it’s important: It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and is required by law in most areas.

2. Non-Core (Optional) Vaccinations

Non-core vaccines are given based on your Toy Poodle’s lifestyle, exposure risks, and regional prevalence of certain diseases.

2.1. Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)

• What it is: A bacterial infection causing a dry, hacking cough.\n- Recommended for: Dogs who frequent grooming salons, boarding facilities, or dog parks.

2.2. Leptospirosis

• What it is: A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or wildlife.\n- Recommended for: Dogs living in or visiting areas with exposure to standing water or wildlife.

2.3. Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

• What it is: A viral respiratory infection causing coughing, sneezing, and fever.

• Recommended for: Dogs in high-contact environments like boarding facilities or daycare.

2.4. Lyme Disease

• What it is: A bacterial disease transmitted through tick bites.

• Recommended for: Dogs in areas with high tick populations.

3. Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies require multiple doses of vaccines to build strong immunity. Here’s a general schedule:

• 6 Weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus (DHPP).

• 9 Weeks: Second dose of DHPP, Bordetella (if desired).

• 12 Weeks: Third dose of DHPP

• 13 Weeks: Rabies and Booster on Bordetella

• 16 Weeks: Final DHPP

• Optional Boosters: Leptospirosis, Lyme, or Influenza as needed.

4. Adult Booster Shots

• Core vaccines are typically boosted every 1-3 years, depending on the specific vaccine and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

• Non-core vaccines are boosted annually or as needed based on risk factors.

5. Importance of Vaccination

• Prevents Serious Illness: Protects against diseases that can cause severe illness or death.

• Protects Public Health: Some vaccines, like Rabies, protect both dogs and humans.

• Required for Socialization: Many dog parks, boarding facilities, and training classes require proof of vaccination.

6. Tips for Toy Poodle Owners

• Keep a vaccination record for your Poodle for easy reference.

• Monitor for mild side effects (lethargy, swelling at the injection site) after vaccination. Contact your vet if severe reactions occur.

• Stick to the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to ensure optimal immunity.

By staying up-to-date on vaccinations, you’re giving your Toy Poodle the best chance at a healthy and happy life! 🐾✨