Many pet owners are not sure whether they should vaccinate their puppy or deworm them first. This depends on some factors, including the age of your puppy and the type of vaccine being used.
If you are using a live vaccine, such as the one for parvovirus, it is recommended that you wait to vaccinate your puppy until they have been dewormed. This is because the live virus in the vaccine can cause illness in puppies who are not yet protected against it.
On the other hand, if you use an inactivated vaccine, such as the one for hepatitis, there is no need to wait to vaccinate your puppy. In fact, it is generally recommended that puppies be vaccinated before they are dewormed. This is because inactivated vaccines are not as effective in puppies who have worms.
Deworming Your Pet
Deworming your puppy helps remove any harmful parasites present in their system. These parasites can cause health problems, including anemia, diarrhea, and weight loss. Puppies are especially susceptible to these parasites because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
When Is the Right Time to Deworm Dogs?
The best time to deworm your puppy for the first time is between two and four weeks. This is because they are most likely to be infected with parasites during this time. If you wait until they are older, the parasites may have damaged their health.
How Often Should You Deworm Your Puppy?
You should deworm your puppy every two to three weeks until they are 12 weeks old. After that, you can switch to a monthly deworming schedule.
Vaccinating Your Pet
Pet vaccinations help to protect your puppy from a variety of dangerous diseases. Some of these diseases can be fatal. It is important to start vaccinating your puppy as early as possible to protect them from these diseases.
Some deadly diseases they can experience if they are not vaccinated include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
When Is the Right Time to Vaccinate Dogs?
Your puppies should receive their first round of dog shots between six and eight weeks. They will need booster shots every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After that, vets give them booster shots every year.
Disadvantages of Deworming and Vaccinating a Puppy on the Same Day
Here are the disadvantages of deworming and vaccinating pets on the same day:
1. Increased Risk of Side Effects
Giving your puppy two different types of drugs at the same time can increase the risk of side effects. These range from mild to severe, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
2. Weakened Immune System
Many deworming drugs can kill harmful and beneficial parasites in your puppy’s system. These can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to disease.
3. Stress on the Body
Vaccinations and deworming are both stressful procedures for puppies. Combining them can put too much stress on their tiny bodies, making them sick.
4. Interference with Vaccinations
Deworming drugs can also interfere with the efficacy of vaccinations. This is because they may kill the live viruses in the vaccine before they can take effect.
Talk to a Vet About the Right Schedules
The best way to ensure that your puppy is healthy is to talk to a vet about the right schedules for deworming and vaccinating. They are the right people to help you create a schedule that will work best for your puppy based on their individual needs.
But keep in mind that vets vary. Make sure to consult only with a licensed and experienced professional. You know they are reputable if they provide various services and are equipped with state-of-the-art vet equipment.
Also, make sure their vets specialize in various vet areas, including small animal internal medicine. Because this specialization guarantees that the vet you are talking to has sufficient know-how in handling multiple animal health cases, not just general ones.
Key Points
The schedule for your puppy’s deworming and vaccination depends on their age and the types of vaccination. It is best to vaccinate your puppy first for live vaccines, then deworm them two weeks later. Then, puppies should be dewormed every two to three weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Monthly deworming follows after.
Your puppy should receive their first round of shots between six and eight weeks for vaccinations. They will need booster shots every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After that, vets give them booster shots every year. Make sure to consult only with a licensed and experienced professional. Visit this page to know more about your puppy’s needs for their well-being.
