Vaccinations

Why Vaccines Matter for Great Dane Puppies

Puppies are born with some protection from their mother’s milk, but that protection fades over the first weeks of life. Vaccines step in to help your puppy build its own immunity against serious diseases like parvovirus and distemper, which can be fatal in young dogs.

Great Danes grow fast and gain a lot of body weight in a short time. A puppy fighting illness during that growth period can fall behind quickly, so we take an early, steady approach to vaccines and deworming before any puppy leaves our home.

Our Vaccination and Deworming Schedule

Every puppy at CB Great Dane Puppies follows the same basic schedule while in our care. Our vet checks each puppy before it goes home at around 10 weeks old.

• About 6 weeks: first DHPP vaccine, which protects against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus
• About 9 weeks: second DHPP vaccine
• 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks: deworming

We record the date and product for each treatment, so your vet knows exactly what has been given and when.

We only vaccinate puppies that are eating well, playing normally, and free of any sign of illness. If a puppy seems off on the scheduled day, we wait and give the shot once it is back to its usual self. Vaccines work best on a healthy immune system, and a short delay is far better than pushing ahead with a puppy that is not feeling right.

What Records Go Home With Your Puppy

A written record goes home with every puppy. Bring it to your first vet visit, which should happen within 72 hours of homecoming to keep our health guarantee active.

• Dates of each DHPP vaccine given
• Deworming dates
• Results of the veterinary health check
• Health certificate for puppies that are delivered

What Your Vet Will Continue

Your puppy is not fully protected when it comes home. The puppy series has to be finished by your own vet, who will set the exact plan based on your area and lifestyle.

• Around 12 weeks: DHPP booster
• Around 16 weeks: final DHPP booster in the puppy series
• Rabies: given according to your state law, usually between 12 and 16 weeks

Optional Vaccines

Some vaccines depend on where you live and what your dog will do. Talk with your vet about whether these make sense for you:

• Bordetella for kennel cough, often required for boarding, grooming, and training classes
• Leptospirosis for dogs around standing water, farms, or wildlife
• Lyme for dogs in areas with many ticks

Safe Socialization Before Full Immunity

The weeks between 10 and 16 weeks are an important window for socialization. You do not need to keep your puppy shut indoors, but you do need to be careful where those paws touch the ground.

• Avoid dog parks, pet store floors, and rest stops where many unknown dogs go.
• Invite healthy, vaccinated dogs you know to your yard.
• Carry your puppy or use a cart in busy public places so it can see and hear new things safely.
• Let friends and family visit so your puppy meets new people, sounds, and surfaces at home.

Signs of a Vaccine Reaction

Most puppies handle vaccines well. A sleepy day or a little soreness where the shot was given is normal. Watch closely for the first few hours after any vaccine, and call your vet right away if you notice:

• Swelling of the face, eyes, or muzzle
• Hives or sudden itching
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Trouble breathing
• Collapse or extreme weakness

Mention any reaction at every future vet visit so your vet can plan ahead.

Parasite Prevention

Deworming does not stop once your puppy comes home. Your vet will recommend a routine for intestinal worms and will likely start heartworm, flea, and tick prevention based on your region.

Routine parasites are common in young puppies and are easy to treat. Bring a fresh stool sample to your first vet visit so your vet can check it.

Keeping Records

Keep all of your puppy’s records in one folder or a photo album on your phone. You will need them for boarding, training classes, groomers, travel, and AKC registration questions. If a health issue ever comes up, these records are also part of what we ask for under the health guarantee.

Questions about our schedule? Email info@cbgreatdanepuppies.com or use our contact page. We usually reply within 24 hours.