Bringing a new puppy home is one of the happiest moments in life. The soft fur, the puppy breath, the clumsy little run—it’s pure joy.
But as a veterinarian with over 10 years of experience, I have to share a hard truth: the first few months are also the most dangerous.
At Paalan Pet Hospital, the heartbreaking cases we see most often aren’t broken bones or accidents. They are viral infections like Parvovirus and Distemper. The saddest part? These are almost 100% preventable.
The “Gap” in Immunity
When a puppy is born, they get natural protection from their mother’s milk. But somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks of age, that protection fades away. Suddenly, your puppy is left with no shield against the world.
This is when the “villains” strike.
1. Parvovirus (The Silent Killer) You might not see it, but Parvo is incredibly resilient. It can live on the ground, on shoes, or on car tires for months. A puppy doesn’t even need to touch another sick dog to catch it; they just need to sniff a patch of grass where a sick dog walked. Once it hits, it attacks the intestines. It causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It moves fast, and for a tiny body, the dehydration can be fatal within 48 hours.
2. Canine Distemper This virus is even scarier because it attacks everything—the skin, the lungs, and eventually the brain. It often starts with just a runny nose and coughing (which looks like a common cold), but it can escalate into seizures.
The Good News: We Can Stop It
I don’t tell you this to scare you, but to prepare you. Modern veterinary medicine has given us a silver bullet: Vaccinations.
At Paalan Pet Hospital, we follow a strict “Core Vaccine” protocol.
- The First Shot (The Primer): Usually given around 45 days of age. Think of this as waking up your puppy’s immune system and saying, “Hey, recognize this virus and learn how to fight it.”
- The Boosters (The Shield): One shot isn’t enough. We need to repeat the vaccine every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is about 16 weeks old. Each booster strengthens that shield until it’s bulletproof.
A Note from Dr. Gaurav
In my decade of practice, I have performed countless complex surgeries. But the best success stories aren’t the surgeries—they are the healthy, bouncing 10-year-old dogs who come in wagging their tails because their owners stuck to the vaccination schedule when they were puppies.
Don’t wait for symptoms. By the time a puppy looks sick, the virus has already done significant damage.
If you have a new puppy, or if you aren’t sure about your dog’s vaccination history, please come see us. Let’s set up a schedule that keeps your best friend safe, healthy, and by your side for years to come.