Raising a Puppy

Protect your best friend from the things you can’t see

Welcoming a puppy into your family is an exciting moment.
At Mascot Animal Hospital, we’re here to support your puppy’s health from the very beginning and help you feel confident as you start this journey together.

Examination

Every puppy should have a comprehensive nose-to-tail examination to ensure they’re developing well and starting life on the right track. During your puppy’s exam, our veterinarian will:

Check vital signs and overall growth
Examine ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, and gums
Discuss parasite prevention and early health planning
Recommend vaccinations based on your puppy’s lifestyle and risk factors
Answer your questions about care, feeding, and development

Puppy Vaccines

Vaccination plays a key role in protecting puppies from serious and preventable diseases. Young puppies are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. Vaccines help build protection during this critical stage.

Our veterinarians follow current Canadian and British Columbia guidelines and will create a vaccination plan tailored to your puppy’s age, environment, and lifestyle.

6-8 Weeks

Core Vaccine

*Disclaimer: Timeline may vary pet to pet

DA2PP

This core vaccine protects against several serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including:

Distemper
Adenovirus (hepatitis)
Parvovirus
Parainfluenza

These illnesses can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, and immune systems. Early protection is essential.

8 - 12 Weeks

Core Vaccine

Highly Recommended Vaccines

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

*Disclaimer: Timeline may vary from puppy to puppy.

DA2PP

This core vaccine protects against several serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including:

Distemper
Adenovirus (hepatitis)
Parvovirus
Parainfluenza

These illnesses can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, and immune systems. Booster doses help strengthen and extend protection as your puppy’s immune system develops.

Bordetella

This vaccine helps protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a common cause of kennel cough. It may be recommended for puppies who will be attending daycare, training classes, grooming facilities, or other environments with close dog contact.

Canine Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria found in contaminated soil, standing water, and wildlife urine. It can spread through the bloodstream and may lead to fever, joint pain, kidney disease, liver damage, or more serious complications.

This vaccine is commonly recommended in British Columbia due to regional exposure risks.

Lyme

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause joint pain, swelling, lethargy, and long-term health issues if left untreated.

Vaccination may be recommended for puppies who spend time outdoors, hiking, or in areas where ticks are present.

12 - 16 Weeks

Core Vaccine

Highly Recommended Vaccines

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

*Disclaimer: Timeline may vary from puppy to puppy.

DA2PP

This final puppy booster completes the initial core vaccine series, providing stronger and longer-lasting protection against:

Distemper
Adenovirus (hepatitis)
Parvovirus
Parainfluenza

Completing the series is essential for full immune protection.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. There is no treatment once symptoms appear.

Vaccination is required by law in British Columbia and is essential for protecting both pets and people.

Canine Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis remains a regional concern in BC due to wildlife exposure and environmental factors. Booster vaccination helps maintain protection against this serious bacterial infection.

Bordetella

Lyme

Continued protection against tick-borne disease may be recommended depending on your puppy’s lifestyle, travel, and outdoor exposure.

Neutering and Spaying

Spaying or neutering is an important part of long-term health planning. Timing is not one-size-fits-all and depends on your puppy’s breed, size, growth pattern, and overall health.

Rather than following a fixed age, our veterinarians will discuss the most appropriate timing for your puppy and guide you through the benefits, considerations, and next steps.