Goldendoodles are a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. That is why they are sometimes called Groodle too. They are highly affectionate dogs and love to be around children and families. They make for the best search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and guide dogs. Their life span is about 10 to 15 years. They have a lively disposition because they happen to be a cross between two pure breeds. A female Goldendoodle starts delivering puppies once she reaches the age of 2 years. Average litter sizes are about 6-8 litters depending on the health of both the parents.
A Goldendoodle pup is a new entrant in the world. It needs all the love and care from its mother and the breeder. Apart from Goldendoodle’s healthy and nutritious diet, they must receive their mandatory vaccines at the correct time. In this blog let’s get into the detail of the first year vaccination schedule for the Goldendoodle puppy.
A vaccine boosts the immunity system. It helps prevent certain diseases by building immunity. Just like humans, puppies also need vaccines. As a pup, they can contract serious and life-threatening diseases. In this article, we will talk about the vaccine schedule of a Goldendoodle pup. There are some mandatory vaccines and the right time to get these is during the first year of the puppy. It is important to start young because they are exposed to many viruses and illnesses.
Preventable diseases in a pup
Since the pup is at the risk of being exposed to several diseases, there are some common preventable diseases like-
- Canine hepatitis
- Canine distemper
- Canine parvovirus
- parainfluenza virus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
It is against these preventable diseases that pups get vaccines. As your pup gets older you should also be concerned about other Goldendoodle Health Issues so that you can take precautionary measures.
Vaccine Schedule of a Pup
Broadly speaking, a pup has the following vaccine schedule-
- 6 to 8 weeks- first vaccines
- Ten to twelve weeks- booster vaccination
- Fourteen to sixteen weeks- final puppy vaccination
- Every twelve months thereafter- annual booster vaccinations.
The first vaccination is given anytime between 6 to 8 weeks of a pup. Booster vaccines are given to enhance their immunity system. Booster vaccines are given at gaps of three to four weeks. One booster vaccine must be given when the pup is twelve weeks old because at this age their immunity starts reducing.
Annual booster vaccinations are administered a year after they complete their third and final vaccination schedule. The pup gets booster doses because it is an adult now. Booster doses are recommended on an annual basis for the rest of the life of a dog. This is to keep them safe.
The above vaccine schedule is a general one for dogs. Now we will move on to the vaccine schedule designed specifically for Goldendoodle puppies.
Vaccine Schedule for a First year Goldendoodle Puppy
Most Goldendoodle puppies receive their first vaccine at about six weeks. Vets also recommend that a Goldendoodle should get four vaccines in total at regular intervals of three weeks. Along with the final shot, a Goldendoodle puppy gets its Rabies shot as well. A year from this date, the puppy gets its booster shot of DHPP and Rabies. This way you can avoid your pup getting a vaccine on its first birthday. Generally, pups get vaccines every three years, but yearly visits to the vet are recommended.
Following is the suggested and ideal vaccine schedule for a Goldendoodle pup-
- Between 6 to 8 weeks – recommended vaccines include Distemper, measles, and parainfluenza. Additionally, you can think of getting Bordetella. It is an optional vaccine.
- Between 10 to 12 weeks – DHPP is administered that includes vaccines for distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Hence DHPP. Optional vaccines include Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Bordetella.
- Between 12 to 24 weeks – a shot of Rabies is given to the Goldendoodle pup. During this time period, there are no optional vaccines.
- Between 14 to 16 weeks – DHPP is given again, and optional vaccines include Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, and Lyme disease.
- Between 12 to 16 months – DHPP and Rabies shot are given to the pup. Optional vaccines at this stage include Coronavirus, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis.
- Every 1 to 2 years – DHPP is given to a Goldendoodle pup. Optional vaccines during this time include Coronavirus, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis.
- Every 1 to 3 years – A rabies shot is given. There are no optional vaccines during these years.
Conclusion
Puppies, like newborn babies, are at a higher risk of contracting diseases. Thankfully there are vaccines to keep them protected. Remember not to let your pup into public places and play with dogs that haven’t completed their vaccine schedule.
About ten to fourteen days after they finish the entire course of vaccinations you can take your new pup outside. Wait for these two weeks to complete. By not doing so, you are putting your canine at the risk of contracting diseases like canine parvovirus.
