Vaccinating your breeding dog is critically important not only for her health but also for the health and safety of her puppies, future litters, and even the other dogs in your care. Here’s a clear breakdown of why vaccinations are essential for breeding dogs
- Protects the Mother
A healthy dam is the foundation of a healthy litter. Vaccinations:
- Prevent serious, potentially fatal diseases like canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies.
- Ensure the mother doesn’t transmit preventable diseases to her puppies or suffer complications during pregnancy and nursing.
- Passes Immunity to Puppies
- Vaccinated mothers pass maternal antibodies through the colostrum (the first milk), giving newborn puppies temporary protection from disease during their vulnerable early weeks.
- If the mother isn’t properly vaccinated, her puppies may start life without this critical early protection.
- Reduces Risk of Pregnancy Complications
Some diseases—like canine herpesvirus or leptospirosis—can cause:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirths
- Birth defects
- Weak or non-viable puppies
Vaccination lowers these risks dramatically.
- Maintains a Healthy Breeding Program
- Keeping all breeding dogs vaccinated helps maintain a disease-free kennel environment.
- It reduces the chance of an outbreak that could harm current or future litters and other dogs in your care.
- It supports responsible breeding practices, which enhances your reputation and trust with potential puppy buyers.
- Complies with Legal and Ethical Standards
- Rabies vaccination is legally required in most places.
- Following a vet-recommended vaccine schedule aligns with ethical breeding practices and demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare.
Core Vaccines Typically Recommended for Breeding Dogs that we use here at Zoey’s Doxies
- DHPP/DAPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Rabies
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough, especially if the dog is boarded or around other dogs often)
- Leptospirosis (in areas where it’s a concern)
- Canine Herpesvirus Vaccine (in certain breeding populations)
