All dogs need shots to give them immunity to certain doggy diseases, and your little Pomeranian is no different. Your vet will make specific recommendations, but normally your Pom will get the same stuff at the same age as the big guys.
Puppy Shots
Your Pomeranian may seem almost too small to have shots when he’s a puppy, but they’re vital to his health, so don’t neglect to get them. Pom puppies should get their first shots before they leave their moms. If you get a puppy from a breeder at eight or nine weeks old he should already have had his first shots -- even six-week-old puppies can be vaccinated. If your new Pom never got any shots, he’ll generally need them right away. These usually include vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Ask your vet what shots he recommends for your little guy.
Boosters
Puppies get a natural immunity from their mothers, but it interferes with the shots you give them. Mom’s protection does begin to wear off as the pups age, but it’s not obvious when it happens. It’s best to give your Pomeranian puppy a series of shots to make sure he’s covered when he needs it. Your Pom should get boosters every two to four weeks until he’s 16 weeks old. Once he’s through with his puppy shots, give your Pomeranian booster shots once every three years, though if your vet recommends annual boosters, go with that schedule.
Rabies
Laws in all parts of the United States dictate when a dog must get his first rabies shot. Typically he’ll need a rabies shot when he’s three to four months old. You vet or your local animal control office can tell you what the law is in your area. He’ll need another one a year after the first one. Once he’s done the first two, he’ll need a booster every one to three years. This, too, is regulated locally, so be sure to ask what the rule is where you live.
Other Shots
Your vet may make specific vaccination recommendations for your Pomeranian based on where you live and your puppy pal’s lifestyle. These often include vaccinations that protect against leptospirosis, lyme disease, coronavirus and bordatella; they can be given with other shots.
Before you decide your pup is a housedog and doesn’t need some vaccines, remember that diseases can hide anywhere. Even something as benign as a walk in the park could cause your buddy to come into contact with something that can get him seriously ill. Airborne sources of infection include groomers' shops, kennels and vets' offices. Shots are cheap, easy protection against potential tragedy.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
