Your Puppy’s Health
Vaccination Schedule
Your new puppy definitely needs a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect him/her from many dangerous diseases as his/her immune system develops. Different veterinarians recommend slightly different vaccination schedules and vaccines according to the specific dog’s risk factors.
Your vet can be more specific about the vaccination needs based on your individual dog, the particular region of the country in which you live, and your individual circumstances. In general, however, the first-year vaccination schedule for puppies usually resembles the schedule below.
DO NOT give your puppy flea & tick meds. Vets often say this is “preventative”. It is not necessary to give your puppy or dog this unless you have a flea or tick problem. Do your research on the various types of flea and tick meds that are a direct contributor various skin and health issues including death.
| Puppy's Age | Recommended Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | Distemper, measles, parainfluenza | Bordatella |
| 12 weeks | DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) | Coronavirus, Bordatella, Lyme disease |
| 16 weeks | DHPP | Coronavirus, Lyme disease |
| 6 to 12 months | Rabies - do not do with any other shots | None |
| 12 to 16 months | DHPP | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Boradetella, Lyme disease |
| Every 1 to 2 years | DHPP or titer your dog | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
| Every 3 years | Rabies (as required by law) | None |