When to Vaccinate?
Puppies should receive their first vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. Ensure you obtain medical records for a newly purchased or adopted puppy, allowing your veterinarian to assess administered treatments and schedule the next vaccine. NOTE: Your puppy will receive their first vaccination. You will receive the associated medical records to give to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will then recommend a schedule depending on the lifestyle you envision for your puppy and the risk of certain diseases based on where you live or travel. Administer most vaccines every 2-4 weeks. Depending on your puppy's age, this may require 3-4 vaccinations for the Distemper/Parvo series until your puppy is 16-20 weeks of age. If your dog is over 16 weeks of age and needs to be up-to-date on shots, or if you're unsure, your veterinarian may recommend a shorter series.
Core v. Non-core Vaccinations
Give core vaccines to all dogs and puppies. Non-core vaccines are given based on lifestyle and where you live/travel. Core vaccines include:
- DHP (also called DAP) – stands for Distemper, Hepatitis (or Adenovirus-2), and Parvo and are usually combined.
- Rabies – usually required by state or local law, which dictates the age and intervals for your dog.
Non-core vaccines are essential but not needed for all dogs. Vaccines in this category are:
- Parainfluenza – often combined with DHP
- Leptospirosis – can be given separately or combined with DHP or DHPP—a 2-vaccine series is needed initially, followed by an annual booster.
- Bordetella - Given either intranasally, orally, or injectable, the route and interval are to be determined by your veterinarian.
- Canine Influenza – 2 strains (H3N2 and H3N8), 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster.
- Lyme – A 2-vaccine series is needed initially, followed by an annual booster.
A typical puppy vaccination schedule:
- First vaccination: 6 to 8 weeks – DHP
Note: Your new puppy will return with you with this first vaccination.
- Second vaccination: 9 to 11 weeks – DHP
- Third vaccination: 12 to 15 weeks – DHP
- Fourth vaccination: 16 to 20 weeks – DHP
- Booster DHP: 1 year of age or 12 months after the last puppy shot, then as recommended (usually every 1-3 years)
- Rabies vaccination: typically required by law at 3-6 months of age, with a booster 12 months later, then a booster shot every 1-3 years.
- Experts recommend administering Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Canine Influenza vaccines for social dogs (day camp, dog parks, boarding, grooming, and dog shows).
- Lyme or Leptospirosis: This may be recommended by your veterinarian if you live in or travel with your dog to an area where these are endemic.
We are here to help! Call our knowledgeable breeders at 407-474-5574 to learn more about puppy vaccinations.
