Dog Vaccination Schedule: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe and Healthy

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies need a series of vaccinations to protect them from common, potentially deadly diseases. Here’s an overview of the typical vaccination schedule for puppies:

• 6-8 weeks old: First round of vaccines including Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DHPP), and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) if recommended.
• 10-12 weeks old: Second round of DHPP and Rabies vaccine if local regulations allow for early administration.
• 14-16 weeks old: Third round of DHPP and Rabies vaccine if not already administered.
• 18-20 weeks old: Final round of DHPP, along with Lyme disease and Leptospirosis if necessary.

It’s important to follow this vaccination schedule to give your puppy the best start in life. The immunity from these vaccines helps prevent the spread of disease as they interact with other dogs and pets.

Core Vaccines for Adult Dogs

As your dog matures, regular booster shots are required to keep their immunity strong. Core vaccines are those recommended for every dog, regardless of their lifestyle or location. These vaccines include:

• Rabies: This vaccine is required by law in many areas and is essential for protecting both your dog and humans from this fatal disease.
• Distemper: A viral disease that can affect your dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Parvovirus: A highly contagious and severe gastrointestinal disease that can be deadly.
• Hepatitis (Adenovirus): A viral infection that affects the liver and can cause severe health problems.

Core vaccines should be administered every 1 to 3 years depending on your dog’s age, breed, and specific risk factors. Make sure to consult your veterinarian for the recommended schedule.

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs

In addition to the core vaccines, there are non-core vaccines that may be recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle, environment, and health risks. These vaccines include:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Highly recommended for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs, such as at boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons.
• Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs in areas where ticks are prevalent.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys, often contracted from water contaminated with the bacteria.
• Canine Influenza: A viral respiratory disease that can affect dogs in high-density areas.

These vaccines may be added to your dog’s vaccination schedule depending on their exposure risk, and they are generally administered every 1-2 years.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Important

Vaccinating your dog is one of the most important steps you can take to keep them healthy and safe. Dog vaccinations help:

• Prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
• Reduce the risk of severe illness and death caused by preventable diseases.
• Protect your dog’s overall health and immune system.
• Contribute to public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can spread from animals to humans).

Without vaccinations, dogs are vulnerable to a range of serious and costly illnesses. Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date is an essential part of responsible pet ownership.

When to Visit the Vet for Vaccines

It’s crucial to establish a regular veterinary care routine to ensure your dog’s vaccinations are on schedule. Your veterinarian will recommend when to bring your dog in for their booster shots or any additional vaccinations based on their health, breed, and lifestyle.

If you are unsure when your dog’s next vaccination is due, or if your dog has missed a vaccination, schedule a visit with your vet as soon as possible. In addition to vaccines, regular check-ups will help monitor your dog’s overall health.

At Hidden Brook Veterinary, we offer comprehensive vaccination plans to help keep your dog healthy. Contact us today to schedule your dog’s next vaccination or to ask about our affordable vaccination services in Portland.