Is Your Dog Up-to-Date on Their Shots?

Owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. From feeding them to walking them and keeping them happy, it can be a lot of work to own a pet. Another responsibility you have is to keep your pup healthy. Eating the right foods, getting plenty of exercise, and taking them to the vet for check-ups are all very important ways to keep your pet healthy.

A big way to make sure your dog stays healthy is by keeping them current on all of their immunizations. However, it’s not always easy to know when your dog is due for their next round of shots. That’s why we’ve created an outline of when it’s time for your puppy to get their vaccines.

Vaccine Schedule

6-8 Weeks

This is the time when puppies get weaned from their mothers which is why it is the recommended time to start boosting your pup’s immune system.

They will first get the DAP/DHP shot which will help fight off canine distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. Beyond that, your vet may recommend Bordetella and Parainfluenza at this time.

10-12 Weeks

At this stage, your puppy will need to get a booster of their core DAP/DHP vaccine. Your vet may also recommend some non-core shots if they believe your pet is at risk of contracting any of these diseases.

These shots might include Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Lyme.

14-16 Weeks

Four weeks after the second round, your pup should receive their last round of vaccinations until they reach adulthood. This round of vaccines will include the final booster of the DAP/DHP shot as well as a possible rabies shot.

Rabies is commonly given at this stage, however, some states require that the vaccine be given earlier, so it’s possible your pup will have already received this shot.

At this stage, your dog will also receive any of the non-core vaccines that they didn’t receive in previous rounds including Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Lyme.

Adulthood

Once your dog reaches adulthood, they will need to visit the vet annually where you can ask about shots or boosters that they may need.

This will include their annual Rabies vaccine as well as their DAP/DHP every three years. Beyond that, they may need boosters for their non-core shots as well as their Bordetella.

For more information about what each of these vaccines will be protecting your dog from, check out this puppy vaccination guide that has information about each of the different kinds of shots.