By having your puppy vaccinated, you'll protect your young dog from several serious diseases. This means vaccination schedules will be an essential aspect of your pet's annual healthcare. Our vets in McAllen recommend referencing this schedule for your dog's vaccinations.
What are dog vaccinations?
Just like kitten vaccinations, your dog's vaccinations are an important element of their preventive healthcare routine. Many dogs are affected by canine diseases annually. Having your dog or puppy or dog vaccinated will help prevent them from contracting a preventable condition.
After your puppy has received their initial vaccinations, following these up with regular booster shots throughout their lifetime will also be critical to their health. Even very cautious pet owners who keep their dogs leashed everywhere they go and fence their yard in can have accidents happen in the span of a few seconds. A dog may interact with another animal, get attacked by another dog or cat that has a transmittable condition or run away.
The booster shots will "boost" your dog's protection against numerous canine diseases after the effects of the initial vaccine have worn off. Booster shots for different vaccines are administered on different schedules. A veterinarian can provide advice on when you should bring your dog back for more booster shots.
We will also provide a puppy shots schedule below.
Which shots do puppies need?
Here is a puppy shots schedule chart indicating when puppies should receive their first shots, and which annual shots and boosters are needed.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- *DHPP Shot 1 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
10 - 12 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP Shot 2 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Optional)
- Leptospirosis (Optional)
14 - 16 Weeks
- Booster: DHPP Shot 3 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Rabies
- Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
- Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule
12 to 16 Months
- Final Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Rabies
- Final Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
- Final Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)
Every 3 Years
- DHPP Booster
- Rabies
*DHPP: This vaccine protects against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Age Restrictions
Very young puppies and senior dogs with compromised immune systems are not eligible for all shots. Talk to your vet to find out more about vaccines for your dog.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Your pet's annual preventive healthcare routine should include ensuring their pet vaccinations are up to date. By having your dog vaccinated early in life, and regularly throughout their lifetime, you'll provide your four-legged friend with the best chance of living a long, happy and healthy life.
Vaccines can protect your canine companion against numerous serious, often fatal diseases such as rabies, hepatitis, and parvovirus. When it comes to caring for your dog, prevention is always better than treatment.
Your veterinarian can provide information specific to your dog's needs and health status, including a customized puppy deworming and vaccination schedule.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.