To protect your puppy from dangerous diseases, you need to do vaccinations. Major doses are given before 16 weeks of age, and it is crucial to follow the schedule to ensure everything works properly.
Below you’ll find a puppy shot schedule that you can print out.
As you can see, the mandatory vaccinations for puppies include the DHPP (distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccines) and the rabies vaccine.
The other vaccines can be given at your discretion. You should carefully read about the purpose and side effects of the vaccine to make your decision. Consider your dog's lifestyle and the area in which you live.🐶
The AAHA recommends to repeat DHPP vaccination once a year. Rabies vaccination is given once every three years.
However, the rationale for this schedule is unclear, as the vaccines provide the dog with immunity for more than 3 years, some even say for life. Therefore, some experts do not recommend repeating the injections unnecessarily because of side effects. Study this question more carefully to make a decision.
Contents
FAQ
How many shots do puppies need before going outside?
Veterinarians recommend not walking your puppy until he’s 16 weeks old (when all basic vaccinations are completed). Before that time, you should carry your puppy outside in your arms or in a carrier to avoid putting him at risk of infection. You can also let the puppy walk in your yard if no other dogs have access to it.
How many rounds of shots do puppies need?
Puppies need 3 doses of vaccine: the first dose is given at 8 weeks of age. After that, the puppy should receive 2 booster doses at 12 and 16 weeks of age.
Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?
The DHPP and rabies vaccines are considered necessary because they protect the dog from deadly diseases.
What vaccinations for dogs are required by law?
In the USA, only the rabies vaccination is required by law.
What to do if you’re late on puppy shots?
That depends entirely on how much time has passed. Talk to your vet, and he will tell you if your puppy can be vaccinated on schedule or if you need to start over.
You may also be interested in this topic: What do you need for a new puppy?
Sources:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/vaccinations
https://www.petmd.com/dog/infographic/basic-vaccine-schedule-dogs
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