Puppy vaccinations and booster shots help to provide a lifetime of protection from preventable conditions and diseases. Our Nashville vets discuss what diseases these shots protect against as well as what the recommended puppy vaccination schedule is.
Why It Is Important to Have Your Puppy Vaccinated
As with the vaccinations that have been designed for people, dog vaccines protect your pet against a host of serious, often potentially fatal, diseases that are quick to spread between unvaccinated dogs.
While getting your dog shots every year may seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, your dog's annual vaccinations are likely to cost far less than treatment for the illnesses vaccines protect against.
What Puppy Vaccinations Are Needed
Some of the most vaccinations that all puppies should receive are for diseases such as bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies.
Your vet will be able to recommend the vaccines which are most appropriate for your dog based on your pet's age, where you live, and your dog's lifestyle.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Listed below is the recommended puppy shot schedule for all potential puppy vaccinations. These schedules are suggested in order to provide the right amount of protection at the right times in your puppy's life to allow them to stay safe and healthy.
Puppy Shot Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- *DHPP Shot 1
- Bordatella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
10 - 12 Weeks
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
- DHPP Shot 2
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
14 - 16 Weeks
- DHPP Shot 3
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
Annually
- Bordatella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
Every 3 Years
- DHPP Booster
- Rabies
*DHPP: this vaccine protects against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Age Restrictions
Speak to your vet to find out more about which vaccines are appropriate for your dog. Very young puppies and senior dogs with compromised immune systems are not eligible for all shots.
Potential Side Effects of Puppy Vaccinations
While side effects are incredibly rare there is the potential for some dogs to have reactions to certain vaccinations. This is typically due to a sensitivity to an individual ingredient of a specific vaccine. Different breeds tend to react to some ingredients.
Breeds including German shepherds, collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccines. Your veterinarian will skip any vaccines that contain ingredients that your dog may be sensitive to.
Why Puppy Vaccinations Are Important
Vaccinations are a key element of your dog's preventive health care. By taking your dog in for their shots early in life, then regularly as they move through adulthood, you give your canine companion their very best chance of living a long and healthy life. Maintaining a schedule for routine vaccinations for your dog could also save you time and money since treatment for the diseases prevented by these vaccines can be time-consuming and very expensive.
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.