Staying up to date on preventive care, including bringing your pet to the vet for their routine vaccinations, is the best way to protect your pup from dangerous diseases and illnesses. Today, our Perry vets discuss the importance of vaccinations and what the average puppy vaccine schedule looks like.
Why Puppy Vaccinations Are Important
Vaccinations are an essential pillar of your dog's preventive healthcare. To give them the very best chance of living a long and healthy life, your four-legged friend should receive specific puppy shots early in life and be given booster shots as they mature through adulthood.
Maintaining a schedule for routine vaccinations for your dog can also save you time and money, since it can be costly and time-consuming to treat the many diseases these vaccines prevent.
Which Shots Does My Puppy Need?
Vaccines recommended for dogs in Perry include immunizations to help protect against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies. Optional vaccines include bordetella and leptospirosis.
Your veterinarian can recommend the shots that are most suitable for your puppy based on your canine companion's age, where you live, and lifestyle.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
If you're a first-time dog owner, it can be difficult to know when the right time is to have your puppy vaccinated, and which specific shots they'll need in their first year.
While your veterinarian can help you determine the best deworming and vaccination schedule for your young puppy, here is a typical schedule of the shots your pooch will require, and when. Keep the chart below close at hand to refer to when you need it.
6 - 8 Weeks
- *DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) Shot 1
10 - 12 Weeks
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) Shot 2
- Bordetella (Optional)
- Leptospirosis (Optional)
14 - 16 Weeks
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) Shot 3
- Rabies
12 to 16 Months
- Final Booster: *DHPP Shot
- Final Booster: Bordetella
- Final Booster: Leptospirosis
- Rabies
*DHPP: this vaccine protects your dog against a combination of illnesses: Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza.
Age Restrictions
Ask your vet to find out more about what vaccines are appropriate for your dog when they are still a puppy. Depending on your pet's age, their immune system may not be strong enough to effectively be boosted by all shots.
How Much Do Vaccines for Puppies Cost?
The cost of your dog's shots will vary depending on your puppy's health status, age, lifestyle and exposure risks. During your puppy's visit to our vets in Perry, we will perform a comprehensive exam and recommend puppy vaccinations to suit their needs.
Keep in mind that investing in vaccinating your puppy will likely pay off long-term, as preventive care is better than treating conditions and diseases that can cause grave illness and shorten your four-legged friend's lifespan. Please don't hesitate to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about vaccines with your vet - we are happy to address any inquiries.
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.