Puppy Vaccination Guide & Schedule

If you’re a new dog parent you’ve probably asked yourself, “what kind of shots will my puppy need and when?”

Fact: When it comes to supporting your puppy’s unique biology and immune function, there is no one-size-fits all approach. While vaccines are critical, they can be personalized to meet their evolving health needs based on your geographical location, lifestyle, breed type, weight class, medical history, and beyond. The below schedule is a list of common vaccinations to consider while your puppy is under the one-year mark. As always, we recommend discussing the range of options with your vet prior to vaccinating.

*IMPORTANT TO NOTE* No matter how you come across your puppy — from a breeder, adoption, found them, or are fostering —it’s mission-critical to understand your puppy’s medical and vaccination history.

PUPPY VACCINATION GUIDE & SCHEDULE

Like humans, dogs and puppies are vulnerable to pathogens — a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease. Let’s take a deeper look at the most common illnesses to defend your young puppy against with preventative vaccines. (The Top Recommended Puppy Vaccinations include those for Rabies and DHPP — vaccines which protect against Distemper, Adenovirus [Hepatitis], Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.)

Rabies: When we hear the word “rabies,” our brains often conjure images of suspicious-looking squirrels foaming at the mouth. Though most often transmitted via the bite of a rabid animal, rabies is no joke. This mammalian virus attacks the central nervous system — a.k.a. your dog’s motherboard — and can be quite deadly unless treated within hours of exposure. Symptoms include headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, and paralysis.

Note: Most states require regular rabies vaccinations. Double check your state laws.

DHPP

Distemper: Also known as “hard pad” for the tendency of the paw pad to thicken and harden, this airborne (often fatal) viral infection attacks both the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Note: This virus may also be spread via water and food bowls, so it’s best to feed and water your puppy on an individual basis.

Adenovirus: Young dogs are most susceptible to the virus more commonly known as hepatitis or inflammation of the liver. Symptoms range from mild — loss of appetite, depression, mild fever, and cloudy eyesight — to potentially fatal — upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, vomiting, edema, diarrhea, and jaundice.

Parainfluenza: This highly contagious respiratory virus typically arises in the spring, summer, and fall with a range of symptoms from mild respiratory issues — congestion, sneezing, and runny nose — to more serious maladies — croup, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia — which may contribute to Kennel Cough.

Parvovirus: Puppies under 4 months of age are the most at-risk group for this highly contagious virus — though all dogs are susceptible. This virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and leads to rapid dehydration — which may become deadly within a 48-to-72-hour window. Other notable symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and severe diarrhea. Though there is no cure, the best way to combat the virus is to keep your dog well hydrated and rested until their immune system fights off the infection.