Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Presented at 6 to 8 weeks:

• 1^st Set: DHPP, Strongid dewormer, Puppy discussion, Examination, booster in 3 weeks
• 2^nd Set: DHPP, Strongid dewomer, Bordatella IN, booster 3weeks. Puppies are 9-11weeks.
• 3^rd set: DHPP (+/-Lepto), Strongid dewormer, Bordatella sc, Examination, Rabies, booster in 3 weeks.  Puppies are 12-14 weeks.
• 4^th set: DHPP (+/-Lepto), Strongid dewormer. Puppies are 15+ weeks. Boosters in 1 year.

Presented at 9-11weeks:

• 1^st Set:  DHPP, Strongid dewormer, Bordatella IN, Examination, booster in 3 weeks.
• 2^nd Set: DHPP (+/-Lepto), Strongid dewormer, Bordatella sc, Examination, Rabies, booster in 3 weeks.  Puppies are 12-14 weeks old.
• 3^rd Set: DHPP (+/-Lepto), Strongid dewormer. Boosters in one year.

Presented at 12 weeksor older:

• 1^st Set:  DHPP (+/-Lepto), Strongid dewormer, Bordatella IN, Rabies, Examination, Boosters in 3 weeks,
• 2^nd Set:  DHPP (+/-Lepto), Strongid dewormer, Bordatella.

Lepto is a vaccination given against a bacterial infection that usually comes from drinking contaminated water or eating something with contaminated water on it.  The bacteria causes kidney and liver problems and is found in wildlife, including rodents and possibly livestock urine.  It is given to most dogs.  The only time it may not be given is if the owner says they never drink anything but culinary water and are never around livestock, wildlife or rodents.  There are minimal side effects to the vaccine and this has improved in recent years.  Lepto vaccination should not be given before 12 weeks old and it needs a booster 3 to 4 weeks after the first vaccination. Boosted afterward yearly or every6mo.

The center for disease control (for humans) recommends that all pets be dewormed for round worms monthly and puppies and their mothers are dewormed every 2 week starting at 2 weeks old.  This is our recommendation also.  Once weaned, we continue the deworming of puppies with their vaccinations and then encourage the owners to continue monthly deworming.  See discussion of parasite control for puppy discussion.

DHPP (Distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parvo, para-influenza combination) should start at 6 weeks and not before.  Vaccinations are given every 3 weeksuntil the puppy has had turned 15 weeks.  At least two sets need to be given after 12 weeks of age 3 to 4 weeks apart for the puppy to gain sufficient immunity.  Booster at one year and then every 3 years afterwards.

Bordatella bronchaseptica (kennel cough) is given in two sets 3 to 4 weeks apart.  The first vaccination should be the intranasal and the second the injectable.  This appears to give the best immunity.  The immunity only lasts about 6 months.  Pets that go to the groomer, shows or are boarded should have a booster (inject able) given every 6 months.  If pets are boarding they need to have had this vaccination within the last 6 months, as well as being current on all other vaccinations.

• Puppy packages are available for puppies that are presented needing 3 to 4 sets of vaccinations. Between 6 and 11 weeks at presentation. If they only need 2 sets, the puppy packages are not economical and are not offered.  The packages include the vaccinations, parasite control with strongid, exams, puppy discussion, 1 free day of boarding and 10% off their spay or neuter, a health guarantee and an option for microchip placement.

Rabies is given no earlier than 12 weeksand then boosted in one year, then every 3 years.