By getting your dog vaccinated, you'll protect your canine friend from numerous serious diseases. This means vaccination schedules will be an essential aspect of your pet's annual healthcare. Our Los Angeles County vets recommend keeping this schedule on hand for dog vaccinations.
What are dog vaccinations?
Similar to kitten vaccinations, dog vaccinations are a foundational element of your pooch's preventive healthcare routine. Dogs are affected by many canine diseases each year. It's critical to have your puppy or dog vaccinated to keep them from contracting a preventable condition.
Following up your puppy's vaccinations with regular booster shots during their lifetime. Even if you are a very cautious pet owner who keeps their yard fenced in and their dog leashed, accidents happen - your dog may run away, interact with another animal or get into a fight with another dog or cat that has a transmittable condition.
The booster shots will "boost" your dog's protection against a variety of canine diseases after the effects of the initial vaccine have worn off. Booster shots for different vaccines are administered on different schedules. Your veterinarian can offer advice on when you should bring your dog back for more booster shots.
Which shots do puppies need?
Here is a vaccination schedule indicating when puppies should receive their first shots, and which annual shots and boosters are required.
Puppy Vaccination 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 Vaccination 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
Very young puppies and senior dogs with compromised immune systems are not eligible for all shots. Talk to your vet to find out more about vaccines for your dog.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Your pet's annual preventive healthcare routine should include ensuring their pet vaccinations are up to date. By having your dog vaccinated early in life, and regularly throughout their lifetime, you'll provide your four-legged friend with the best chance of living a long, happy and healthy life.
Vaccines can protect your canine companion against numerous serious, often fatal diseases such as rabies, hepatitis, and parvovirus. When it comes to caring for your dog, prevention is always better than treatment.
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.