Complete Puppy Vaccination Schedule 2024 💉

Protecting your puppy through proper vaccination is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership.

📅 Core Vaccination Timeline

6-8 Weeks: First Round

DHPP Vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)

• Protects against 4 dangerous viruses
• Usually combined in one shot
• Booster needed every 3-4 weeks

10-12 Weeks: Second Round

DHPP Booster + Bordetella

• Second DHPP booster
• Bordetella for kennel cough protection
• Consider Lyme vaccine if in high-risk area

14-16 Weeks: Third Round

DHPP Booster + Rabies

• Final DHPP booster
• First rabies vaccination (legally required)
• Consider additional vaccines based on lifestyle

16-20 Weeks: Final Round

Rabies Booster + Others

• Rabies booster (1-year or 3-year)
• Any additional lifestyle vaccines
• Final puppy vaccination visit

🦠 Disease Protection Guide

Critical Diseases Covered

Distemper

• Highly contagious and often fatal
• Affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
• No cure, prevention is essential

Parvovirus

• Extremely contagious and deadly
• Causes severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Most dangerous for puppies under 6 months

Rabies

• Fatal virus affecting the brain
• Transmitted through saliva bites
• Legally required vaccination

🏥 Non-Core Vaccines

Lifestyle-Dependent Options

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

• Required for: Dog parks, daycare, grooming
• Recommended for: Social dogs
• Schedule: Every 6-12 months

Lyme Disease

• Recommended for: Areas with ticks
• Transmission: Tick bites
• Schedule: Annually in high-risk areas

Leptospirosis

• Recommended for: Rural areas, hiking dogs
• Transmission: Contaminated water
• Schedule: Annually

📋 Vaccination Record Template

Keep track of your puppy's shots:

| Date | Vaccine | Vet | Next Due | |------|---------|-----|----------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

⚠️ Important Considerations

Before Vaccination

• Health check: Ensure puppy is healthy
• No stress: Avoid vaccinating during stressful times
• Monitor: Watch for reactions after shots

Possible Side Effects

• Mild: Soreness, slight fever, lethargy
• Moderate: Swelling at injection site
• Severe: Allergic reactions (rare but serious)

When to Call the Vet

• Difficulty breathing
• Facial swelling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or loss of consciousness

💰 Cost Considerations

Average Vaccination Costs

• DHPP series: $75-150 total
• Rabies: $15-35
• Bordetella: $20-40
• Total puppy series: $150-300

Money-Saving Tips

• Vaccination clinics: Often cheaper than regular vet visits
• Pet insurance: May cover vaccinations
• Multi-pet discounts: Ask your vet

🎯 Long-term Protection

After the puppy series, adult dogs need:

• DHPP booster: Every 3 years
• Rabies: Every 1-3 years (depending on local laws)
• Bordetella: Every 6-12 months if needed

Remember: Vaccination is the best way to protect your puppy from serious, potentially fatal diseases. Stay on schedule and keep records!