Puppy Shots Schedule: What To Expect 

Highlights:

Vaccinations help protect your new puppy against illnesses that, in some cases, could become life-threatening.

Understanding how puppies react to certain vaccinations is important in making sure your puppy isn’t having an adverse reaction to their shots.

After a vaccination appointment, rewarding your puppy with a tasty, nutritious treat like Yummy Combs® can help comfort them.

Your new bundle of fur is a ball of energy and already delivering joy to your life with every little bark and belly rub. Taking care of your puppy is a top priority, and you understand that caring for them will involve vaccinations. 

Vaccinations help prevent diseases that could be life-threatening to your puppy. Like most living creatures, puppies rarely enjoy trips to the veterinarian’s office or getting shots. You can help by providing calm support and knowing the signs to look for in case your puppy has an adverse reaction to a vaccination. 

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the vaccines your dog will receive and what to expect in the hours and days following a vaccination appointment. 

Which Shots Does Your Puppy Need?

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends two types of vaccinations: core and non-core. 

• Core vaccinations are recommended for all dogs regardless of their lifestyle as long as they do not have a medical condition that prevents them from being vaccinated.
  
• Non-core vaccinations are recommended for dogs based on their lifestyle and propensity for illness. 

Core Vaccinations

Core vaccinations prevent diseases that can be fatal for puppies. They are usually given between six and eight weeks of age, with booster shots every four weeks. Some core vaccinations are given yearly.

• Parvo. Canine parvovirus (CPV) is spread through feces. Dogs that come in contact with infected feces can develop symptoms rapidly. CPV causes vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and dehydration. Left untreated, parvovirus can lead to death within 48-72 hours. 
• Distemper. Distemper is an airborne illness that spreads from dogs and other mammals. Distemper affects the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Dogs who become ill with distemper have a high risk of fatality. One in two dogs that are infected with distemper won’t survive. 
• Hepatitis. Canine hepatitis is spread through contact with the feces, urine, or saliva of an infected dog. Once contracted, hepatitis can damage your dog’s liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, and eyesight. While many dogs recover from hepatitis, they may have life-long medical problems due to the infection. 
• Rabies. Rabies is spread through bites and scratches from an infected animal. Once infected, a dog with rabies will immediately display behavior changes like aggression, irritation, and anxiousness. Dogs may also drool and experience seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Core vaccinations are an essential part of your dog’s care. Even if you do not own other dogs and do not plan to expose your dog to other animals, the risk of airborne illness and contact with other animals’ fecal matter makes these vaccinations necessary for your puppy. 

Non-Core Vaccinations

Non-core vaccinations are available to help prevent the spread of illness in dogs that will be boarded or around other animals. If you plan to take your dog to a dog park, for instance, considering these vaccinations is a good idea. 

• Bordetella. The Bordetella vaccine is commonly given to dogs who will frequently be around other dogs. If you plan to have your puppy boarded, in doggy daycare, at dog parks, or in a training program, it would be a good idea to consider this vaccination. Bordetella prevents the spread of the bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough, which can cause extreme respiratory distress and illness in dogs. 
• Canine influenza. Yes, there is a flu shot for your dog! Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog much in the same way that human influenza spreads through sneezing and coughing. Dogs may also become infected if they share water and/or food bowls with an infected animal.
• Lyme vaccines. Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to Lyme disease. Lyme disease spreads through tick bites. If your dog will be in areas where ticks are common, it may be a good idea to vaccinate them. 
• Leptospirosis. One of the most common diseases that can affect both animals and humans is leptospirosis. This disease causes gastrointestinal distress and can also affect whether a female dog will be able to have puppies. Although this is not a core vaccine, it’s recommended for any dog that will go outside because it is spread through the droppings and urination of wild animals, which could be present in yards where dogs frequently play or potty.

If you are concerned about which non-core vaccinations to get your dog, consult their veterinarian.

When Should My Puppy Receive Vaccinations?

Your puppy’s veterinarian will likely recommend vaccinations beginning at six to eight weeks of age. In some states, a puppy must be between eight and 10 weeks old before they can be adopted from a breeder or shelter. If this is the case, your puppy may have already had their first round of vaccinations. 

Generally, a puppy will receive a distemper and parvovirus vaccination between six and eight weeks of age. They may also receive a Bordetella shot during the same visit. 

The next round of vaccinations will take place between weeks 10 and 12. The core vaccination known as DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) is given to dogs this age, along with a booster Bordetella shot if your dog gets the Bordetella vaccination. At this time, they may also receive a Lyme disease vaccination. 

Between 16 and 18 weeks, your puppy will receive a DHPP booster and their first rabies vaccination. Some veterinarians may give these shots at one year of age. Boosters for Bordetella, Lyme disease, and influenza may also be given. 

After your puppy’s first year of life, they won’t need boosters as frequently. DHPP shots are given every one to two years. Rabies shots are given every one to three years or as required by state law. 

If you plan to change your dog’s lifestyle (you board them, begin to take them to dog parks, or start doggy daycare) you’ll want to speak to their veterinarian about additional vaccinations that might be needed to keep them safe. 

What To Expect After Vaccinations

After your puppy receives vaccinations, they may experience some common symptoms that are normal and natural. It’s important to know what symptoms are not common so that you can easily identify them and get your dog medical attention if necessary. 

Normal Side Effects from Vaccinations

On the day of your puppy’s vaccinations, you may notice they seem to sleep more than usual. This is a normal reaction from vaccinations and may have more to do with excited nerves than the vaccines themselves. 

Other normal reactions to vaccinations may include:

• Tenderness and mild swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite

These symptoms usually appear within a few hours of a vaccination and last until the end of the day. Symptoms may persist longer, so it is important to make sure they don’t get worse and that no new symptoms appear. 

For vaccinations that are given through the nose, your dog may experience respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing for several days after the vaccination appointment. 

When To Call the Veterinarian 

If your puppy’s symptoms persist longer than two days or their symptoms worsen, it’s a good idea to contact their veterinarian. In addition, if your puppy experiences any of the symptoms below, contact their veterinarian immediately. 

• Collapsing or fainting
• Difficulty breathing 
• Red, itchy bumps all over the body
• Swelling in the face, nose, eyes, or neck
• Persistent and severe cough
• Vomiting and diarrhea that lasts longer than 12 hours

If your puppy experiences these symptoms, they might be having an allergic reaction to the vaccination and need medical attention. 

How To Comfort Your Puppy After Vaccinations

Vaccination day can be overwhelming for your puppy. They’ll be visiting the veterinarian, receiving shots, and feeling stressed. 

Some dogs don’t enjoy being in the car, and vaccination days can mean travel time to and from the vet’s office. To help your puppy, you can offer them extra cuddles, warm blankets, fresh water, and a tasty treat when you get back home. 

Yummy Combs are ideal for vaccine day and every day. They provide 44% chicken protein and a complete and balanced nutrient profile with a flavor your dog loves. 

Yummy Combs are also the only treats that are scientifically proven to remove hardened tartar from your dog’s teeth, helping keep their dental health a priority from puppyhood through adulthood. 

Keeping Your Puppy Healthy

Vaccinations may not be your puppy’s idea of a good time, but they are an important part of keeping your dog healthy. In addition to getting your puppy vaccinated, talk to their veterinarian about their oral care and how frequently they’ll need to have their teeth cleaned. 

You can take care of their oral hygiene between cleanings with Yummy Combs and regular tooth brushing. Your puppy probably won’t love shots, but they’ll love getting a Yummy Combs treat when they get home. 

Reward your puppy for their bravery with a treat that helps keep their mouths healthy, too.

Sources:

Recommendations for core and noncore canine vaccines | AAHA

Canine parvovirus | American Veterinary Medical Association

Your Complete Guide to First-Year Puppy Vaccinations | AKC

Vaccinations | American Veterinary Medical Association

Effectiveness of a Daily Honeycomb-Shaped Dental Chew in Reducing Calculus, Plaque, Gingivitis and Malodor in Dogs | PubMed