Staying on schedule for dog vaccinations is essential to your dog’s health and well-being. Vaccinations series in puppies begin around 8 weeks of age. Some veterinarians may start them sooner, but we recommend waiting to start until 8 weeks of age due to the passive immunity that the mother provides. However, we will start them as early as 6 weeks if there is a high risk of exposure to the parvo virus. They will need to receive booster vaccines roughly every three to four weeks until they are 4 months.
Once puppies have received their initial vaccinations, it is important to consult with your veterinarian about the best schedule for continuing dog vaccinations throughout your pet’s life. For general reference, here is a possible vaccination schedule for the average dog:
8 weeks
- Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvo/Parainfluenza combination vaccine: This will be the 1st of the combination vaccines that will be received. It is important to start the series right around this age to help protect your dog.
12 weeks
- Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvo/Parainfluenza and Lepto combination vaccine: This will be the 2nd of the combination vaccines that will be received and the Lepto will be started at this time but is part of our combo vaccine.
- Rabies vaccine (this can be done at 16 weeks as well)
16 weeks
- Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvo/Parainfluenza and Lepto combination vaccine: This will be the 3rd of the combination vaccines that will be received with the Lepto included.
Adult
Boosters for dog vaccinations are given at various times throughout a dog’s adult life and are usually boostered annually or every 3 years depending on which vaccine it is and if you have stayed on track. Your veterinarian can advise you on what is best for your pet. Boosters include the above listed vaccines, but can also include: Bordetella, Influenza, and/or a vaccine for Lyme disease if there is a local concern with ticks or if you will be traveling to an area where Lyme disease is possible.
At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we believe that staying on top of dog vaccinations is imperative to maintaining your dog’s overall health. If your puppy or dog needs to get current with vaccinations, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. Your dog will receive a thorough check up to assess his needs, and we will work with you to decide the best approach for his vaccination schedule.
Anasazi Animal Clinic is located at 425 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 112, Gilbert, AZ. Our phone number is (480) 497-0505.