Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Your brand-new puppy is a fluffy bundle of joy and a great addition to the family. Making sure he receives the proper puppy vaccinations is a vital part of providing your new dog with the proper care he needs to stay healthy for life. At Mills Veterinary Care in Browns Mills, NJ, we offer a wide range of veterinary care services for your pet, including vaccinations and much more. What is the right puppy vaccination schedule, and when and how often should your puppy be vaccinated by your veterinarian near you? Read on to learn more about this key part of your puppy’s healthcare plan.

Core Puppy Vaccinations

Once your puppy is between six and eight weeks old, he should receive core vaccinations that include canine distemper and adenovirus-2 (hepatitis) vaccines and the parvovirus/parainfluenza vaccine. This is usually given as one vaccine at our animal clinic and may be called either DA2PP, DHPP, or DAPP. This core vaccine should be given again when your dog is between 10-12 weeks old, 14-16 weeks old, and then given annually thereafter.

Bordetella Vaccines

All puppies between the ages of six to eight weeks should receive the Bordetella vaccine. This vaccine protects your dog against kennel cough, a common infectious disease that can sometimes be deadly. When your dog reaches adulthood, he or she should receive another Bordetella vaccine each year, especially if your dog stays in “doggie daycare” facilities or kennels.

Rabies Vaccines

Protecting your dog against rabies is extremely important. It’s also required by law in most cities and states. The first rabies vaccine should be administered by a veterinarian near you when your dog is between 14 and 16 weeks old. Your pet should get another rabies vaccine each year after that for continued protection.

Non-Core Puppy Vaccinations

The vaccinations already listed are important and are considered “core” vaccines, but there are also some “non-core” vaccinations you can give your puppy. Also called “lifestyle vaccines,” these may include Lyme disease vaccines and canine influenza vaccines. Whether or not your puppy gets or needs these vaccines often depends on where you live, whether your pet will go to dog parks and kennels, and the overall health of your pet.

Contact Mills Veterinary Care in Browns Mills, NJ, at (609) 735-6160 to schedule an appointment with your vet today!