A mother passes on a significant amount of antibodies to her litter, when she gives birth to them. These antibodies ensure that the puppies are able to combat most diseases, well on their own. But of course, they may not be enough to safeguard your pet's health throughout his/her lifetime. Therefore, it is necessary to speak to a veterinarian, in order to understand the vaccinations that need to be administered, along with the timeline. Even if a single vaccination scheduled is missed, your puppy could be vulnerable to a number of diseases. As a matter of fact, vaccinations are important for pets, so that they are protected from a number of life-threatening ailments.
What is a Puppy Shot Schedule?
A puppy shot schedule is the layout of the vaccines that need to be administered to your dog, along with the designated time for each vaccine. The schedule serves as a reminder to the pet owner, ensuring that the dog gets vaccinated on time. In case this schedule is disrupted, the owner will have to deal with the possibility of the pet contracting diseases. A dog that's not been vaccinated may be vulnerable to one or more of the following diseases -
- Hepatitis
- Distemper, a viral disease affecting brain, lungs and intestine
- Parainfluenza (Infectious bronchitis)
- Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, affecting the urinary tract
- Rabies, a viral disease which can be fatal
- Corona, an intestinal viral disease
- Parvovirus, an intestinal viral disease
- Kennel Cough (Bordetella), a bacterial infection affecting upper respiratory tract
| Age | Shot Name | Optional Vaccines |
| 6 to 8 weeks | 1st DHLPP1 + Corona | Kennel Cough |
| 11 to 12 weeks | 2nd DHLPP + Corona | Kennel Cough, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis |
| 15 to 16 weeks | 3rd DHLPP + Corona + Rabies | - |
| After 4 months | Rabies | Corona, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis |
| 7 to 9 months | 1st Heartworm Test | - |
| 12 to 16 months | Rabies + DHPP2 | Kennel Cough, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis |
1 - This vaccination is also known as five-in-one vaccine. It guards the puppy against Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Canine parvovirus.
2 - This vaccine is given to protect the puppy from distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Adult Dog Shots Schedule
- DHLLP vaccine is to be administered to dogs once a year.
- Your pet dog will need to undergo a heartworm test annually.
- The second shot of rabies vaccine should be given 12 months after the first shot. Thereafter, rabies vaccine should be given every three years.
- Vaccination against kennel cough is also to be administered every year.
- Dogs have to be dewormed every 3 months, after they cross the age of 6 months.
The dose of the vaccine depends on the disease for which the vaccine is given. In most cases, the dosage given is of 1cc.
People assume that as soon as their pet is administered a vaccine, it will boost their pet's immune system. This, however, is not true. It is necessary for the pet's immune system to recognize the antigens received and then respond to it. For the pet to be totally protected against the disease, it will take anywhere between 5 to 10 days.
Your puppy may need vaccination against Lyme disease, especially if you're planning to keep him/her on a farm or a ranch. Ticks are the carriers of Lyme disease, which is why your dog's coat should be examined periodically for infestation.
Another side effect of vaccination on puppies is diarrhea. Like vomiting, diarrhea also lasts for about a day. In case it persists, contact your pet's veterinarian.
Another misconception is, that vaccination doses given to a dog differs from breed to breed and is dependent on its size. Actually, the quantity administered is uniform for all breeds.
Some puppies may act listless for a day after the vaccination. If their mood does not change even after two days, talk to the vet.
Some puppies also have bouts of vomiting after vaccination. This condition normally lasts for about a day.
If you notice any swelling that lasts for more than a day, do contact the vet.
Depending on the health of the puppy and the breed, the schedule of vaccinating the puppy may vary. Therefore, it is best to let the veterinarian decide the vaccination schedule for the dog. The owner has to be aware, when the puppy has to be taken to veterinarian at the appointed time. Make sure none of the vaccinations are missed, so that your pet is well protected from different diseases at all times.
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