Dog vaccination schedule: puppy and adult
Vaccination is the most cost-effective protection against lethal canine diseases (distemper, parvo, rabies). Starting correctly in puppyhood and maintaining annual boosters can mean 15+ years of healthy life. This guide has the complete US calendar.
🛠️ What you'll need
- Healthy dog (no fever, normal appetite)
- Vaccination card
- Dewormer up to 3 days before
- Trusted vet with proper cold storage
📋 Step by step
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1
1. Prior deworming (2-3 days before)
Dog with worms doesn't respond well to vaccine (immune system busy).
Broad-spectrum dewormer (Endogard, Drontal) at correct dose by weight.
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2
2. First DHPP dose (6-8 weeks)
DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza) is the core puppy vaccine.
Vaccinated mother dogs transmit antibodies through colostrum until 6-8 weeks — vaccinating before is less effective.
💡 Don't walk on street until 15 days after THIRD dose. -
3
3. Second DHPP dose (10-12 weeks)
Booster 3-4 weeks after first dose.
Rabies can also be given now if dog is over 12 weeks.
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4
4. Third DHPP dose + Rabies (14-16 weeks)
Last core dose + rabies if not yet given.
Wait 15 days after this dose for first street walk.
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5
5. Optional vaccines (after 4 months)
Bordetella (kennel cough) — if attends daycare or boarding
Leptospirosis — high risk areas
Lyme disease — tick endemic areas
Consult your vet about regional need.
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6
6. Permanent annual booster
DHPP annual + Rabies annual/triennial, for life.
Some modern protocols allow DHPP every 3 years after 15-month booster (talk to vet).
Rabies is MANDATORY by law in most US states.
What each vaccine protects against
Approximate US costs
- DHPP: $25-50 per dose
- Rabies: $15-30
- Bordetella: $20-40
- Lyme: $30-60
- PUPPY PACKAGE (3 DHPP + rabies): $150-300
- Adult annual (DHPP + rabies): $80-150
Normal post-vaccination signs (24-48h)
- Mild drowsiness
- Slight loss of appetite
- Small pain at injection site
- Low fever (99-102°F)
SEVERE REACTION (immediate vet emergency)
- Rapid facial swelling
- Intense vomiting or diarrhea
- Breathing difficulty
- Seizure
- Collapse or fainting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can unvaccinated puppy go outside?
NO. Only in owner's arms, without touching street or park floor, until 15 days after third dose. Can socialize at friends' homes with vaccinated dogs.
Is annual vaccine really mandatory?
Rabies: YES, by law. Core (DHPP): technically can be every 3 years after initial protocol, but most vets recommend annual for safety.
Adult dog without vaccination, how to start?
Give 2 DHPP doses 3 weeks apart + rabies on second dose. Doesn't need 3 doses like puppy.
Does vaccine cause side effects?
Mild effects (drowsiness, local pain) are normal in 5-10% of dogs. Severe reaction is rare (<1%). Stay 30 min at vet after vaccinating for observation.
Does senior dog still need vaccination?
Yes. Immune system weakens with age — vaccination is even more important. Only avoid if dog has active autoimmune disease (vet decides).