Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

Vaccinating your dog or puppy is essential to protecting them from certain infectious diseases, which are often one of the causes of premature death. That makes vaccination an important part of your pet's health and well-being.

What is your schedule for first vaccinations for puppies?

The first puppy vaccines can be given at 2 months of age. Two booster shots will be needed, 4 weeks apart. You'll need to visit your veterinarian when your kitten is 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks old.

What is the basic vaccine?

The basic vaccine, or DHPP vaccine, protects your pet against 4 diseases: canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus.

I've heard that there are other vaccines for dogs. What are they?

In addition to the basic shots, you can also have your pet vaccinated against rabies, bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease and leptospirosis. Your veterinarian will let you know which of these other vaccines might be right for your pet.

When can my pet receive the rabies vaccine?

The rabies vaccine can be given at 3 months of age.

What should I do if my pet has an allergic reaction to the vaccines or side effects?

Your veterinarian will tell you if there are any side effects to watch out for. If you have any doubts or concerns, the best thing to do is to contact us immediately for professional advice. Severe allergic reactions such as swelling, hives or difficulty breathing are rare.

I forgot to bring my dog in for their booster shot. Is this a concern? 

Since vaccines offer protection for a set period of time, if your pet misses a booster shot, the immune system weakens and your pet is more likely to catch an illness. We recommend that you make an appointment as soon as possible to properly protect your dog again.