Vaccination Schedule for Your Puppy & Adult Dog

To give your dog their best shot at a long and healthy life, vaccinations are essential. Here's more from our Thomasville vets on when to get your puppy or adult dog vaccinated.

Puppies

If you're adopting or purchasing a puppy be sure to obtain a copy of your new pet's medical records, including their immunization records. Knowing your pet's medical and immunization history is important. 

When should your puppy get their first shots?

To provide your puppy with optimum protection, our Thomasville vets recommend that they receive their first round of vaccinations between six to eight weeks old, as soon as they are weaned.

After the initial round of shots, your puppy should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until they are about 14 weeks of age.

Is your dog is up-to-date on their shots?

Consult your Thomasville vet if you don't know the vaccination history of your dog or puppy. Your vet may advise you to begin the vaccination process from scratch, in order to provide your pet with the best possible protection. After all, when it comes to your canine friend's health, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies & Adult Dogs

Our Thomasville vets recommend following the vaccination schedule below, in order to provide your dog with optimal protection from a range of serious conditions.

DHLPPC: Protects your dog against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo and corona.

• First vaccination: 6 - 8 weeks
• Second vaccination: 9 - 11 weeks
• Third vaccination: 12 - 14 weeks
• Fourth vaccination: 16 - 17 weeks
• Booster shots: Every 12 months

Bordetella: Protection against kennel cough.

• First vaccination: 14 weeks
• Booster shots: Every 6 - 12 months

Rabies: Keeps your pet safe from the deadly rabies virus.

• First vaccination: 16 weeks (varies by state)
• Booster shots: Every 12 - 36 months

Lyme: Helps to prevent Lyme disease in pets.

• First vaccination: 14 weeks
• Second vaccination: 17 weeks
• Booster shots: Every 12 months

Which vaccines does your dog need?

To protect your dog's health throughout their lifetime, it is essential to keep your pet immunized against parvovirus, distemper, rabies and hepatitis. 

All dog owners in North Carolina are required to have their animal currently vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and maintain their pet’s current rabies vaccination status throughout the animal’s entire lifetime.

Other vaccinations can be considered on a case by case basis. Your vet will be able to recommend the best vaccinations for your dog based on your dog's breed, age and lifestyle.