Vaccination protocols and schedule

Presented below is just one veterinarian's general schedule of vaccinations for puppies. Your veterinarian's vaccination protocols may be different.

Vaccination protocols for dogs are changing almost yearly as new research is done on duration of immunity.

Below is an example of what your local veterinarian may reccomend.

  • 6 to 7 weeks of age: Give first combination vaccine. (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus)
  • 9 weeks of age: Give second combination vaccine.
  • 12 weeks of age: Give the third combination injection and possibly a LYME Vaccine inoculation. Generally a LYME vaccine is then repeated two weeks later, then once a year.
  • 16 weeks of age: Give the last combination vaccine.
  • 12 to 16 weeks of age: Rabies vaccine is given. (Local and State laws apply regarding Rabies vaccine since this can be a human disease, too. Your veterinarian will tell you the proper time intervals for booster vaccines for Rabies.)

Special considerations: Many veterinarians believe some breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans should have at least two Parvo vaccines with the last one being given at 20 weeks of age.