Puppy Vaccination Schedule

When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing diseases that can be life-threatening. Understanding your dog's vaccination needs and keeping up with their booster schedule can be confusing, especially when you have a new puppy. To help you keep things straight, you can download a puppy booster schedule here for reference. Vaccinations are typically divided into two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are essential for all dogs as they protect against common and potentially severe diseases. Non-core vaccines are based on a dog’s lifestyle, geographical location, and individual risk factors. The following are the differences between core and non-core vaccinations. 

Core Vaccinations for Dogs

Core vaccines are those that are strongly recommended for all dogs, regardless of their breed, size, or location. These vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, and pose significant health risks. Core vaccinations for dogs typically include:

1. Rabies: A viral disease that affects the nervous system, rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies vaccinations are usually required by law in many areas.
2. Distemper: A highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be fatal in severe cases.
3. Parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is a serious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
4. Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Canine adenovirus causes infectious hepatitis, affecting the liver and other organs. It's a serious disease with a high mortality rate.
5. Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus that can contribute to kennel cough and other illnesses.

Non-Core Vaccinations for Dogs

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on a dog’s specific risk factors, which can vary depending on lifestyle, location, and other factors. Some common non-core vaccines include:

1. Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that is common in dogs that frequent kennels, dog parks, or other communal areas.
2. Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can affect multiple organs, especially the kidneys and liver. Dogs that spend time outdoors in areas with standing water are at higher risk.
3. Lyme Disease: A tick-borne illness that can cause joint pain, fever, and other symptoms. Dogs in tick-prone areas may benefit from this vaccine.
4. Canine Influenza: Protects against canine flu, a respiratory disease that can cause mild to severe symptoms.
5. Coronavirus: Canine coronavirus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs, particularly puppies.

Puppy Booster Schedule

When it comes to vaccinations, puppies have a specific schedule to follow to ensure they receive the proper immunity. Here’s a general puppy booster schedule to follow:

• 6-8 weeks: First core vaccinations (DAPP: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza), plus non-core vaccinations as recommended.
• 10-12 weeks: Second round of DAPP and other non-core vaccinations as recommended.
• 14-16 weeks: Third round of DAPP, rabies vaccination (if allowed by local laws), and any non-core vaccines as recommended.
• 12 months: Annual boosters for DAPP, rabies, and any non-core vaccines as recommended.

After the first year, most core vaccinations will continue on a schedule every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Understanding the difference between core and non-core vaccinations is important for ensuring your dog receives the appropriate protection. By following a recommended puppy booster schedule and discussing your dog's specific needs with your veterinarian, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and protected throughout their life.