Repeated appointments for your puppy's vaccines can seem inconvenient, but our Fairfield, NJ vets firmly believe that following the vaccination schedule below is the best way to help protect your pup's health now and throughout their lifetime.
Why Puppy Vaccinations Are Important
Vaccinations are an essential element of your dog's preventive health care. Starting with puppy shots early in life, then keeping booster shots up-to-date as they move through adulthood, gives your canine companion their very best chance of living a long and healthy life.
Maintaining a schedule for routine vaccinations for your dog could also save you time and money since treatment for the diseases prevented by these vaccines can be time-consuming and very expensive.
Which Shots Does My Puppy Need
The vaccinations that are recommended for dogs in the Fairfield, NJ region include immunizations that help protect against rabies, bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis.
Your veterinarian will be able to make recommendations regarding the vaccinations that are most suitable for your dog based on the age of your pet, the location in which you live, and the lifestyle that your dog leads.
Puppy Vaccine Schedule & Adult Booster Shots
Your vet can help you to determine the best deworming and vaccination schedule for your young pup, but below we provide our recommended schedules for getting your puppy's shots and your adult dog's booster vaccines. By following these schedules we believe that you are giving your four-legged family member their very best chance at a long and healthy life.
Puppy Shots Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- *DHPP Shot 1
- Bordatella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
10 - 12 Weeks
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
- DHPP Shot 2
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
14 - 16 Weeks
- DHPP Shot 3
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
Annually
- Bordetella
- Leptospira
- Lyme
- Rabies
- Influenza Virus-H3N8
- Influenza Virus-H3N2
Every 3 Years
- DHPP Booster
- Rabies
*DHPP: this vaccine protects against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Age Restrictions
Speak to your vet to find out more about which vaccines are appropriate for your dog. Very young puppies and senior dogs with compromised immune systems are not eligible for all shots.
Possible Vaccine Side Effects
Vaccines for dogs are usually considered to be very safe, and very few dogs experience any adverse effects. Typically, those who do experience very mild reactions are the ones concerned.
That said, in rare cases some dogs may have an allergic reaction to getting their shots. This is typically due to a sensitivity to an individual ingredient of a specific vaccine. Different breeds tend to react to some ingredients.
Breeds including German shepherds, collies, and some sheepdogs are known to be sensitive to individual vaccines. Your veterinarian will skip any vaccines that contain ingredients that your dog may be sensitive to.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.