Puppy Vaccination Schedule

While repeated appointments for your puppy's vaccines can seem inconvenient, our Seattle 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 are puppy shots important?

Just like the array of vaccines designed for use in people, vaccines for dogs in the Seattle area help to protect your pet from a wide range of serious, and potentially even fatal, conditions and diseases that can spread rapidly between unvaccinated dogs. 

While it may seem inconvenient (and even a bit costly) to bring your new puppy to your vet's on a regular, frequent basis throughout their first year, your puppy's first vaccinations and their annual renewals are critical to protecting them from illness and ensuring they're set up to live a long, healthy and happy life. 

What illnesses will my puppy's vaccinations address?

Vaccines recommended for puppies and adult dogs in Seattle help to prevent and reduce the severity of illnesses such as hepatitis, distemper, bordetella, rabies and parvovirus. 

Our vets can recommend a set of vaccinations that are most suitable for your puppy based on where you live, in addition to your dog's age, lifestyle and other factors. 

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)

This combination vaccine offers protection against canine distemper (D), infectious hepatitis/adenovirus (H) and parvovirus (P) in addition to parainfluenza (P). Vaccines for distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus are categorized as core vaccines. This means that every dog should receive these, regardless of location or lifestyle. 

Bordetella

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that causes inflammation in a dog's upper respiratory system that can lead to coughing and illness and expose your pooch to secondary infections. You may hear most veterinarians call the disease kennel cough. 

The Bordetella non-core vaccine is given to dogs that frequently spend time around other dogs in boarding, daycare centers, dog parks, shows and other social settings. 

Leptospirosis

Caused by leptospira bacteria that's often found in water and soil in lakes, streams and rivers, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to people. 

The potentially serious disease can cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, muscle tenderness, fever, shivering and other flu-like symptoms. Long-term, it can cause permanent residual damage to the kidneys or liver.  

The non-core vaccine can benefit dogs who are at increased risk for exposure. Ask your veterinarian if this vaccine is recommended for your pup based on their lifestyle. 

Rabies

The deadly rabies virus can have severely negative effects on the brain. Transmitted through contact with an animal's saliva, rabies is almost always fatal. Once symptoms of the deadly virus appear, dogs and other animals can usually be expected to die within a few days. there is no treatment for the virus, so the rabies shot is an important one to ensure your pet's health is protected. Our Seattle vets recommend the rabies vaccine as a core vaccine for puppies. 

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. 

Vaccine Conflictions

Our vet may decide to alter the vaccine schedule or skip vaccines altogether if your puppy is too young if they are a senior, or if they have a compromised immune system. Your vet will be able to explain what they recommend for your dog's individual situation.

Possible Vaccine Side Effects

Dog vaccines are considered very safe and few dogs experience side effects. Those that do typically experience very mild reactions.

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.

Is it time for your puppy's shots? Contact our Seattle vets today to book a vaccine appointment for your adorable new family member.