Whether it is to comply with state and local regulations, or simply to keep your puppy healthy, getting vaccines for your puppy is an important part of his care. The schedule may vary slightly according to his needs, local trends and your lifestyle, and no schedule will apply to every puppy every time. But there are some recommended and optional vaccinations you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.
Instructions
Chat with your veterinarian about what is going on in your life and in your community. This is important because not every puppy will need every available vaccine. For example, if you work outside the home every day and your puppy will be enrolled in a doggy day care facility, you may need to get a bordatella vaccine which would otherwise be unnecessary. So have a frank discussion with your vet to learn what vaccines are right for your puppy.
Learn about the vaccine combinations and research which ones may be right for your particular situation. While a rabies vaccine is mandated by law in almost every community, other diseases such as leptospirosis, coronavirus or Lyme disease should only be vaccinated against in areas where these diseases are a concern or if you may be travelling to places where they are a concern. Vaccinations can be given in combos, or as individual vaccines as necessary. If your puppy is at high risk for parvovirus, he should be vaccinated at five weeks of age.
Study the recommended schedule and discuss it with your vet. At six to eight weeks of age your puppy should be given a combination vaccine against distemper and parainfluenza. At 10 to 12 weeks, he will be given the DHPP vaccine which protects him against distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus. At 12 to 24 weeks he will be given his rabies vaccine which is good for one or three years, depending on your vet's preference.