While most adult dogs require yearly vaccinations, puppies require vaccination booster sets three to four weeks apart starting at six to eight weeks old until about 16 to 20 weeks old. Once puppies grow into adult dogs, they can be immunized during their yearly physical exam.
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Distemper
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The distemper vaccine protects against the distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo virus and corona. In adult dogs, it is given yearly. In puppies, the first group is given at six to eight weeks with no lepto, the second group is given at nine to 11 weeks with no lepto, the third group is given at 12 to 16 weeks with lepto, and the fourth group is given at 16 to 20 weeks with lepto.
Bordetella
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The bordetella vaccine protects against kennel cough and is given every six months or once a year to adult dogs. In puppies it is generally given intranasally at six to eight weeks old or by inoculation at six to eight weeks and then again at nine to 11 weeks.
Lyme
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In adult dogs, the Lyme vaccine is given yearly. In puppies, the first series is given at 12 to 16 weeks and the second series is given at 16 to 20 weeks
Rabies
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Depending on each State's regulations, in adult dogs the rabies vaccine is given either yearly or every three years. In puppies it is generally given only once the puppy is 12 weeks old or older.
Warning
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There have been reports about the danger of over-vaccinating pets (see Resources). It is best to consult with a veterinarian in order to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccinating dogs on a yearly basis.
Considerations
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Each veterinary clinic may follow different vaccination schedules, so the vaccine schedule above is for general information only. Consult with a veterinarian if your dog has special health issues.
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