Puppy Shots: What Vaccinations Does Your New Dog Need and When?

63.4 million households in the country have a dog. If you're one of the many to add a playful little pup to your family, you'll want to make sure they stay healthy. By keeping track of your pet's puppy shot schedule, you can make sure they stay healthy as they grow older. 

Here's a list of all the puppy shots your dog will need in their younger years.

With this list, you can make sure your pup doesn't get sick so soon. Instead, asking yourself "what shots do puppies need?" early in their lives will help you take preventative measures. With so many different vaccinations, it can feel a little confusing.

This schedule will keep you and your pup on track for a healthy life together. 

Keep reading to discover all the puppy vaccinations your pup will need and when they'll need them. 

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

Also known as kennel cough, Bordetella is a bacteria transmitted through the air or direct contact. An infected dog could cough or sneeze on yours, spreading the bacteria. 

It's also spread through contaminated beds, bowels, clothing, or shared spaces. 

Symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Whooping
• Vomiting

In rare cases, your dog might also experience seizures or even death.

This vaccination is recommended for dogs that often go to daycare, puppy classes, kennels, or other places many dogs frequent. 

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between six and eight weeks of age.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is a virus transmitted through the air or contact. Like kennel cough, your dog might pick up this virus if an infected pup coughs or sneezes near them. It's also spread through materials such as bowls and beds. 

Symptoms include:

• Eye and nose discharge
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Trouble walking
• Seizures

Distemper is a severe and contagious virus that infects the nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. There is no cure for this disease, so puppy shots are essential. 

If your pup survives their symptoms, they might have a chance to fight off the virus.

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between six and eight weeks of age.

Canine Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection. This condition impacts the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and your pup's eyes.

The virus is transmitted through urine, vomit, or feces of an infected dog. It can also spread through contaminated beds, bowls, and shared spaces. 

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Decreased appetite and energy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Some dogs also have trouble breathing, abnormal bleeding, or develop a bluish tinge in their eyes. 

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

Canine Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza puppy shots are often included with your pup's Distemper shots. 

This virus is transmitted through the air and through infected puppies. Symptoms include:

• Eye discharge
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

Coronavirus

This virus passes when one dog ingests or licks an infected pup's stool. Symptoms include:

• Decreased appetite and energy
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

This disease is usually mild. However, some instances are more severe.

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

Heartworm

There isn't a vaccine for heartworm. However, it is preventable through regular medication. 

Heartworm is transmitted through mosquitoes. Dogs with heartworm have worms lodged within the right side of the heart and arteries. An infected pup can become lethargic, lose their appetite, and have trouble breathing. 

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 12 and 16 weeks of age.

Leptospirosis

This disease is caused by bacteria and is found worldwide in soil and water. It's possible for animals to spread this disease to people. Some dogs never show symptoms.

If symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and lethargy
• Stiffness
• Jaundice
• Muscle pain
• Kidney failure
• Vomiting

Antibiotics are effective in treating this condition.

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 10 and 16 weeks of age.

Lyme Disease

Caused by bacteria called a spirochete, this disease is transmitted through an infected tick's bite. Symptoms include:

• Limping
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Arthritis
• Vomiting

You might also notice a fever.

The disease can affect your dog's joints, kidney, and heart. When diagnosed quickly, your dog can receive treatment through a course of antibiotics. However, relapses sometimes occur months or even years after treatment. 

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

Parvovirus

Highly contagious, puppies under the age of four months and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk of contracting this virus. This virus attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing:

• Extreme dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Severe, bloody diarrhea

A dog with this condition could die between 48 and 72 hours. If your pup contracts parvovirus, it's crucial they see an Abilene veterinarian immediately. There is no cure for this condition. 

With that in mind, it's important to follow your puppy shot schedule. That way, you can take preventative steps before your pup contracts this condition. 

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

Rabies

Domestic animals account for 9% of all rabid animals reported in the US in 2017. Of these, 62 were dogs; a slight increase to the 58 rabid dogs reported the year before.

Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through mammals. It invades the central nervous system, causing:

• Anxiety
• Excessive drooling
• Fear of water
• Headaches
• Hallucinations
• Paralysis
• Death

Rabies is often transmitted through a bite from a rabid animal. 

It's essential your pup receives treatment for rabies immediately. Otherwise, death is highly likely. Many states require rabies vaccinations to keep the disease from spreading. 

Your pup will need this puppy vaccination when they're between 12 and 24 weeks of age. They'll need it again between 12 and 16, then again every one to three years as required by law.

Make sure to speak with your Abilene vet to determine the rabies vaccination laws in your area.

Stick to the Schedule: Keep Track of These Puppy Shots for a Healthier Pup

Keep the newest member of your family happy and healthy. With this puppy shot schedule, you can make sure your pet receives all the puppy shots they need. Make sure to speak with your Abilene vet to develop a plan for your pup!

Ready to get your pup on their shot schedule? Request an appointment with the best veterinary care in Abilene today!