Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots Puppies Need & When

Vaccinations are crucial for maintaining your puppy's health. In this post, our San Mateo vets discuss the importance of vaccinating your puppy and provide a puppy vaccination schedule to help you prepare.

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies

Keep your puppy's deworming and vaccination schedule up to date to help prolong its overall health and longevity. Our San Mateo veterinarians have provided a typical schedule for puppy vaccinations and the specific vaccines they should receive.

It's important to note that vaccination needs to continue into adulthood, and booster shots are required to keep your pet protected against disease and illness.

When do puppies get shots?

Puppies typically start receiving vaccinations at six to eight weeks old. This early start is essential because puppies are born with some immunity from their mothers, but this immunity begins to wane as they age. A series of vaccines will follow, ensuring they are fully protected as they grow.

What shots do puppies need?

Puppies' vaccinations are divided into core and optional vaccines. Core vaccines are essential for all puppies due to the severe nature of the diseases they prevent and their widespread distribution. Optional vaccines are recommended based on the puppy's lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Possible Vaccine Conflictions

Your veterinarian may adjust the vaccine schedule or avoid vaccines entirely if your puppy is too young, a senior, or has a compromised immune system. Your veterinarian can explain their recommendations for your dog's specific situation.

Puppy Deworming and Vaccination Schedule

In addition to vaccinations, deworming is vital for your puppy’s health. Puppies should be dewormed at two weeks of age, with treatments repeated every two weeks until they are eight weeks old. Afterward, monthly deworming treatments should be continued until they are six months old. Combining this with your puppy’s vaccination schedule ensures a comprehensive approach to their health.

The Importance of Vaccinating Your Dog

Vaccines help to protect your dog from a variety of serious and potentially fatal disorders and diseases. Vaccinating your puppy from the beginning and following a schedule of vaccinations will help ensure your dog will live a long and healthy life. When vaccinating your puppy, you provide a solid foundation for their well-being in the future. 

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 your puppy showing signs of a veterinary emergency? Contact our San Mateo vets immediately for immediate care.