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Step 1
Find a vet whom you can take your puppy to by asking a pet store or animal shelter where you are getting your puppy. There are vets in many cities, so finding the right one to help you keep your puppy's health at an optimal level is very important.
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Step 2
Make an appointment at the vet to get your puppy's shots. Cities also offer low-cost vaccination clinics to all pet owners. You can check to see if your city offers these clinics by checking the city's website or calling the animal services division.
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Step 3
Learn which vaccinations are given, depending on the age of the puppy. The distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccines are given as a single shot, also known as DHLPP.
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Step 4
Know that beginning at 6 to 8 weeks, the first DHLPP plus corona shot is given, followed by a second DHLPP plus corona at 11 to 12 weeks of age. The last shot in the series for a puppy is given at 15 to 16 weeks. Puppies over the age of 4 months are given a rabies shot, and each year after they must be revaccinated. At 7 to 9 months, puppies are given their first heartworm test.
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Step 5
Keep health records current, and make sure that once the puppies reach adult age, they are still being vaccinated. The DHLPP shot should be given yearly, just as the heartworm test and bordatella immunization are also administered. Rabies vaccinations should be given every 3 years after the second immunization.
