How to Know When and What Shots a Puppy Needs

Almost everyone loves puppies! However, many people especially new dog owners do not know what shots a puppy needs, or when they need them. Here are a few steps to help guide you through your puppy days.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you just bought, adopted, or found and new puppy, first you need to take it to a veterinarian. Try to go to one that you will use regularly, this is better for you and the vet. Be sure to take any papers such as shot records and documents so that the vet can record the information.

2. At about 6 to 8 weeks a puppy needs two vaccinations, a DHLPP and a corona shot. The DHLPP protects your puppy from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and the parvovirus.

3. Three weeks after your puppies first vaccination it needs its second round of shots, the DHLPP and corona shots (again).
   
   1st set_________2nd set
   6 weeks old_____9 weeks old
   7 weeks old_____10 weeks old
   8 weeks old_____11 weeks old

4. Your third and last set of the DHLPP and corona shots are given three weeks after the second set.
   
   1st set_________2nd set_________3rd set
   6 weeks old_____9 weeks old_____12 weeks old
   7 weeks old_____10 weeks old____13 weeks old
   8 weeks old_____11 weeks old____14 weeks old

5. At around 16 weeks old your puppy needs its rabies shot. Also there are certain breeds of dogs that need a 4th parvovirus shot because of there vulnerability of the virus (ask your vet about your breed).

Tips & Warnings

• If you are late on a vaccination you still need to get it, then keep with the three week later vaccine if your puppy is on its 1st or 2nd set.