Quick Guide to Puppy and Dog Vaccinations
Protect your puppy and dog against common diseases by following this recommended vaccination and veterinary appointment schedule.
Vaccinations are a foundational and critically important part of your pet's preventive care plan. Generally, a vaccine protocol consists of a series of immunizations given to your pet as a puppy or kitten, boosters at one year and then periodically throughout their lifetime.
At Parker & Ace, we develop a personalized vaccine plan for your pet based on geographic location, risk, lifestyle and pre-existing medical conditions. The vaccinations we recommend will prevent diseases that are a serious threat to the health, longevity and quality of life of your pet.
By following the recommended vaccination and veterinary appointment schedule, you can help protect your puppy against common diseases and provide them with the best possible start in life.
Keep in mind: We don’t automatically vaccinate all pets for everything, every year, and the below chart should be directional. Talk to your Parker & Ace veterinarian for a more individualized plan.
What to expect your first year—and beyond
6-8 weeks
Puppy's First Visit!
Required vaccine: DA2PP* (series)
Optional vaccinations: Bordetella
Description: This is your first new puppy exam, in which we will do a fecal test for gastrointestinal parasites, deworming, first DA2PP vaccine (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus), microchip placement, and nail trim.
Can also include genetic screening, and 1 month dose of heartworm, flea and tick prevention
9-12 weeks
Progress Exam & Vaccinations
Required vaccine: DA2PP* (series)
Optional vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella
Description: At this puppy progress exam, your pet will get the second deworming, second set of DA2PP and nail trim + 1 month dose of heartworm, flea and tick prevention
12-16 weeks
Booster Vaccinations
Required vaccine: DA2PP* (series), Rabies
Optional vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella
Description: At this puppy progress exam, your pet will get their third set of vaccines (distemper/parvo/lepto and rabies), and nail trim + 1 month dose of heartworm, flea and tick prevention for growing puppy.
FYI: Spay or Neuter starts at 4 months - 2 years
1 year
Annual Wellness Exam
Required vaccine: Rabies
Optional vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella
Description: This will be your dog’s annual wellness exam. We will provide a thorough examination & develop a vaccine plan based on their lifestyle. Wellness testing will help us understand what’s normal for your dog as well as screen for early detection of common conditions. We will also prescribe heartworm, flea and tick prevention.
Adult
Wellness Exam
Required vaccine: Rabies (Every 1-3 years)
Optional vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella
Description: We offer vaccine titers to ensure that your dog still has protective immunity and that our vaccine schedule is appropriate. Wellness testing will help us understand what’s normal for your dog as well as screen for early detection of common conditions. We will prescribe heartworm, flea and tick prevention.
Senior
Senior Wellness Exam
Required vaccine: Rabies (Every 1-3 years)
Optional vaccinations: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella
Description: Parker & Ace provides a senior wellness exam for our older pets and vaccines based on their changing lifestyle. Senior screening may include diagnostic imaging and electrocardiograms if needed. Subtle changes to your dog’s test results can signal the presence of disease even before any outward signs of illness can be seen. We will prescribe heartworm, flea and tick prevention.