Hey y’all, just brought home a new puppy and I’m trying to figure out this whole shot schedule thing. There’s a lot to keep track of and IDK where to even start. I know shots are super important to keep them healthy, but like… what shots happen when? Anyone else go through this recently and can break it down a bit?
Yup, went through this a couple months ago. You gotta start shots at like 6-8 weeks with DHP or DAP—covers distemper, parvo, and hepatitis. Super important stuff.
Andi said:
Yup, went through this a couple months ago. You gotta start shots at like 6-8 weeks with DHP or DAP—covers distemper, parvo, and hepatitis. Super important stuff.
Wait what’s DHP stand for again?
@Fitz
DHP = Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus. Some vets call it DAP but it’s basically the same deal.
@Fitz
Yeah and these ones are super serious. Like distemper has no cure and can be fatal 
Don’t forget about the booster shots! They happen at like 10-12 weeks and again around 16-18 weeks. Then you do a 12-16 month follow-up.
Zeek said:
Don’t forget about the booster shots! They happen at like 10-12 weeks and again around 16-18 weeks. Then you do a 12-16 month follow-up.
Is that when they get the rabies shot too?
@Niko
Yup! Rabies usually comes in around 16-18 weeks. Then you gotta keep doing it every 1-3 years depending on state laws.
Also ask your vet about non-core vaccines. Mine recommended Bordetella and Lepto since we board our pup sometimes.
Pax said:
Also ask your vet about non-core vaccines. Mine recommended Bordetella and Lepto since we board our pup sometimes.
Bordetella… that’s for kennel cough, right?
Pax said:
Also ask your vet about non-core vaccines. Mine recommended Bordetella and Lepto since we board our pup sometimes.
Bordetella… that’s for kennel cough, right?
Exactly! It’s either a shot or a nose spray. If your pup’s around other dogs a lot, it’s def worth getting.
My vet also mentioned Lyme disease and dog flu vaccines. We’re in an area with a lot of ticks so I went ahead and added that one in.
Marlon said:
My vet also mentioned Lyme disease and dog flu vaccines. We’re in an area with a lot of ticks so I went ahead and added that one in.
Is Lyme disease that bad for dogs too?
@Del
Yeah it can be. They might limp, lose appetite, get swollen lymph nodes. If untreated it can mess them up long term.
FYI some pet insurance plans cover vaccines if you add preventative care. I’m with Spot and it helped cover the wellness exam and some shots.
Kim said:
FYI some pet insurance plans cover vaccines if you add preventative care. I’m with Spot and it helped cover the wellness exam and some shots.
Oh cool, I didn’t know that. Might look into it, shots can get $$
@Arun
Yeah, it’s not all covered by default but worth it for peace of mind tbh.