A905
Vaccination Program

Puppies 6-8 weeks of age when receiving their first vaccination:
  1. 6-8 weeks (first vaccination): 
    Recommended: measles/distemper, adenovirus 
    Optional: parainfluenza, parvovirus
  2. 9-11 weeks (second vaccination): 
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus 
    Optional: *leptospirosis, coronavirus
  3. 12-14 weeks (third vaccination): 
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus 
    Optional: *leptospirosis, bordetellosis, coronavirus, lyme disease
  4. 15-17 weeks (fourth vaccination): 
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, **parvovirus, ***rabies 
    Optional: *leptospirosis, bordetellosis, coronavirus, lyme disease

Note:    

* Because of reactions and problems, it is recommended that leptospirosis and coronavirus be given separately in different locations.

** If using conventional MLV parvo vaccines (please see page A900) in the following breeds, it is recommended to administer booster vaccinations until 20-22 weeks of age: Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and German Shepherds.

***Rabies may be administered anytime on or after 12 weeks of age.

 

Puppies 9-11 weeks of age when receiving their first vaccination:
  1. These puppies should follow the above schedule starting with B (second vaccination) and continue through the entire program.

 

Puppies and adults 12 weeks of age or greater when receiving their first vaccination:
  1. Any dog greater than 12 weeks (first vaccination): 
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus 
    Optional: *leptospirosis, bordetellosis, coronavirus, lyme disease
  2. At 2-3 weeks following the first vaccination:
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, **parvovirus, ***rabies 
    Optional: *leptospirosis, bordetellosis, coronavirus, lyme disease

Note:

* Because of reactions and problems, it is recommended that leptospirosis and coronavirus be given separately in different locations.

** If using conventional MLV parvo vaccines (please see page A900) in the following breeds, it is recommended to administer booster vaccinations until 20-22 weeks of age: Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and German Shepherds.

***Rabies may be administered anytime on or after 12 weeks of age.

 

Boosters are recommended for all animals that have had a series of vaccinations previously:
  1. Recommended yearly: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and *rabies
    Optional yearly: leptospirosis, bordetellosis, coronavirus, lyme disease

Note:

*Rabies is recommended every 1-3 years depending on dog’s age, product used, and local public health laws.

 

SPECIAL SITUATIONS:

  1. Puppies that were colostrum-deprived, or were in situations where parvo has been a problem, can receive the following:
  1. At 2-3 weeks of age (first vaccination): 
    Recommended: distemper/measles or distemper (a less virulent strain such as Progard or Galaxy should be used at this age), adenovirus (inactivated), parvovirus (inactivated)
  2. At 5-6 weeks of age (second vaccination):
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (inactivated or MLV)
  3. At 8-9 weeks of age (third vaccination):
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (MLV) 
    Optional: leptospirosis, parainfluenza
  4. At 12 weeks of age (fourth vaccination):
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, **parvovirus (MLV), ***rabies
    Optional: *leptospirosis, bordetellosis, coronavirus, lyme disease
  5. At 15-16 weeks of age (fifth vaccination):
    Recommended: distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus (MLV), rabies (if not given previously)
    Optional: coronavirus, bordetellosis, lyme disease

Note:

* Because of reactions and problems, it is recommended that leptospirosis and coronavirus be given separately in different locations.

** If using conventional MLV parvo vaccines (please see A900) in the following breeds, it is recommended to administer booster vaccinations until 20-22 weeks of age: Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and German Shepherds.

***Rabies may be administered anytime on or after 12 weeks of age.

  1. Pregnant females: MLV vaccines have been responsible for infertility and abortions in the female, and for birth defects and death in the unborn puppies. Although some vaccines may be safe, modified live virus vaccines cannot be recommended in pregnant animals.
  2. Puppies less than 5 weeks of age and immunosuppressed animals: In these groups, MLV vaccines have been known to occasionally cause the disease they are designed to prevent; therefore, they cannot be recommended.
  3. Disease outbreak situations - (These recommendations are made in addition to disease treatment in affected animals):
  1. Distemper: Vaccinate all dogs exposed to the virus within 4 days of exposure. Intravenous administration of CDV vaccine may be used for exposed dogs to produce a more rapid response. Care must be taken, however, to avoid administering adenovirus or leptospirosis vaccines intravenously because of allergic reactions which may develop.
  2. Leptospirosis: Vaccinate all exposed dogs twice (2-3 weeks apart).
  3. Infectious respiratory disease: Vaccinate all exposed dogs with parainfluenza and Bordetella vaccines, preferably intranasal.
  4. Parvovirus: Vaccinate all exposed dogs with potentiated MLV parvovirus vaccines, and avoid administering any canine distemper vaccines until recovery is complete.

Note: Recent research and studies have indicated that certain vaccines may only be needed every 3 years.  Because of this, it is highly recommended that a local veterinarian be consulted.