Your Complete Guide to First-Year Puppy Vaccinations

Your Complete Guide to First-Year Puppy Vaccinations – Shared by AKC

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. Your puppy depends on you for everything—from providing the best food and training to offering attention, comfort, and medical care. Part of this care includes ensuring your puppy receives the right vaccinations during her first year.

Which Shots Do Puppies Need?

Visiting the vet regularly for vaccinations and boosters may seem like a hassle, but the diseases these shots prevent are serious, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly avoidable.

With so many vaccinations available, it can be confusing to know which ones are essential and which are optional. Here’s an overview of the key diseases these vaccinations protect against.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

This highly contagious bacterium causes coughing, vomiting, and, in severe cases, seizures or death. It’s the leading cause of kennel cough, an upper respiratory infection. Vaccination is available as an injectable or nasal spray.

If you plan to board your puppy, attend group training, or use dog daycare services, proof of Bordetella vaccination may be required.

Canine Distemper

A serious viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems. Distemper is spread through airborne exposure, such as sneezing or coughing, and by shared food and water bowls. Symptoms include fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. There’s no cure, and infected dogs can shed the virus for months.

Canine Hepatitis

This viral infection affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, and eyes. Symptoms can range from mild congestion and fever to vomiting, jaundice, and abdominal pain. While many dogs recover from mild forms, the severe variant can be fatal. No cure exists, but supportive treatment can help manage symptoms.

Canine Parainfluenza

A virus that contributes to kennel cough, often in combination with other infections.

Canine Coronavirus

Not to be confused with COVID-19, canine coronavirus typically affects the gastrointestinal system, causing symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. There’s no cure, but supportive care can help alleviate symptoms.

Heartworm

While there is no vaccine for heartworm, it’s preventable with medication. Heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes, grow up to 14 inches long and can damage the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Talk to your vet about starting heartworm prevention around 12–16 weeks of age.

Kennel Cough

Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is an upper airway infection caused by various bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella and parainfluenza. It’s characterized by a harsh, dry cough and can sometimes lead to retching or gagging. Though rarely fatal, it is highly contagious, especially in places like kennels.

Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection found worldwide in soil and water. This zoonotic disease (which can be transmitted to humans) causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and kidney failure. Antibiotics are effective when administered early.

Lyme Disease

A tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms include limping, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. If untreated, Lyme disease can affect the heart, kidneys, and joints. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial.

Parvovirus

A highly contagious virus that affects unvaccinated puppies, causing severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. It can be fatal within 48–72 hours without prompt treatment. There’s no cure, but supportive care can help the puppy recover.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, causing symptoms like aggression, drooling, paralysis, and death. It’s transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Most states require rabies vaccination by law. Treatment after exposure is essential to prevent death.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppy vaccination schedules can vary depending on your location and your dog’s individual needs. Consult your vet to determine the best schedule for your puppy. Below is a general guideline:

Puppy Vaccination Costs

The cost of puppy vaccinations varies based on location, with urban vets charging more than rural ones. On average, core vaccinations (like DHPP and rabies) cost between $75–100 for the full series. Rabies shots typically cost $15–20. Some shelters offer vaccines at lower prices, sometimes even for free.

Initial vaccination costs are higher during the first year, but they ensure your puppy’s long-term health and well-being.

Vaccinations for Adult Dogs: Boosters and Titers

The frequency of adult dog vaccinations is debated. Some vets recommend yearly shots, while others prefer fewer vaccinations to avoid potential health risks. Discuss the best vaccination schedule with your vet.

Many dog owners opt for titer tests, which measure a dog’s immunity and help determine if further vaccinations are necessary. However, titer tests are not an option for the rabies vaccine, as it’s required by law in most states.

With proper vaccinations and regular vet visits, your puppy will be well-protected against potentially deadly diseases. In return for your care, she’ll grow into a happy, healthy companion, strengthening the bond you share throughout her life.