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Creating a Vaccination Schedule for Your Dog

also see Puppy Vaccinations 

also see Rabies Shots

By following a dog vaccination schedule, you will be able to stay on top of your dog's health needs and be up to date with vaccines that will keep your dog free of diseases.

Standard Dog Vaccination Schedule

The following vaccination schedule can vary from state to state, but overall expect several veterinary visits for pups and yearly for adult dogs. There are companies that sell home puppy vaccines if you want to take on the process yourself. However, most pet owners rely on their veterinarian for administering these important shots.

The core canine vaccinations include these immunizations that are deemed important for all dogs:

Canine Distemper
First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age
Re-vaccination: annually

Infectious Hepatitis (CAV-1 or CAV-2)
First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age
Re-vaccination: annually

Parvovirus (Parvo Vaccine)
First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age
Re-vaccination: annually

Rabies
First vaccination one year of age
(Local laws vary about age of vaccination)
Re-vaccination: annually

By law, most states required dogs to have yearly rabies vaccinations. A rabies vaccine protects your dog if he is bitten by a rabid animal. A bitten dog should be vaccinated again and quarantined to be certain he's not infected. Additional, non-core, shots which can be given at the discretion of your vet. They are based on your pet's risk factor and include: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella, and Para-influenza.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be vaccinated yearly for most diseases. However, such recommendations do vary according to the age, breed, and health issues of your dog. Consider the potential health risks your dog may face, the form of vaccine, and the geographic location.

Holistic Veterinarian's Approach to Vaccines

Some holistic animal professionals feel that a more laid back approach to vaccinations is advisable. Much of this philosophy stems from the complex issue of preventing vaccine-induced illnesses. They suggest homeopathic remedies derived from simple, natural-disease products and favor single shots over multiple ones like duramune vaccines.

An example of a holistic dog vaccination schedule:

Stay Organized

It's a good idea to place reminders on your calendar about when to get your dog vaccinated. Set reminders in your Blackberry or your personal computer when it's time for your dog's routine booster. You can also create a dog vaccination spreadsheet with all the required shots your pet needs and post it in your home. This will help you stay organized and prevent your dog going several months without a shot like rabies or heart worm. A large number of veterinarians will also send out vaccination reminders that it's time for your dog's annual shots.

also see Killed and MLV Canine Vaccines Compared

also see Dog Vaccines: The Importance of Prevention and Protection

also see Meningitis in Dogs

also see Distemper : Canine Distemper Virus