Puppy Schedule

Each pup’s risk must be assessed and vaccination type and frequency selected

8 weeks of age: vaccination series starts (no sooner!)
12 weeks of age: Booster vaccination
16 weeks of age: Booster vaccination

4 months of age: Rabies vaccination, additional DHP Booster (certain breeds 4 months of age): Rabies and DHP Booster

(Bordetella/Parainfluenza, Lepto and Lyme Boosters: if exposure risk warrants)

Adult Dog Schedule

Bordetella/Parainfluenza Boosters: every 6-12 months, if exposure warrants
Lepto and Lyme Boosters: annually, if exposure warrants
DHP Boosters: every 1, 2 or 3 years depending on breed and health and age
Rabies Booster: as required by county law every 1, 2 or 3 years

Rabies vaccinations are state mandated vaccinations. Each county prescribes the booster frequency according to the current Rabies pressure in that county. An initial Rabies vaccination is given at 4 months of age, followed by a booster 1 year later. Then, dependent on each county’s regulations, the boosters are given every 1, 2 or 3 years. Currently, Sacramento and El Dorado Counties are allowing a 3-year interval, provided the initial vaccination has been given.

DHP is considered the core vaccine and should be included for all ages (initial series of 2-3 shots, then booster every 1-3 years.

Corona is a puppy only vaccination, and should be given to pups less than 10 weeks of age (series of 2 shots).

Bordetella/Parainfluenza are respiratory vaccinations and are given to pups and adult dogs with exposure to other dogs, like in training situations, in kennels and in grooming parlors. An initial vaccination at puppy age will be followed by boosters every 6-12 months.

Leptospirosis (Lepto) vaccinations are recommended for all dogs exposed to wild animals, including backyard critters like rats and raccoons, or to surface water sources (initial series of 2 shots, then annual booster).

Lyme vaccinations are given to pups and adult dogs with tick exposure, especially hunting or ranch dogs or camping companions (initial series of 2 shots, then annual booster).