Proper and timely vaccinations are an important part of dog care. Keeping your dog up to date on his shots can help him live a long, happy, and healthy life and avoid some unnecessary veterinary costs down the line. Just as with people, there is a recommended vaccination schedule for dogs that every pet owner should really try to adhere to.
Two Types of Vaccinations
There are two types of vaccinations that are administered to a dog. Core vaccines are given to every dog. Non-core shots are given on as-needed basis or to certain breeds that may be more susceptible than others to a specific ailment.
5 Weeks of Age
At five weeks of age a dog should be vaccinated for parvovirus. Young dogs are especially susceptible to this nasty disease, and it can kill. Dogs can receive the vaccination as young as five weeks old but can get it any time after that.
12 Weeks of Age
Dogs can be vaccinated for rabies as early as three months old, or twelve weeks. This is a simple and inexpensive vaccination performed at the veterinary office. It can also be done at the local shelter.
12 to 15 Weeks of Age
At 12 to 15 weeks, the combination vaccination can be administered. This is a shot that immunizes against rabies, corona virus, parvovirus, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. After that, booster shots are given to adult dogs as needed.
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