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Dog Vaccinations & Deworming
Clear timelines for puppy vaccines, adult boosters, and parasite control — based on age, lifestyle, and local risks.
Gatsou Team
· 5 min read
Core vaccines protect against DAPP/DHPP and rabies; deworming and preventives protect against internal parasites. Work with your veterinarian to tailor the plan to your dog's age, lifestyle, and local risks.
1
6-8 weeks
DAPP/DHPP (1st dose). Begin deworming. Consider Bordetella if indicated.
2
10-12 weeks
DAPP/DHPP (2nd dose). +/- Leptospirosis (1st) where indicated.
3
12-16 weeks
DAPP/DHPP (3rd dose). Rabies per local law. +/- Leptospirosis (2nd).
4
16-20 weeks
Final DAPP/DHPP as needed to ensure protection as maternal antibodies wane.
5
1 year after the puppy series
DAPP/DHPP booster. Rabies booster (per vaccine and law). +/- Leptospirosis booster if used.
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DAPP/DHPP: booster 1 year after the puppy series, then typically every 3 years per vet guidance.
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Rabies: annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine type and local regulations.
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Non-core (Lepto, Bordetella, Influenza, Lyme): as indicated by risk and local prevalence.
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Puppies: every 2 weeks from 2-12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. Fecal exams help guide treatment.
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Adults (primarily indoor or low risk): broad-spectrum parasite control every 3-6 months; fecal test 1-2x/year.
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Adults (outdoor, traveling, hikers): monthly to every 3 months depending on risk; include flea/tick and heartworm prevention.
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Pregnant or lactating bitches: ask your vet for safe options.
Use vet-recommended products and maintain year-round heartworm prevention where recommended.
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Post-vaccine reactions: facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, or trouble breathing — seek urgent care.
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After deworming: persistent vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, or blood in stool — contact your vet.
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If your dog is acutely ill, ask your vet before vaccinating.
Frequently asked
When should puppies start their vaccines?
Puppies start DAPP/DHPP at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks. Rabies is given per local law, usually around 12-16 weeks.
How often do adult dogs need vaccines?
After the 1-year booster, DAPP/DHPP is typically given every 3 years. Rabies is given annually or every 3 years depending on the vaccine and local regulations.
Do dogs need year-round heartworm prevention?
In most regions, yes. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and can be fatal. Most vets recommend monthly preventives year-round, especially in warmer climates.
What non-core vaccines should I consider for my dog?
Non-core vaccines include Leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), Dog Flu, and Lyme. Talk to your vet about your dog's lifestyle — boarding, hiking, travel, and local prevalence determine what's right.
Are vaccine reactions common in dogs?
Serious reactions are uncommon but possible. Watch for facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, or trouble breathing in the hours after a vaccine — these need urgent care.