Just got an 8-week-old puppy. What shots and vet visits are needed?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Katie S

  Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on February 16th, 2016

  You should book a vet appointment as soon as you can for a routine check up and vaccinations and de worming. Your vet can help you with any vaccines you need for your area but typically the first/ basic vaccine is a combined coverage for 4-5 typical and common diseases and is pretty standard. Rabies is usually recommended and given as a separate injection (during the same appointment). You will need to take your dog for a second appointment for some follow up boosters (you vet will tell you when, usually a couple weeks to a month later).
  
  Until these vaccines have been administered and a couple weeks have passed before your dog is provided with full immunity, it is best to avoid public places where other dogs frequent or contact with other dogs to prevent infection of illness.

  

  22Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 29th, 2018

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding your puppy. Puppies require boosters of the distemper-parvo combination vaccines every 2-4 weeks until they reach a minimum of 16 weeks of age. Rabies can be given between 12-16 weeks of age depending on local laws where you live. Puppies need two vaccines for leptospirosis. You will also want to consider the influenza and bordetella vaccines. I hope this information helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on October 18th, 2017

  Most puppies will require a series of shots spaced out 3-4 weeks apart, usually a combo vaccine such as DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza). Some combo vaccines may also include Coronavirus or Leptospirosis in them as well depending on your area. At about six months of age, your pup will also need a rabies vaccine that must be administered by a vet.
  
  The following year a booster of all vaccines are given, and then either a yearly or three year protocol is usually done to booster all vaccines after that. There are also many other optional vaccines, such as bordetella, that can be given depending on if you plan to board your dog, bring him to a daycare, etc. Working with a vet in your area is best as they will know the most about any required vaccines and what to tailor for you and Russel.
  
  Price will vary depending on location and if you go with a vaccine clinic or a private veterinarian and can range anywhere from 50-150+ depending on if an exam is also given or any other tests (such as a parasite test) are done as well. Contacting veterinarians in your area can help give you a better estimate of the total cost of all vaccines depending on what you end up giving.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful