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My 5-month shih tzu puppy only had 2 shots. Is a third needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 1 day old | 7 lbs

Just adopted a a 5montb old shih tzu. The prev owner only got 2 sets of shots how important is the 3rd set ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2018

It is important to finish your pets vaccinations and most pets have to get 3 sets, depending on when the vaccinations were started and stopped. Typically vaccines are stopped between 14-16 weeks, of age, but again it depends on the sequence of vaccinations received.
I would recommend that you repost with the exact vaccine dates,if given by a vet or not (breeder vaccinations should almost always be repeated b/c there is no guarantee they were done properly), and your pets actual birthdate.
With this added information we can let you know for a certainty if Rosie is completely finished with her puppy rounds or if she needs additional immunizations. Thank you and take care!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 17th, 2017

    It is very important that puppy vaccine are given every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age. The vaccines must be boostered to work properly. If you took her on 11/8- I am assuming you meant 2016 Rosie should start the vaccine series over again because the gap is to large for proper protection. At this age she will need 1 set of vaccines and another in 3-4 weeks and should be fully vaccinated. However the united kingdom might do things a little differently than the United states. hope that helps

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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