My 3-month-old puppy missed vaccines. Is it too late for core shots?

Hello, and thanks for your question. The "core" vaccines that Bentley *should* have received as a puppy are his rabies vaccine (usually given between 12-16 weeks of age) and his distemper/parvovirus vaccines (usually given every 3-4 weeks from 8 to over 16 weeks of age). Both these vaccines would be boostered a year later. If you have no vaccine history on Bentley, then it's best to err on the side of making sure he's protected. It won't hurt him to get the vaccines now, even if he received them as a puppy. I would definitely get him vaccinated for rabies and distemper/parvovirus, and then I'd recommend talking to your vet about the other "non-core" vaccines they recommend for your area and Bentley's potential risk. Possible additional vaccines could include bordetella ("Kennel cough"), canine influenza, lyme, and leptospirosis. They can help establish the best vaccine schedule for you, based on the vaccines you decide on together for Bentley.. Hope this helps!

Depending on his age and vaccination history, he made need to restart the 5in1 series again and have 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart. The best thing would be to have a vet examine him and evaluate his vaccine history and determine which vaccines he needs and when.

Without vaccinations your dog will not be protected against the most common diseases that can harm him, the 6 in 1 vaccination is usually given first and the rabies is given after the set of 3 vaccinations is done.

It is not too late for vaccines. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Discuss your dog's lifestyle. Together, you can determine which vaccine protocol is best for your dog. At the very least your dog should get a rabies vaccine and a distemper/parvovirus combo vaccine. He may require boosters 4 weeks after the initial vaccines. Consider a heartworm test and fecal as well. Monthly preventatives are also strongly recommended.

I do not trust the vaccines sold at feed stores or pet stores. We cannot ensure that they have been handled appropriately or kept at the correct temperatures to be able to work. I would recommend that you take Iroh to a vet clinic or even shot clinic to be vaccinated. At his age, two vaccines for distemper/parvo/adenovirus/parainfluenze at 1 month apart is sufficient for 1 year's protection. He is also required to be vaccinated for rabies by a vet. Depending on your lifestyle, the vet or clinic may recommend additional vaccinations to keep him protected.

Yes, a third booster is required within the appropriate time line (2-4 weeks). Vaccines must be given in certain time frames to ensure they are effective. Vaccines given too late will not be effective. It's better to play it safe than risk disease. One gentle reminder, the vast majority of veterinarian are not out to make money. As a profession, we are not rich. We make recommendations based upon the best health of the pet. I hope this helps.

Yes, you still need to get the final set of vaccines. Since Peanut missed the last cycle, he will need an additional round. He will get this next set and then another round 2-4 weeks later. Vaccines must be given in a specific protocol to make sure of proper immunization. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.