Petroglyph Animal Hospital provides dog vaccinations in Albuquerque for puppies and adult dogs. The veterinarian will recommend dog vaccinations and shots based on your dog’s age, health, vaccination history, and exposure risks.
Puppy vaccinations are given as a series because young dogs need protection while their immune systems develop. Bring any available vaccination records so the team can review what has already been administered and plan the next visit.
Understanding Puppy Shots and Routine Dog Vaccines
Puppy shots usually begin early in life and continue through a veterinarian-recommended series. Standard dog vaccinations and later boosters help maintain protection, but the timing and vaccine selection should be based on the individual dog and current veterinary guidance.
What to Expect at the Appointment
The veterinarian can review vaccination needs during a wellness examination. The visit also provides an opportunity to discuss heartworm prevention and other preventive needs. Tell the team about previous reactions, current medications, or recent illness before vaccination.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Petroglyph Animal Hospital currently publishes the following puppy vaccination schedule:
- 6 weeks and younger: Vaccinations are not effective in building an individual puppy’s immunity at this age due to interference from the mother’s antibodies, even for bottle-fed puppies.
- 7-8 weeks: Initial distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza (also known as the DA2PP group) are recommended; Bordetella is optional.
- 10-12 weeks: Boost the DA2PP 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccine; booster Bordetella once 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccine.
- 12 weeks: Rabies, Leptospirosis initial vaccinations.
- 13-16 weeks: Booster DA2PP again 3-4 weeks after the initial or booster vaccine; booster Leptospirosis once 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccine.
- 16-20 weeks: Booster DA2PP again 3-4 weeks after initial or booster vaccine.
- Puppies who begin their vaccine series before 16 weeks of age should receive a minimum of 3 DA2PP vaccines, 3-4 weeks apart. They will receive more vaccines the younger they start. This is not harmful. It is necessary to maintain protective immunity while the mother’s immune response fades and the puppy’s is strengthened.
- Puppies and adult dogs who begin their vaccine series after 16 weeks of age should receive Rabies, an initial DA2PP, and one booster DA2PP vaccine 3-4 weeks later.
- Every 1-3 years: Rabies, DA2PP; Leptospirosis and Bordetella are optional annually.
Vaccines Recommended According to Exposure Risk
Petroglyph Animal Hospital also lists canine influenza and rattlesnake vaccines. These vaccines are not appropriate for every dog, so the veterinarian will discuss exposure risk, health history, and current guidance before making a recommendation.
Planning Vaccinations Beyond Puppyhood
Vaccination needs continue after the puppy series. Adult booster needs can also be reviewed through the hospital’s annual vaccinations service, with timing based on the dog’s records and veterinary recommendation.
What Vaccines Do Puppies Need?
Puppies may need a combination of core and lifestyle-based vaccines depending on their age, health, and exposure risks. Core vaccines protect against serious diseases that are commonly recommended for dogs, while additional vaccines may be recommended based on your puppy’s environment and activities.
Core Puppy Vaccines
- DA2PP
- Rabies vaccine
- Leptospirosis
Additional Puppy Vaccines
- Bordetella
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Vaccinations
How Many Puppy Shots Does My Dog Need?
Most puppies need a series of vaccinations during their first months of life because vaccines are given in stages as their immune system develops. The exact number of appointments depends on your puppy’s age, health, and the vaccination plan recommended by your veterinarian.
- Puppies who begin their vaccine series before 16 weeks of age should receive a minimum of 3 DA2PP vaccines, 3-4 weeks apart. They will receive more vaccines the younger they start. This is not harmful. It is necessary to maintain protective immunity while the mother’s immune response fades and the puppy’s is strengthened.
- Puppies and adult dogs who begin their vaccine series after 16 weeks of age should receive Rabies, an initial DA2PP, and one booster DA2PP vaccine 3-4 weeks later.
What Records Should I Bring?
Bring any vaccination certificate or medical record available. This helps the veterinarian avoid unnecessary duplication and plan the next appropriate dose.
Can a Sick Puppy Receive a Vaccine?
Tell the team about any current symptoms or recent illness before the appointment. The veterinarian will assess whether vaccination should proceed or be rescheduled.
What Should I Monitor After Vaccination?
The team will explain what to expect and when to call the hospital. Contact the hospital promptly if you are concerned about your dog after vaccination.
Contact Petroglyph Animal Hospital
Request an appointment if your puppy is starting a vaccine series or your adult dog is due for a vaccination review. Bring available records so the Albuquerque team can assess the next appropriate step.