2016-17 Vaccine Protocol for Dogs
I’ve recently revised my canine vaccination protocol for 2016. Read it below. Download a copy here.
Best Practices for Vaccination of Dogs
- In accordance with fundamental medical principles and vaccine manufacturers’ recommendations, vaccinate only healthy dogs. If there is a health condition present, it should be treated, and the vaccine administered at a later date, when the condition is resolved.
- If blood testing, such as 4Dx or a complete blood count and body chemistry profile, is being run, wait for results before vaccinating the dog. If results are abnormal, resolve the abnormality before vaccinating.
- Do not administer more than one vaccine at a time.
- When spreading out vaccines, use a 4-week interval.
- A puppy’s initial vaccine is ideally administered no earlier than 10 weeks of age.
- Do not vaccinate females in season. Hormonal changes can alter a normal response to vaccines.
- Do not vaccinate at times of stress, such as during boarding, grooming, or at the time of surgery. Do not vaccinate dogs with a previous history of adverse reactions. Use titers.
Recommended Vaccination Protocol
Age Vaccine
10 weeks Parvovirus
14 weeks DAP (Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus)
18 weeks Distemper/Parvovirus titer. If inadequate, vaccinate and re-titer in 4 weeks.
22 weeks Rabies
1 year post last vaccination Distemper/Parvovirus titer
1 year post initial Rabies vaccination Rabies Vaccine 3 year, according to applicable laws
Perform vaccine titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to applicable state laws.
As common sense and good medical practice would dictate, do NOT vaccinate females during heat, pregnancy or lactation. Do not vaccinate during times of stress such as surgery, travel, boarding, grooming, illness or infection. Do not vaccinate puppies earlier than 8 weeks.
Note: This schedule is one I recommend. All protocols should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and/or situation.